Premium
The impact of physical activity on menopausal symptoms in middle‐aged women
Author(s) -
Canário Ana C.G.,
Cabral Patrícia U.,
Spyrides Maria H.,
Giraldo Paulo C.,
Eleutério José,
Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.02.016
Subject(s) - medicine , climacteric , menopause , physical activity , depression (economics) , population , physical therapy , vertigo , gynecology , surgery , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Objective To evaluate the influence of physical activity on climacteric symptoms among middle‐aged women in Brazil. Methods A population‐based sample of women aged 40–65 years was recruited from Natal, Brazil. Enrollment took place in basic health units in each health district of the city from June to September 2011. Data were collected while women waited for routine appointments at the health units. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale and the Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index. The level of physical activity was assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. It was classified as low, moderate, or vigorous. Results The mean age of the 370 participants was 49.8 ± 8.1 years. They were predominantly white (72.7%), married (61.6%), non‐smokers (93.5%), and had undergone high‐school education (70.5%). All domains of climacteric symptoms were significantly affected by physical activity: psychological ( P < 0.001); somatovegetative ( P < 0.001); and urogenital ( P = 0.008). Significant differences were found between the IPAQ groups of physical activity and the Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index for the following symptoms: hot flashes ( P < 0.001); paresthesia ( P = 0.022); insomnia (P < 0.001); impatience (P < 0.001); depression (P < 0.001); vertigo (P < 0.001); fatigue (P < 0.001); arthralgia/myalgia (P < 0.001); and palpitation (P < 0.001). Conclusion Physical activity improved climacteric symptoms among middle‐aged women in Brazil.