MEDICINA SPORTIVA - Journal of Romanian Sports Medicine Society

The effect of preventive physiotherapy training on physical activity level and functional capacity in postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to measure the physical activity level of postmenopausal women and to determine the effect of preventive physiotherapy training on physical activity level and functional capacity.
Material and Method. A total of 88 postmenopausal women aged 44 to 75 were included in the study. The physical activity level of the participants was evaluated using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Afterwards, the participants were divided into two groups: (1) training group (n = 46); (2) control group (n = 42) by simple randomization. The training group was trained about menopause and its symptoms, and about the effect of physical activity on menopause symptoms. In addition, preventive physiotherapy program for posture and possible balance problems were taught. The control group continued their normal daily living activities without any training. The physical activity levels of the participants in both groups were evaluated with IPAQ, functional capacity with 6 min walk test and timed up and go test before and after an 8-week training program.
Results. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics, physical activity level and functional capacity between the groups before the training. The mean physical activity level of the training group was found to be higher after the training, but when the training group and control group were compared, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of outcome measurements.
Conclusion. This study supports the importance of providing awareness training about physical activity for women in menopause period and supporting them with preventive physiotherapy programs. Physiotherapists should be well aware of the characteristics of menopause and the effects of changes related to physical functioning that may occur in this period.