Does general physical activity affect balance and falls in menopause? What 12 studies found

A review of seven RCTs in women aged 40 to 60 found counseling interventions modestly reduced weight gain, while exercise-only trials showed no differences and higher fall rates.

Reported a worseningSystematic review · 51,638 participants pooled · 2022Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed

Postmenopausal women with low vitamin D took placebo or cholecalciferol for a year, and researchers found no differences in bone density, muscle mass, muscle function or falls between groups.

No difference foundRandomised trial · 230 women · 52 weeks · 2015PostmenopausalCited 117 timesPubMed

A review found exercise in peri and postmenopausal women modestly increases or preserves bone density and improves muscle strength and balance, but direct proof it reduces fractures is lacking.

Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2004Midlife womenCited 25 timesPubMed

Sedentary women with osteoporosis did a 6 month self-management and activity program, which improved pain, quality of life, balance and function versus control.

Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 50 women · 26 weeks · 2007PostmenopausalCited 24 timesPubMed

Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 were followed for up to 6 years; higher recreational physical activity was associated with greater risk of falling, an unexpected finding.

Reported a worseningCohort study · 93,676 women · 312 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 27 timesPubMed

In a follow-up of 33 postmenopausal Korean women with osteosarcopenia, six months after stopping resistance or home exercise, muscle strength, gait speed and bone density declined while muscle mass stayed stable.

Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 33 women · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed

In 309 Australian women aged 36 to 57, higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but not sedentary time, was associated with better bone density, leg strength and functional mobility.

Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 309 women · 2017Midlife womenCited 39 timesPubMed

A six month community exercise program for perimenopausal and menopausal women improved quality of life and physical condition, especially aerobic fitness, strength and balance, versus inactive controls.

Reported an improvementControlled trial · 26 weeks · 2022Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed

In a 52-week pilot study of 50 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a home exercise app produced greater gains in hip bone density and quality of life than a pamphlet.

Reported an improvementControlled trial · 50 women · 52 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed

In 175 postmenopausal women, insufficient physical activity was the strongest predictor of slow gait speed, with nearly four times higher odds of functional decline than active women.

Reported a worseningCross-sectional study · 175 women · 2025PostmenopausalPubMed

A review reported that weight-bearing activity and resistance training may reduce bone loss after menopause, and activities improving strength and balance may lower fall and fracture risk.

Reported an improvementOther · 1998Midlife womenCited 19 timesPubMed

A review of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis found most studies reported exercise improved quality of life and physical domains like muscle strength and balance.

Reported an improvementOther · 2014PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed