Resistance Training for Menopause

Overseen By Instructor of Medicine

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Regular strength training, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Menopause is a period of time with increased risk for muscle and bone loss. Very few people strength train regularly at least 2 times per week, and commonly reported barriers include inadequate time and resources, worries of safety, inadequate knowledge base of what moves to do and how to do them. Menopause-aged women may report unique barriers - or perceived facilitators - to strength training. This pilot study will develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home, band-based, expert-supported strength training intervention.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Resistance Training for Menopause?

Research shows that resistance training can help middle-aged and postmenopausal women improve muscle strength and body composition, which are often affected by menopause. Studies indicate that regular resistance training can counteract muscle loss and enhance strength, contributing to better overall fitness and quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is resistance training safe for women, especially around menopause?

Resistance training is generally safe for women, including those around menopause, and can improve muscle strength and body composition. Studies show positive changes in muscle mass and strength, with no significant safety concerns reported. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How does resistance training as a treatment for menopause differ from other treatments?

Resistance training is unique for menopause as it focuses on building muscle strength and improving body composition, which can counteract the muscle loss and strength decline associated with aging and menopause. Unlike medications or hormone therapies, it involves physical exercises using weights, which can enhance muscle mass and functional fitness without the need for drugs. ^{1 2 4 5 9}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women going through menopause who are interested in an at-home strength training program. Participants should be willing to train regularly and have no prior regular strength training routine. Specific eligibility details aren't provided, but typically participants must be healthy enough for physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria

English speaking

I have not had a period for one year or am considered menopausal.

I was assigned female at birth.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot do exercises that require lifting weights.

Currently performing regular strength training activities or exercise

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 3-month home-based strength training intervention, either in single sessions or 'snack' segments

3 months

Remote monitoring and support

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for adherence, feasibility, and acceptability of the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Resistance Training

Trial Overview The study is testing a new home-based resistance training program designed specifically for menopausal women. It uses bands and expert guidance to help overcome common barriers like time constraints, safety concerns, and lack of knowledge about exercises.

Participant Groups

Group I: Single Session Resistance Training: Stronger Sessions Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Home-based strength training exercises would be broken up into 3 weekly sessions throughout the week.

Group II: Shorter Resistance Training: Stronger Snacks Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Home-based strength training exercises would be broken up into shorter segments throughout the day or week (e.g. a "snack" might be 3 sets of body-weight or band-based squats).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Findings from Research

Resistance training (RT) can significantly improve muscle mass, muscle strength, and functional fitness in women aged around 67 years, based on a review of 38 studies involving 2519 participants.

Incorporating dietary manipulation alongside resistance training may enhance these positive outcomes, suggesting that a combined approach could be particularly beneficial for peri- to postmenopausal women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of resistance training on body composition, muscle strength, and functional fitness in older women (45-80 years): A systematic review (2010-2020). Ransdell, LB., Wayment, HA., Lopez, N., et al.[2022]

A study involving 141 early postmenopausal women showed that a 1-year resistance training program significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, with increases of +0.43% for non-HRT users and +0.70% for HRT users, demonstrating the efficacy of exercise in preventing bone loss.

Resistance training was found to be as effective as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in preventing bone loss, and combining HRT with resistance training did not provide additional benefits, suggesting that exercise alone can be a powerful strategy for maintaining bone health in postmenopausal women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of hormone replacement therapy and resistance training on spine bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women. Maddalozzo, GF., Widrick, JJ., Cardinal, BJ., et al.[2013]

Whey protein supplementation combined with resistance training significantly improves biceps curl strength and lower limb lean mass in postmenopausal women, based on a meta-analysis of 10 studies.

Without resistance training, whey protein does not provide significant benefits for muscle strength or lean mass, and it may even negatively impact dietary protein intake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Kuo, YY., Chang, HY., Huang, YC., et al.[2022]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of resistance training on body composition, muscle strength, and functional fitness in older women (45-80 years): A systematic review (2010-2020). [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Muscular Strength Adaptations and Hormonal Responses After Two Different Multiple-Set Protocols of Resistance Training in Postmenopausal Women. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of hormone replacement therapy and resistance training on spine bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women. [2013]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance training alters body composition in middle-aged women depending on menopause - A 20-week control trial. [2023]

5. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strength training and body composition in middle-age women. [2018]

6. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptives on Acute Responses and Chronic Adaptations to Resistance Training: A Systematic Review of the Literature. [2023]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anthropometric and cardiovascular responses to hypertrophic resistance training in postmenopausal women. [2018]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of resistance training programs on lean body mass in postmenopausal and elderly women: a meta-analysis of observational studies. [2022]