Association between menopausal status and physical function: A systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Women's Health
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Physical function is a key indicator of health outcomes.
• Postmenopausal women may experience diminished physical function, though research findings are inconsistent.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the association between menopausal status and physical function in community-dwelling women.
• To synthesize existing evidence on physical performance across different menopausal stages.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review protocol adhering to PRISMA-P guidelines.
• Searches conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) using specific keywords.
• Inclusion of studies assessing physical function objectively or subjectively; exclusion of institutionalized populations or those with menopause-inducing medical conditions.

Main Results:

• This section is to be populated upon completion of the review.
• Anticipated synthesis of data on physical function across menopausal stages.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review will contribute to a clearer understanding of menopause's impact on women's physical function.
• Findings aim to support the development of strategies to improve women's health and functioning during and after menopause.