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Effect of physical activity on menopausal symptoms

Menopause, lifestyle and physical activity (MELLI) 

Aims 

Aim of the MELLI project was to examine menopausal symptoms, quality of life and lifestyle changes. Specific aims were to determine prevalence of menopausal symptoms and their impact on quality of life and functioning, menopausal women’s motivation towards positive health behaviour and ways of managing these risks and menopausal symptoms through exercise.

Methods 

MELLI project included several parts, a randomized trial and cohort studies by using Health 2000 -data base. A randomized clinical trial for symptomatic menopausal women with no current use of HT aimed to decrease vasomotor and other symptoms, increase quality of life and ability to work.

Pilot study to test feasibility of the e-health methodology was conducted in spring 2008. Automated SMS reminders and software application were designed in order to monitor symptoms and physical activity.

Eligible women were recruited through announcements in local newspapers. Women with menopausal symptoms based on three week symptom diary were randomly picked among the eligible symptomatic women. The women were randomized in a placebo and exercise group.

All women reported symptoms twice a day by mobile phone questionnaire using 3G network in data transmission. The women in intervention group reported daily exercise and they also used heart rate monitoring belt around their chest each time they exercised. The six-month intervention included unsupervised aerobic training for 50 minutes four times per week.

Primary outcome was hot flushes as measured with Women’s Health Questionnaire, WHQ. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (QoL, SF-36 scale), daily reported hot flushes on phone-based diary, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition.

Primary outcome was hot flushes as measured with Women’s Health Questionnaire, WHQ. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (QoL, SF-36 scale), daily reported hot flushes on phone-based diary, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. 

Schedule 

2009—2016 

Registration 

ISRCTN54690027 

Publications 

Academic dissertation: 
Mansikkamäki K. Physical training and quality of life among women during menopause. Tampere: Tampere University Press, 2016. Acta Universitatis Tamperensis 2180. Academic dissertation. 
 
 

For other publications: see the database of publications. 

Last updated: 19.11.2020

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