Past physical activity and its influence on female functioning during perimenopause

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Women's Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Elite sports participation in youth may influence long-term health and lifestyle.
• Understanding the impact of early athletic careers on later life is crucial for public health.
• Perimenopause is a critical transition period affected by various lifestyle factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between elite youth sports participation and current physical activity levels.
• To assess the relationship between past athletic careers and sociometric features in women.
• To determine if a history of elite sports impacts the severity of menopausal symptoms during perimenopause.

Main Methods:

• A diagnostic survey was conducted on 334 females aged 45-65, divided into former elite athletes (n=148) and controls (n=154).
• Data collected included sociometric features, gynecological history, past physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index.
• Groups were matched for age and BMI, with comparisons focusing on physical activity, sociometric data, and menopausal symptom severity.

Main Results:

• Former elite athletes exhibited significantly higher current physical activity levels compared to controls.
• Elite sports history was associated with differences in economic activity and reproductive history (fewer pregnancies/births).
• No statistically significant differences were found in the severity of menopausal symptoms between former athletes and controls.

Conclusions:

• Past elite sports training positively impacts current physical activity levels in women.
• Elite athletic backgrounds influence sociometric characteristics, including economic activity and reproductive patterns.
• A history of elite sports does not appear to alter the severity of menopausal symptoms during perimenopause.