Strength and Aerobic Training Against Hot Flushes in Postmenopausal Women (START)
Postmenopausal Symptoms, Hot Flashes
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Postmenopausal Symptoms focused on measuring aerobic training, strength training
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Postmenopausal women (one of: ≥ 12 months since last menstruation; amenorrhea due to intrauterine device or hysterectomy and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) >30 mIU/ml; bilateral oophorectomy; induced menopause due to chemotherapy or radiation and ≥2 years amenorrhea); ≥ 28 moderate to severe hot flushes per week during a 2-week screening period, registered through a daily VMS diary; Age ≥45 years; Physical ability to participate in strength training or high intensity aerobic exercise for 60 minutes, 3 times/week during 15 weeks; Understand Swedish orally and in writing Exclusion Criteria: Regular physical activity >30 minutes per week of vigorous intensity or ≥150 minutes of moderate intensity or combined activities representing maximum 150 minutes of moderate intensity; Use of systemic menopausal hormone therapy the last 2 months; Use of natural preparations such as herbal preparations for VMS, or other medications for VMS the last 2 months; Capillary hemoglobin <110 g/l; Blood pressure >160 mmHg systolic or >100 mmHg diastolic; Unstable medical condition with a potential to affect VMS (like unregulated thyroid disease); Medical condition that by a physician is judged not appropriate (because of potential to affect VMS or risk of injury with vigorous exercise)
Sites / Locations
- Region Kalmar LänRecruiting
- Region ÖstergötlandRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
No Intervention
Strength training
High-intensity aerobic training
Control group
Standardised programme with the following exercises: chest press, leg press, row, leg curl, latissimus dorsi pull down and leg extension in seated resistance machines. Training will be preceded by 7-10 minutes of warm-up and followed by two body-weight exercises for the abdominal and back muscles for two sets as many repetitions as possible, and thereafter cool down and stretches. The set-up of each machine will be recorded in the training diary. Weeks 1-3 will include two sets of training with 15-20 repetition-maximum (RM) and weeks 4-15 two sets with 8-12 RM. Throughout the intervention, loads will be adjusted to achieve muscle fatigue and approach training to failure during each set with the intent to maximize beta-endorphin release.
Participants will be recommended to attend spinning classes three times per week. During their first visit to the training venue, they will meet a sports physiotherapist or personal trainer to be introduced to the spinning bike intervention. The intended intensity is ≥ 14 on the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale, equivalent to high intensity training (>70% of VO2max) with the aim of attaining sufficient stimulus for beta-endorphin release. During weeks 1-3 participants will attend spinning classes for beginners with lower intensity and predominantly seated cycling. They will progress to higher intensity classes with greater variation between seated and standing cycling during week 4-15.
The control group will be recommended to carry on physical activity as usual and not to change their training or dietary habits during the 15-week study period. The control group will be contacted every fourth weeks by a research nurse to follow up on their general well-being and any questions they might have about menopause. After the study period they will be offered individual advise about training from a physiotherapist or personal trainer.