Effect and Predictors for Hot Flush in Women Undergoing Static Stretching Exercise

Effect and Predictors for Hot Flush in Women Undergoing Static Stretching Exercise : A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigates the effect and predictors of static stretching exercise on hot flush in women after performing 4-week stretching exercises.

Hot flush (HF) is the most common symptom among menopausal syndrome and can significantly affect women's quality of life. Considering the risk of hormone therapy, the behavioral therapies have been proposed for the alternative treatment of HF. However, the exercise prescription for women with HF is controversial. Previous studies show the inconsistent effect of aerobic exercise on HF, and a moderate-to-high intensity exercise seems to aggravate HF frequency and severity. Recent studies have shown that static stretching exercise could improve HF in middle-aged women, but the related research is quite few, and the physiological mechanism as well as predictors for responders who can benefit from stretching exercise are still not clear. The knowledge of predictors for responders will provide clinicians and clients with HF symptoms to choose static stretching exercise as their treatment.

All subjects will be assigned to the experimental or control group by randomization. Thus, there will be totally 2 groups : Stretching exercise group (SE) and Control group (CON).

All subjects will be assigned to the experimental or control group by randomization. Thus, there will be totally 2 groups : Stretching exercise group (SE) and Control group (CON).

The intervention of this study is home-based stretching exercise. The experimental group will receive 6 stretching exercises which stretch 60 seconds for each side (left or right) of each movement, and relax for 10-20 seconds between the movements. It will take 10-15 minutes every day for continuous 4 weeks. The 6 stretching exercises include : (1) pectoral muscles + calf muscles ; (2) quadriceps ; (3) levator scapulae ; (4) gluteal muscles ; (5) hamstrings ; (6) trunk side-flexors.

Hot Flush Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), minimum value : 0, maximum value : 100, higher scores mean a worse outcome

Hot Flush Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), minimum value : 0, maximum value : 100, higher scores mean a worse outcome

Inclusion Criteria: Age between 20-65 years old. With hot flashes. No current therapies such as hormone therapy, psychotropic medications, or sleeping pills for the past 6 months. With ability to follow instructions of stretching exercise. Exclusion Criteria: SBP >160 mmHg or DBP >100 mmHg Medical condition under investigation or unstable condition that could affect hot flashes, like thyroid disease. Any medical condition limiting the ability to participate the exercise.