The effect of posture on depressive symptoms, body image, sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of posture on depressive symptoms, body image, sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women. 56 postmenopausal women, whose average age was 57.21 ± 6.81 years were included in the study. After the socio-demographic characteristics of the postmenopausal women were recorded, posture was evaluated with PostureScreen Mobile®, spinal posture with Spinal Mouse® device. Depressive symtoms were assessed with Symptom Distress Check List, body image was assessed with Body-Cathexis Scale, sexual function assessed with Female Sexual Function Index and quality of life was assessed with Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. It was found that according to the spinal posture in postmenopausal women; Increased torocal kyphosis angle was found to increase depressive symptoms and decrease menopause specific quality of life (p≤0.05). Increased lumbar lordosis angle increase menopause specific quality of life (p≤0.05). In addition, it was found that increased anterior rib cage translation in posture was found to decrease depressive symptoms and improve menopause specific quality of life (p≤0.05). It was also observed that the posture had no effect on body image and sexual function (p˃0.05). As a result of this study, it was concluded that posture affects depressive symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women, but does not affect body image and sexual function. It was thought that it would be beneficial to consider the posture factor when evaluating menopausal symptoms and creating a treatment program.