Culturally adapted exercise program for postmenopausal women with excess weight gain: A modified international/local...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Obesity is a significant concern for postmenopausal women, impacting health outcomes.
• Existing exercise interventions lack international and local consensus for weight management in this demographic.
• Culturally specific programs are needed to enhance adherence and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a culturally adapted exercise program for weight loss in postmenopausal women using Delphi consensus.
• To establish evidence-based recommendations for exercise interventions in Ghanaian postmenopausal women.
• To incorporate culturally relevant exercises, such as Ampe, into the weight loss program.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Delphi consensus methodology with three rounds of expert feedback.
• Recruited 33 experts (physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, etc.) through purposive sampling.
• Achieved consensus on health assessment, pre-exercise parameters, exercise dosage, and physician referrals.

Main Results:

• A high response rate (78%) ensured robust consensus among experts.
• Consensus was reached across four key domains of the exercise program.
• The program was culturally adapted, including the innovative inclusion of Ampe.

Conclusions:

• The validated program provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for weight loss in postmenopausal women.
• Cultural adaptation is crucial for effective exercise interventions in diverse populations.
• The inclusion of Ampe represents an innovative approach to culturally relevant exercise for health.