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Effects of a high-intensity functional exercise program on menopausal symptoms, physical performance, and dual-task
Nazlı Hilal Gözütok1, Filiz Eyuboglu2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Uskudar University, Ahmet Tevfik Ileri Street No:5 Umraniye, Istanbul, 34764, Turkey.
Background:
This study aims to examine the effects of a high-intensity functional exercise program on menopausal symptoms, physical performance, and dual-task performance in postmenopausal women.
Methods:
The study included 40 postmenopausal women aged 50-65. Participants were randomized into two groups: a high-intensity functional exercise (HIFE) group and a control group. Participants' physical performance was assessed using a short physical performance battery (SPPB), and dual-task performance was assessed using simultaneous cognitive tasks during a 4-meter walk and a 30-second sit-to-stand test. The Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms, and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MSQOL) was used to assess health-related quality of life. Assessments were conducted at the beginning of the training and at the end of 8 weeks.
Results:
The HIFE group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in SPPB total score, including 4-meter walk and chair sit-to-stand performance, compared with the control group (p < 0.05, d = 1.97). In addition, significant improvements were observed in dual-task performance in the HIFE group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Large effect sizes were observed for the 30-second sit-to-stand test (d = 2.36) and the 4-meter walk test (d = 2.76). Significant improvements were also observed in somatic and psychological subparameters and total MRS scores, as well as in all MSQOL subparameters except sexual problems (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups in SPPB balance, MRS urogenital symptoms, or MSQOL sexual problems (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
The study found that the HIFE program increased physical performance, reduced dual-task costs, and decreased somatic and psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, while also improving health-related quality of life. Our study demonstrated that HIFE is an effective exercise modality for improving physical performance, reducing menopausal symptoms, and enhancing cognitive-motor performance in postmenopausal women.
Clinical Trial Registration:
NCT07471620, Registration date: 10/03/2026.
