TUS research highlights benefits of exercise during menopause
One of the key findings in a major new report on exercise and the menopause, which has been conducted on the Athlone campus of TUS, is that while many women recognise the importance of exercise, a range of barriers still hinder their participation in physical activity.
A member of the research team from the SHE Research Centre in TUS, Dr. Patricia Heavey, said the research conducted on the Athlone campus provides “valuable recommendations” for health professionals, policymakers and fitness organisations to “better support women during this critical life stage” and to provide the “resources and encouragement” to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
The report titled "Experience of the Menopause Transition in Irish Women and Its Impact on Motivators, Facilitators, and Barriers to Physical Activity Engagement" was conducted by researchers Dr Kelly McNulty, Dr Patricia Heavey and their team from the SHE Research Centre based at the TUS Athlone Campus, with support from Sport Ireland and Waterford Sports Partnership.
The study delves into the physical, emotional, and social challenges that women face during the menopause transition and how these factors influence their engagement in regular physical activity.
Another of the key findings in the report is that women are “more likely” to engage with exercise during meopause if there are social supports in place as well as tailored exercise programmes suitable to their needs.
Many women who took part in the study also highlighted the positive impact of physical activity on managing menopause symptoms, as well as on protecting their future health.
A full copy of the research report is available at: https://sheresearch.ie/education/menopauseresearch/
The SHE Research Centre is part of the Department of Sport and Health Sciences, in the Faculty of Science and Health on the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone Campus. The mission of SHE is to bridge the gender data gap in sport, exercise, health and nutrition science research.