Investigation of effect of aerobic exercises training on menopausal symptoms in premenopausal period women

This study was designed to investigate effects of low intensity aerobic exercise training on menopausal symptoms in premenopausal women. 24 women from Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa participated in the study. The groups were randomly divided into two groups. The cases of study group ( n=12) (mean age: 47,3 ± 3,11 year; weight: 73,9 ± 13 kg; height: 162 ± 4 cm, BMI: 28 ± 5 kg/m2) performed a low intensity walking intervention for 45 minutes ( 5 min warm up, 35 min walking, 5 min cool down ) 3 days a week, accompanied by a physiotherapist. The cases of control group (n=12) (mean age: 47,3 ± 3,32 year; weight: 80,4 ± 13 kg; height: 162 ± 5 cm; BMI: 30 ±5 kg/m2) continued their normal daily life activities. Before exercise training, physical data of individuals were recorded with the data form containing sociodemographic information. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the physical activity level of the individuals in the groups. Symptoms of menopause and quality of life; Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) SF-36 Quality of Life scale were evaluated before and after exercise training in both groups. The study group total score of MRS decreased (p<0,05), and the total score of control group increased (p<0,05). However, according to the subscale data, urogenital complaints did not change in the study group (p>0,05). According to SF-36 subcategory data of study group, increase in the scores in other parameters except role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue and social functioning showed an increased in quality of life (p<0,05). At the end of the 8-week period, the complaints of the control group individuals increased overall according to the MRS, the quality of life decreased overall compared to SF-36 (p<0,05). As a result, low intensity aerobic exercise led to improvements in menopausal symptoms and quality of life in women during the premenopausal period.