Effect of an intensive intervention on the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle in inactive postmenopausal

Abstract

Background During the transition to menopause, women experience different psychological, hormonal, and physical alterations that can affect their health. Physical activity is considered an important strategy in the prevention and control of such changes. Aim To evaluate the short‐term effect of an intensive intervention, based on a combined exercise programme using a Smartband, on the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle in postmenopausal and inactive women. Design Randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups. Methods In total, 100 postmenopausal and inactive women aged 45–70 years will be randomized to a control group or an intervention group. Both groups will be given a standardized advice about physical activity. The intervention group will carry out a supervised 12‐week programme of aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise; moreover, the women in this group will receive a Smartband to assist them in the intervention. The main result will be the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle, measured with an accelerometer for 1 week. This programme will be conducted by a nurse and a physiotherapist of the health centre. The study was approved by the Drug Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Service on 15 February 2019. The project was funded by the Autonomous Government of Castile and Leon and by the Carlos III Health Institute. Discussion Physical activity is an important strategy to consider when addressing the changes caused by menopause, although the current evidence shows that further studies should be carried out with longer intervention periods and new technologies. Impact This study will allow determining the effectiveness of the intensive intervention based on a combined programme of physical activity using a Smartband in postmenopausal and inactive women. Trials Registration ClinicalTrials.gov with identifying code NCT03872258.