Benefits of a community physical exercise program prescribed from primary care for perimenopausal/menopausal women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure the benefits of a physical exercise program in a community, through the modifications in quality of life, and perimenopausal-menopausal women physical condition. SETTING: The participants were recruited in PC consultations from two health centers in Molina de Segura (Murcia). PARTICIPANTS: Women between 40 and 70 years old, or under 40 of age diagnosed with early menopause. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study, non-randomized, controlled, open and single-center with 2 parallel branches to study. INTERVENTION: Experimental group: ACTIVA Bone Health Program for six months. CONTROL: inactive. MAIN MEASUREMENTS IN BOTH GROUPS: The SF 36 questionnaire was used to measure the Quality of life. PHYSICAL CONDITION: Aerobic condition, flexibility, balance and strength measured with the mile, flamenco, flexibility box tests, and throwing the medicine ball, respectively. Physical activity level through the GPPAQ Questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables were collected and the adherence to the program was measured. RESULTS: The quality of life improved in the intervention group compared to the control group, except «Body Pain» dimension (p = 0.412). As regards the intragroup level, all dimensions showed significant improvement except both «Physical Function» (p = 0.263) and «Body Pain» (p = 0.136). The physical capacities that benefited most were aerobic fitness, strength and balance. CONCLUSIONS: The Active Bone Health Physical Exercise Program piloting showed benefits on participants' physical and mental quality of life. In addition, it has been shown that performing a specific physical exercise for premenopausal-menopausal women improves their physical condition.