BBC South West health correspondent
BBC
A groundbreaking study has unveiled exciting findings that challenge common misconceptions about the impact of menopause on muscle building. Research conducted by the University of Exeter indicates that women transitioning through menopause can effectively build muscle mass and strength through resistance training, just as their counterparts in other stages of life.
Study Details and Methodology
The study, involving over 70 women not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), differentiated its approach by evaluating the effects of resistance training across pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post-menopausal stages. Participants were divided into two groups: those engaging in a standard exercise routine and those following a tailored 12-week, low-impact resistance training regimen.
This comprehensive research marked the first of its kind, emphasizing the varying impacts of menopause on musculoskeletal health and offering insights into mitigation strategies.
PhD student Erika Svensen highlighted the study’s key finding, affirming that the ability to build muscle and increase strength and mobility was unaffected by menopause status among the participants.
“Our research illustrates a significant opportunity for women to harness the benefits of resistance training across different menopausal phases, enhancing muscle mass and physical capabilities,” Svensen noted.
The varied exercise routines, including the government-recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, added a layer of adaptability to the study, revealing universal benefits.
Enhanced Mobility and Strength
The resistance training program yielded impressive results, demonstrating a notable improvement in function, flexibility, and balance:
- A 19% boost in lower body strength and hip function
- A 21% increase in overall flexibility
- A 10% enhancement in dynamic balance, mobility, and stability
Professor Francis Stephens, a leading researcher from the University of Exeter Medical School, elaborated on the importance of maintaining strength post-menopause. She stated that declining muscle strength and balance pose significant risks, including falls and fractures, particularly affecting the hip.
“Our findings underscore the necessity of maintaining physical fitness and strength as women navigate the menopausal transition,” Stephens explained.
