RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility of Different Types of Exercise Training in Perimenopausal Females

Going through perimenopause, the time before menopause, often brings uncomfortable symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, and can also increase the risk of heart problems. This study wants to find out if different exercise types can help. We're testing three approaches: following general health guidelines for moderate exercise, doing high-intensity interval training (short bursts of hard exercise), or simply stretching. Our main goal for this first step is to learn how easy and enjoyable each exercise type is for women to stick with over six weeks. This information will help us design a larger study later to understand the full health benefits and how these exercises improve daily life for women in perimenopause.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Women

What is this study about?

Many women experience changes during perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. These changes can include symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, which can really affect how they feel day-to-day. It's also a time when the risk of heart problems can increase. This study is exploring whether different types of exercise can make a real difference during this important stage of life, specifically looking at how well women can stick to these exercise plans and if they enjoy them.

We're comparing three different ways of exercising. One group will follow standard health recommendations for moderate activity, aiming for about 150 minutes of exercise a week. Another group will try high-intensity interval training, which involves short periods of intense effort followed by short rests. The third group will focus on stretching. The main aim of this first phase of the study is to see which of these exercise styles is the most practical and enjoyable for women to keep up with over a six-week period.

The results from this study are very important. They will help us plan a bigger study in the future. That larger study will look more closely at how these different exercises can improve women's health and overall quality of life during perimenopause. By finding out which exercises are easiest to do and enjoy, we can help more women manage their symptoms and support their heart health during this transition.

Key takeaways

This study explores different exercises for perimenopause symptoms.
It aims to find out which exercise types are easiest and most enjoyable.
Three types of exercise are being compared: moderate, high-intensity, and stretching.
Your input will help plan bigger studies on women's health.
Participation involves 6 weeks of exercise and some assessments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are between 40 years old and over and are currently experiencing perimenopause. This means you would still be having periods, but they might be irregular, perhaps with a sudden change in how long it’s been between periods. You should also be noticing some menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, or stiff joints.

To join, you should also have several risk factors that can affect your heart and overall health. This includes not being very active (exercising less than 30 minutes a week), having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (which is considered overweight or obese), and having a waist measurement that suggests extra weight around your middle.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had certain reproductive surgeries, have been diagnosed with conditions like serious heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or uncontrolled asthma, or if you're pregnant or have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. Certain medications or lifestyle choices like regular smoking or being on a very low-carb diet would also exclude you. We also can't include you if you're taking hormones, such as transdermal hormones or other hormone treatments, or if you've had significant weight loss recently or are taking weight loss medications.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged 40 or older?
Are you experiencing irregular periods or other perimenopause symptoms (like hot flushes)?
Do you get less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise each week?
Do you have a BMI of 25 or higher and a higher waist measurement?
Have you NOT had certain reproductive surgeries (like womb removal)?
Are you NOT currently pregnant, recently given birth, or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of three exercise groups: moderate exercise, high-intensity interval training, or stretching. You will follow your assigned exercise plan for six weeks. Before and after this six-week period, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires. These will help us understand your menopause symptoms, stress levels, and how your quality of life is affected. Our research team will also measure your body composition (how much fat and muscle you have) using a special machine called a BodPod, and check how your body handles sugar with a blood test.

After the six weeks of exercise, you'll fill out another questionnaire to tell us how easy and enjoyable you found the exercise programme. This study won't involve taking any new medication from the research team, as the focus is solely on exercise. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including all assessments and the exercise period, will be around seven to eight weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. You might find an exercise routine that helps ease your perimenopause symptoms and improves your overall well-being. Learning more about different exercise types could also help you maintain or improve your heart health. As with any exercise, there's always a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the exercises are designed to be safe. We will explain all procedures clearly, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when your body starts to transition. You might notice changes in your periods and other symptoms like hot flushes.

What kind of exercises will I be doing?

You'll be put into one of three groups: moderate exercise (like brisk walking), high-intensity interval training (short bursts of effort), or stretching.

How long will I have to do the exercises?

The exercise part of the study will last for six weeks.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study is only about exercise and does not involve taking any new medications from the research team.

What if I don't like the exercise I'm given?

The study aims to see how enjoyable and easy the exercises are, so your feedback is important. Remember, you can leave the study at any time.

How to find out more

Jenna Gillen, PhD

jenna.gillen@utoronto.ca 14169783244 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.