A meta-analysis of 20 trials in overweight breast cancer survivors found diet plus exercise programmes reduced weight, BMI and waist size, and improved quality of life.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2,028 participants pooled · 2020Midlife womenCited 67 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 4 trials in 256 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia found exercise programmes improved physical function, pain, role physical and vitality quality-of-life domains.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 256 participants pooled · 2009PostmenopausalCited 55 timesPubMed
A review of seven trials with 400 women found exercise therapies showed very uncertain or little effect on joint pain, stiffness, grip strength or quality of life from aromatase inhibitor side effects.
Mixed resultsMeta-analysis · 400 participants pooled · 2020PostmenopausalCited 36 timesPubMed
An umbrella review and meta-analysis of yoga trials in peri- and postmenopausal women found yoga reduced hot flushes and psychological symptoms compared with controls, with quality of life rarely reported.
Direction not statedMeta-analysis · 927 participants pooled · 2017Midlife womenCited 21 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 12 trials found resistance training in postmenopausal women improved functional capacity, bone density, and reduced hot flash frequency and fat mass versus no exercise.
No difference foundMeta-analysis · 452 participants pooled · 16 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 18 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 19 trials in postmenopausal women found adding exercise to medicine or supplements improved lumbar spine bone density, leg muscle strength, balance, and quality of life.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 1,249 participants pooled · 2024PostmenopausalCited 13 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found exercise, especially yoga, improved physical and psychological quality of life in women with menopausal symptoms, but not general or menopause-specific scores.
Mixed resultsMeta-analysis · 2020Midlife womenCited 62 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs in menopausal women found yoga improved menopausal symptoms, sleep, anxiety, depression, BMI and blood pressure, but not hot flushes or quality of life.
No difference foundMeta-analysis · 2,028 participants pooled · 2025Midlife womenCited 9 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 16 trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis found traditional Chinese exercise improved bone mineral density, pain, balance, and quality of life versus conventional care alone.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 1,288 participants pooled · 2024PostmenopausalCited 6 timesPubMed
A scoping review of 67 studies covering over 103,000 midlife women found physical activity generally linked to better psychological and social outcomes like mood and quality of life.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 103,826 participants pooled · 2022Midlife womenCited 24 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 16 trials with 594 postmenopausal women found aquatic exercise improved limb strength, agility, flexibility, and quality of life, but not aerobic capacity.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 594 participants pooled · 2023PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of five trials found Kegel pelvic floor exercise, done for 4 to 12 weeks, improved urinary symptom related quality of life in postmenopausal women but not sexual symptom quality of life.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 268 participants pooled · 2024PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of six trials with 432 postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis found aquatic exercise improved symptoms but not pain, stiffness, function, or quality of life compared to control.
No difference foundMeta-analysis · 432 participants pooled · 2019PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 29 RCTs in 2071 women with breast cancer found combined aerobic and resistance training improved fitness, fatigue and quality of life, with smaller benefits in postmenopausal women.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2,071 participants pooled · 2026Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
A review of 23 studies found exercise-based and mind-body interventions improved quality of life, menopausal symptoms and depression in Asian perimenopausal women, but not hot flashes.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2020PerimenopausalCited 14 timesPubMed
A review of eight randomised trials in climacteric women found aerobic exercise improved menopause symptoms and quality of life, while resistance training strengthened muscles and increased bone density.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2025Midlife womenCited 11 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 23 trials in people with osteoporosis, 95 percent female with an average age of 67, found exercise such as resistance training, balance training and Pilates improved mental health, quality of life and pain.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2,120 participants pooled · 19 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalCited 1 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs found Pilates improved several quality of life domains, including bodily pain and physical functioning, in postmenopausal women compared to controls.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2024PostmenopausalCited 8 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs found progressive exercise training, including resistance, aerobic, impact, vibration and tai chi, improved bone mineral density and, in some studies, quality of life.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2025Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of five RCTs in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis found exercise improved physical function but did not differ from control for pain or stiffness.
Direction not statedMeta-analysis · 2024PostmenopausalCited 6 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors who cycled three times weekly for 15 weeks had greater increases in peak oxygen consumption and overall quality of life than a non-exercising control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 52 women · 15 weeks · 2003PostmenopausalCited 519 timesPubMed
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 an improvementSystematic review · 51,638 participants pooled · 2022Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed
A review of workplace interventions for menopausal women aged 40 to 60 found Raja yoga and health promotion programs including physical training significantly improved menopausal symptoms.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 293 participants pooled · 2023Midlife womenCited 18 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 15 trials in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome found medically supervised exercise reduced inflammatory markers and improved quality of life and lymphedema.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 1,197 participants pooled · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
Sedentary postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure exercised at 50, 100 or 150 percent of recommended levels for 6 months; higher exercise doses produced larger improvements in most quality of life measures.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 430 women · 26 weeks · 2009PostmenopausalCited 181 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 12 trials with 1,050 women found exercise and mind-body exercise improved menopausal symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared with controls.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 1,050 participants pooled · 2026Midlife womenPubMed
A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs with 1023 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women found Traditional Chinese Exercise reduced menopausal symptoms and depression and improved spine bone density, but not quality of life.
No difference foundMeta-analysis · 1,023 participants pooled · 2026Midlife womenPubMed
In breast cancer patients with treatment induced menopause, physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy reduced endocrine and urinary symptoms and improved physical functioning over 6 months compared with a waiting list.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 422 women · 26 weeks · 2012Midlife womenCited 163 timesPubMed
A systematic review of 11 studies in peri and postmenopausal women found pelvic floor and mind-body exercise programs most linked to improved sexual function, while aerobic exercise showed inconsistent results and resistance training showed no benefit.
Mixed resultsSystematic review · 2020Midlife womenCited 42 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors on letrozole given a 24 month telephone-based diet and physical activity programme lost significantly more weight than those given health information alone, with no harm to quality of life.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 338 women · 104 weeks · 2014PostmenopausalCited 133 timesPubMed
Overweight postmenopausal women did 12 months of diet, aerobic exercise, or both; combined diet and exercise improved quality of life and stress more than exercise alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 439 women · 52 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 133 timesPubMed
Breast cancer surgery patients did an 8-month exercise program delivered face to face or by phone, reporting better quality of life, fitness and fatigue than usual care, with no difference in other side effects.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 194 women · 32 weeks · 2013Midlife womenCited 146 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes following a 6-month Mediterranean lifestyle program combining diet, exercise and stress management reported improved blood sugar control, BMI and quality of life versus usual care.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 279 women · 26 weeks · 2003PostmenopausalCited 168 timesPubMed
A systematic review of randomized trials found exercise, including Tai Chi, aerobic exercise and pilates, improved bone mineral density and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2020PostmenopausalCited 34 timesPubMed
164 previously low-active midlife women did walking, yoga, or no exercise for 4 months; walking and yoga groups reported improved positive mood and menopause-related quality of life.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 164 women · 16 weeks · 2007Midlife womenCited 138 timesPubMed
A review of 5 studies totalling 143 participants, mostly postmenopausal women with fracture risk, found low-certainty evidence that Pilates improved physical function and quality of life.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 143 participants pooled · 2022PostmenopausalCited 9 timesPubMed
A systematic review of seventeen studies found physical activity was associated with improved overall and breast cancer specific survival, with possibly greater benefit in older or postmenopausal women.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2013Midlife womenCited 32 timesPubMed
Late perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women did an 8-week mindfulness training program, and reported bother from hot flashes decreased more than with a wait-list control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 110 women · 12 weeks · 2011Midlife womenCited 110 timesPubMed
A network meta-analysis of 31 RCTs in peri and postmenopausal women found combined exercise and flexibility exercise were most effective for improving sleep quality, with mind-body and aerobic exercise also helpful.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2025Midlife womenCited 1 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 21 trials found pelvic floor muscle exercises in postmenopausal women improved quality of life, sexual function, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor function, with no effect on psychological status.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2025PostmenopausalCited 1 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with insomnia practiced yoga for 4 months and reported lower insomnia severity and climacteric symptoms and higher quality of life than control or stretching groups.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 44 women · 16 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 124 timesPubMed
A systematic review of nine studies using virtual reality exercise games in climacteric women found improvements in pelvic floor strength, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness and bone density versus conventional approaches.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 298 participants pooled · 2022PerimenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
Older breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors did nine months of combined resistance and aerobic exercise, which improved quality of life, fatigue and sleep compared with a control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 36 women · 36 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 89 timesPubMed
Peri- and postmenopausal women with hot flushes did 12 weeks of yoga classes or individualized aerobic exercise; yoga improved menopause-related quality of life scores versus usual activity, exercise did not.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 355 women · 12 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 62 timesPubMed
In 19 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors aged 40 to 65, 24 weeks of aerobic exercise improved processing speed versus usual lifestyle, but self-reported cognitive function did not differ.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 19 women · 24 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 96 timesPubMed
In 86 postmenopausal osteopenic women, nine months of Tai Chi training did not significantly change hip or spine bone density overall, but improved balance sway measures versus usual care.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 86 women · 39 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 81 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis did 4 months of home-based low-intensity back-strengthening exercise, which improved quality of life and back extensor strength more than control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 80 women · 16 weeks · 2007PostmenopausalCited 91 timesPubMed
Breast cancer survivors averaging age 49 did 12 weeks of Hatha yoga and meditation, reporting lower menopausal symptoms, less fatigue, and better quality of life than usual care at 12 and 24 weeks.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 40 women · 12 weeks · 2015Midlife womenCited 84 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with low bone mass did weight-bearing exercise, aerobic dancing and flexibility work three times weekly for 12 months, and spinal bone density stabilized versus decline in controls, with improved fitness and wellbeing.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 124 women · 52 weeks · 1996PostmenopausalCited 104 timesPubMed
A review of 12 studies found mobile apps and wearables increased physical activity by about 61 weekly minutes in midlife menopausal women and improved weight, anxiety, sleep and quality of life.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2022Midlife womenCited 14 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors did 16 weeks of supervised exercise with two different dosing schedules and showed modest improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to a stretching control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 174 women · 16 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 53 timesPubMed
A systematic review of 13 RCTs with 1,470 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women found aerobic exercise, yoga, Pilates, resistance training, stretching and relaxation improved sleep quality and psychological wellbeing.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 1,470 participants pooled · 2025Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence did pelvic floor muscle exercises for eight sessions over a month, with biofeedback improving strength and quality of life more than exercise alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 45 women · 4 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 71 timesPubMed
A systematic review of 5 trials found tai chi improved bodily pain, general health, vitality, mental health and spine bone density in perimenopausal women, but not physical or social function.
Mixed resultsSystematic review · 2017PerimenopausalCited 14 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women aged 60 to 84 with osteoporosis and prior vertebral fracture who did 3 months of circuit exercises had better walking speed, balance and quality of life at 3 and 12 months than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 89 women · 12 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 67 timesPubMed
Mostly sedentary, overweight middle-aged women at work took part in a 10-minute workplace aerobic dance exercise break, with high participation but mixed effects on self-rated health and energy.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 449 women · 2004Midlife womenCited 55 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with hip pain did a 12 week targeted gluteal loading exercise program or sham exercise, with no overall difference between groups in pain and function at 52 weeks.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 94 women · 52 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 51 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporotic spinal fractures did 10 weeks of balance and strength physiotherapy training, reporting less pain, improved quality of life, and improved muscle strength.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 53 women · 10 weeks · 1998PostmenopausalCited 91 timesPubMed
In 58 postmenopausal women over 6 months, whole-body vibration increased hip and spine bone density while high-impact exercise did not, and both improved mobility, quality of life and depressive symptoms.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 58 women · 26 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 53 timesPubMed
A meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials in postmenopausal women found exercise based rehabilitation reduced vasomotor symptoms but showed no significant pooled effect on BMI, blood pressure, or physical performance.
Reported an improvementMeta-analysis · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
Breast cancer survivors did a 12-month remote diet and physical activity weight loss program and reported greater reductions in weight, fat mass, waist size, glucose and musculoskeletal pain than usual care.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 159 women · 52 weeks · 2021Midlife womenCited 40 timesPubMed
In an 88 woman 12 week RCT, postmenopausal women practicing Hatha yoga reported lower menopausal symptom and depression scores and higher quality of life than control and exercise groups.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 88 women · 12 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 48 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis did 18 weeks of progressive quadriceps strength and proprioception training and had fewer falls, better balance and quality of life than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 85 women · 18 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 50 timesPubMed
Sedentary postmenopausal women with hot flushes exercised three times weekly for 12 weeks; flush frequency decreased in some women and wellbeing improved, though less than with oestradiol therapy.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 30 women · 12 weeks · 2004PostmenopausalCited 69 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with heart disease followed a lifestyle program combining diet, exercise and stress management for 24 months, reporting improved body mass and quality of life versus usual care.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 28 women · 104 weeks · 2000PostmenopausalCited 75 timesPubMed
Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis did one year of Pilates or home exercise, and researchers found greater improvement in pain, function and quality of life with Pilates.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 60 women · 52 weeks · 2013PostmenopausalCited 46 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia did 6 months of strengthening or high-impact exercise; high-impact training increased bone density at spine and hip and both improved quality of life.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 42 women · 26 weeks · 2013PostmenopausalCited 48 timesPubMed
Previously low active middle aged women who did a four month walking or yoga program did not improve overall self-esteem but reported gains in esteem related to physical condition and body attractiveness.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 164 women · 16 weeks · 2007Midlife womenCited 42 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures did a structured exercise program twice weekly for 12 months and showed better quality of life, balance and functional mobility than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 78 women · 52 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 39 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia did 52 weeks of hip-targeted strength, balance and jumping exercise with calcium, and showed a small hip bone density benefit plus better quality of life versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 39 women · 52 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 49 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal osteopenic women who did 24 weeks of Tai Chi, with or without green tea polyphenols, reported improved emotional and mental health quality of life scores, with no effect on liver or kidney safety markers.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 171 women · 24 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 37 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women on hormone therapy did 6 weeks of submaximal aerobic exercise three times weekly and showed improved strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and quality of life versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 81 women · 6 weeks · 2004PostmenopausalCited 48 timesPubMed
Women averaging age 53 with stress urinary incontinence did 12 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, alone or combined with transversus abdominis training, improving quality of life in both groups.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 137 women · 12 weeks · 2019Midlife womenCited 30 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures who did a 6-month home exercise program of stretching, strength training and walking reported better quality of life and balance than controls, with no change in bone density.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 26 weeks · 2003PostmenopausalCited 113 timesPubMed
Overweight postmenopausal women lost about 5 to 6 percent of body weight via diet or exercise over 16 weeks, and exercise produced greater self-reported health improvement than diet.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 214 women · 16 weeks · 2015PostmenopausalCited 28 timesPubMed
In a 12-week RCT of early menopausal women, aerobic exercise alone and combined with nutrition education reduced menopause symptom scores and improved quality of life more than control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 108 women · 12 weeks · 2017Midlife womenCited 29 timesPubMed
In 44 postmenopausal women after hysterectomy, 6 months of moderate aerobic exercise improved quality of life and reduced menopausal symptoms regardless of whether estrogen therapy was also taken.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 44 women · 26 weeks · 2008PostmenopausalCited 43 timesPubMed
A 12 week eHealth lifestyle program combining physical activity, diet and menopause management for women treated for breast, blood or gynaecological cancer reported improved quality of life scores versus usual care.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 351 women · 12 weeks · 2022Midlife womenCited 20 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with low bone mass who did tai chi three times weekly for 24 weeks showed increased stride width and improved general health, vitality and bodily pain versus controls, but no balance changes.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 61 women · 24 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 38 timesPubMed
Inactive postmenopausal breast cancer survivors using a wearable-based activity program for 12 weeks reported small fatigue improvements but no change in overall quality of life versus a waitlist group.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 83 women · 12 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 28 timesPubMed
Women 45 to 60 with breast cancer history who got a 12-week lifestyle program including physical activity reported greater reductions in menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 55 women · 12 weeks · 2015Midlife womenCited 34 timesPubMed
In 140 perimenopausal women with stage 1 stress urinary incontinence, 12 weeks of pelvic floor exercises improved quality of life, with greater benefit when combined with transverse abdominal muscle tensing.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 140 women · 12 weeks · 2017PerimenopausalCited 26 timesPubMed
A scoping review of 20 studies found resistance training combined with impact activity improved bone density in menopausal women, with greater benefit when combined with hormone therapy than either alone.
Direction not statedSystematic review · 2025Midlife womenCited 5 timesPubMed
Sedentary postmenopausal women did 2 months of flamenco and sevillanas dance three times weekly, improving mobility, balance, physical activity, and fitness, but not blood pressure, weight, or quality of life.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 52 women · 8 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 30 timesPubMed
A review of four trials of tai chi in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis found a positive effect on balance but no clear support for benefits in muscle strength or quality of life.
No difference foundSystematic review · 2014PostmenopausalCited 6 timesPubMed
Pooled data from 1,005 peri and postmenopausal women with hot flushes found yoga and aerobic exercise modestly improved menopause-related quality of life compared with control, with smaller effects than some drug treatments.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 1,005 women · 2020Midlife womenCited 14 timesPubMed
In 137 overweight postmenopausal women on a 6-month weight loss plan, adding resistance training to caloric restriction did not further improve psychosocial measures beyond diet alone.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 137 women · 26 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 25 timesPubMed
A planned trial will compare cognitive behavioral therapy, physical exercise, and their combination in younger breast cancer patients with treatment-induced menopause, assessing menopausal symptoms and quality of life.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 325 women · 26 weeks · 2009OtherCited 21 timesPubMed
Climacteric women aged 40 to 60 with dyspareunia had five sessions of pelvic floor muscle training, which reduced pain and improved quality of life and sexual function more than lower back therapy.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 42 women · 5 weeks · 2019Midlife womenCited 25 timesPubMed
In 60 postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures, 6 weeks of supervised back-strengthening exercise improved spinal pain, muscle strength, mobility and quality of life more than a home program or control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 60 women · 6 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 23 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with daily hot flushes did resistance training three times weekly for 15 weeks and reported improved menopause-specific quality of life, including vasomotor and sleep domains, versus controls.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 65 women · 15 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalCited 21 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain did 6 weeks of Pilates plus physical therapy or physical therapy alone, with the Pilates group reporting better pain and disability scores at 6 weeks and 1 year.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 101 women · 6 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 22 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women who did supervised aerobic or resistance exercise 3 days a week for 8 weeks reported improved menopausal symptoms, lower depression and better quality of life, with no change in lipid profiles.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 36 women · 8 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 31 timesPubMed
A 12-month supervised program of cardiorespiratory, stretching and strengthening exercise in menopausal women aged 55 to 72 improved quality of life and menopausal symptoms versus a control group that worsened.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 48 women · 52 weeks · 2006Midlife womenCited 32 timesPubMed
23 sedentary postmenopausal women did a 6 week walking program then either continued or stopped exercising, with continued exercisers reporting better mood, anxiety and quality of life at follow up.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 23 women · 12 weeks · 2006PostmenopausalCited 37 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis did 4 months of aquatic resistance training and showed a short-term drop in knee stiffness but no lasting change in pain, function or quality of life.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 87 women · 16 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 20 timesPubMed
Protocol describes a planned 12-month trial testing a diet and physical activity weight management program in overweight postmenopausal women attending breast screening; no results reported yet.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 414 women · 52 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 15 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women on osteoporosis medication, 13 months of resistance training three times weekly improved bone density, leg strength and quality of life more than training twice weekly or no training.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 52 women · 56 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 24 timesPubMed
Menopausal women in India practiced yoga for 18 weeks and reported greater improvement in physical, psychological, social and environmental quality of life than a non-yoga control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 260 women · 18 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 17 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence did pelvic floor muscle training or vaginal cone therapy for 6 weeks, both reducing urinary leakage and improving pelvic floor pressure and quality of life versus control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 45 women · 6 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 25 timesPubMed
This trial protocol will test whether 9 months of Tai Chi reduces bone turnover and affects bone density in 86 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, compared with standard care, results not yet reported.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 86 women · 39 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 23 timesPubMed
Sedentary postmenopausal women who did a year of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week maintained better physical functioning, general health, vitality and bodily pain than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 320 women · 52 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 17 timesPubMed
Breast cancer patients did 16 weeks of resistance plus HIIT or aerobic plus HIIT during chemotherapy; at 5 years fatigue did not differ from usual care, but gluteal pain sensitivity was reduced with resistance HIIT.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 240 women · 16 weeks · 2024Midlife womenCited 13 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence who did 6 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, with or without vaginal cones, reported reduced urinary leakage and improved quality of life lasting 12 months.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 45 women · 6 weeks · 2013PostmenopausalCited 24 timesPubMed
In 400 inactive postmenopausal women, a year of aerobic exercise at 300 versus 150 minutes per week showed no additional benefit for quality of life, sleep or mood.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 400 women · 52 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 13 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis did 12 weeks of resistance training with creatine or placebo; creatine group showed greater gains in physical function, lean mass and quality of life.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 12 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 52 timesPubMed
In a trial of women with stress urinary incontinence, supervised pelvic floor physical therapy twice weekly for 3 months improved pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life, similar to laser therapy.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 32 women · 12 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 18 timesPubMed
This protocol describes a planned trial testing 4 months of aquatic resistance exercise on knee cartilage, pain, function, bone and quality of life in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 80 women · 16 weeks · 2013PostmenopausalCited 19 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
Menopausal women aged 45 to 59 practiced Rusie Dutton traditional Thai exercise for 13 weeks and showed significant improvements in fitness, flexibility, blood pressure and quality of life versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 50 women · 13 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 20 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia who did 6 weeks of exercise with or without added whole-body vibration both improved quality of life and strength, with greater strength gains in the vibration group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 30 women · 6 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 24 timesPubMed
In 28 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia, 12 weeks of home-based trunk strengthening exercise improved spinal mobility, trunk strength, and some quality of life domains versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 28 women · 12 weeks · 2005PostmenopausalCited 27 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia and a healed wrist fracture did a 6-month weighted vest and balance exercise programme, showing no significant difference from education alone in strength, bone density, balance or quality of life.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 80 women · 26 weeks · 2015PostmenopausalCited 17 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did 6 months of mixed exercise with or without phytoestrogens; quality of life scores improved only in the group combining exercise with phytoestrogens, menopausal symptoms unchanged in both.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 40 women · 26 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 21 timesPubMed
In 40 breast cancer survivors with menopausal symptoms, a 24-week yoga program's benefits on menopausal symptoms, quality of life and fatigue were partly explained by increases in self-esteem.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 40 women · 24 weeks · 2017Midlife womenCited 18 timesPubMed
Occupationally active menopausal women with symptoms did 24 weeks of aerobic exercise, which increased perceived mental resources and reduced physical strain but did not change overall work ability scores.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 123 women · 24 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 15 timesPubMed
In an RCT of 80 menopausal women, one year of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga improved vasomotor, psychosocial and physical quality of life domains more than brisk walking, with no change in reproductive hormones.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 80 women · 52 weeks · 2021Midlife womenCited 13 timesPubMed
Inactive women aged 30 to 65 at risk for metabolic syndrome did 6 weeks of sprint interval training and reported increased vitality and fewer physical limitations without worsened mood, compared to controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 47 women · 6 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 17 timesPubMed
Sedentary middle-aged women did a 16-week lifestyle walking intervention; it increased walking and quality of life but did not change antibody response to flu vaccination.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 89 women · 16 weeks · 2013Midlife womenCited 15 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with stress incontinence did Rumba dance plus breathing training for 16 weeks and reported less urine leakage, stronger pelvic floor muscles and better quality of life.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 24 women · 16 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalCited 15 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis did ten sessions of group-adapted physical exercises versus a home exercise booklet, and reported reduced back pain and better quality of life maintained at 6 months.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 60 women · 2014PostmenopausalCited 15 timesPubMed
A review of nine studies of yoga in men and postmenopausal women at increased fracture risk found no effect on quality of life, with mixed or unclear effects on other outcomes and some fracture reports.
No difference foundSystematic review · 2022PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
This trial protocol describes 15 weeks of supervised resistance training three times weekly in sedentary postmenopausal women with frequent hot flushes, with results not yet reported.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 60 women · 15 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 14 timesPubMed
Overweight postmenopausal women in a 12-month weight loss program with aerobic exercise and vitamin D or placebo showed no improvement in depressive symptoms or quality of life from vitamin D.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 52 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 33 timesPubMed
A systematic review of six studies found yoga practice was associated with improved quality of life scores in menopausal women.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2021PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
Older postmenopausal women did 32 weeks of elastic band resistance training with or without seawater supplementation and researchers found resistance training, not the supplement, drove improved strength and lower body fat.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 93 women · 32 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70, 8 weeks of core and balance exercises with or without vitamin D improved balance and quality of life, with no added benefit from vitamin D.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 99 women · 8 weeks · 2021PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women aged 52 to 62 in a diet and physical activity weight loss trial who regained weight after 18 months reported worse mental health and social functioning than those who kept it off.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 248 women · 78 weeks · 2008PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence who did pelvic floor training plus electrical stimulation and biofeedback for 6 months improved more when intravaginal estriol was added.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 62 women · 26 weeks · 2015PostmenopausalCited 12 timesPubMed
Overweight postmenopausal women did 1 year of aerobic and resistance exercise with or without soy isoflavones, and both groups showed similar improvements in quality of life and climacteric symptoms.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 31 women · 52 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 13 timesPubMed
In 36 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, 12 weeks of resistance training increased strength by about 25 to 35% and fatigue decreased, alongside changes in kynurenine metabolism markers.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 36 women · 12 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence did pelvic floor training or Pilates for 12 weeks and both groups reported improved incontinence symptoms and quality of life, with no difference between groups.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 40 women · 12 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
In obese, metabolically unhealthy postmenopausal African-American women, a 6-month supervised or home-based exercise program improved health change scores more than control, with no difference in overall quality of life between the three groups.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 213 women · 26 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 8 timesPubMed
Symptomatic menopausal women with hot flushes were followed 4 years after a physical activity trial, and the intervention group reported better physical functioning and quality of life than controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 95 women · 208 weeks · 2015PerimenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
Middle-aged women did 12 weeks of resistance training or walking three times weekly, and resistance training improved body image more than walking.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 60 women · 12 weeks · 1993Midlife womenCited 19 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia did Kinect-based virtual reality training plus daily walking for 24 weeks and showed greater improvements in physical performance and quality of life than walking alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 52 women · 24 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 9 timesPubMed
In sedentary postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence, an eight week multimodal exercise program improved incontinence related quality of life and symptom severity more than pelvic floor training alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 26 women · 8 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did resistance training with stretching twice weekly for 8 weeks and showed reduced body fat, increased fat-free mass, and improved physical and mental quality of life versus non-exercisers.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 38 women · 8 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
A scoping review found one randomized study of a structured aerobic exercise program for menopausal women at work reported slight improvement in workability and mental strain.
Reported an improvementSystematic review · 2025Midlife womenCited 1 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did a 12-week Qigong program and reported improved menopausal symptom severity and better health-related quality of life compared to controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 125 women · 12 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia did 12 months of vibration or resistance training, bone density was maintained in all groups, and resistance training improved quality of life and postural control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 65 women · 52 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalCited 8 timesPubMed
Perimenopausal and early postmenopausal cancer survivors doing a year of aerobic and resistance exercise reported better quality of life at 6 months if taking aromatase inhibitors, but no difference in symptoms overall.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 154 women · 52 weeks · 2019Midlife womenCited 7 timesPubMed
In menopausal women aged 50 to 65, a 12 week SaBang-DolGi walking program improved physical measures and mental well-being compared to a control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 40 women · 12 weeks · 2020Midlife womenCited 9 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 did treadmill training twice weekly for six months, with or without phototherapy, and showed improved cholesterol and reduced skinfold thickness.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 30 women · 26 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis did 6 weeks of virtual reality or traditional strength-balance training and researchers reported the VR group had reduced fear of falling and improved balance control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 20 women · 6 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 9 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women, a low-fat dietary intervention that also increased physical activity reduced age-related decline in physical functioning over 12 years.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 48,835 women · 624 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 1 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did 8 weeks of twice-weekly resistance training, and both groups increased muscle strength equally, with quality of life and balance improving only in the group without added light therapy.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 34 women · 8 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 8 timesPubMed
Peri and postmenopausal Nigerian women did a 12 week endurance exercise circuit, which improved quality of life and reduced back pain compared with no change in controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 175 women · 12 weeks · 2011Midlife womenCited 7 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis did a 16 week Tai Chi based activity program and showed improved grip strength, walking speed, disease activity and quality of life versus usual care.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 62 women · 16 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 6 timesPubMed
Inactive perimenopausal women did a 16 week exercise programme, and quality-adjusted life years improved slightly more than controls but the difference was not statistically significant.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 150 women · 16 weeks · 2019PerimenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
Previously sedentary postmenopausal women aged 45 to 64 who completed a 20-week exercise plus health promotion program reported improved quality of life, mental well-being, weight, fitness and flexibility versus controls, sustained to 12 months.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 20 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 16 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal and perimenopausal women received 5 health coaching sessions over 4 months; coaching reduced menopausal symptoms and depression and improved quality of life but did not change physical activity.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 94 women · 16 weeks · 2022Midlife womenCited 5 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, 12 weeks of balance and coordination training improved balance, while strengthening exercise improved pain, and no falls occurred during follow-up.
Direction not statedRandomised trial · 12 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 15 timesPubMed
In 146 postmenopausal women, 8 sessions of laughter yoga, acupressure, or mindfulness-based stress reduction each reduced menopause rating scale scores and improved quality of life versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 146 women · 8 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
Previously sedentary postmenopausal women who completed a supervised 20-week multicomponent exercise program showed improved quality of life, mental well-being, weight, fitness and flexibility, maintained through 12-month follow-up.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 20 weeks · 2017PostmenopausalCited 15 timesPubMed
A 6 month Tai Chi program in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis improved physical quality of life scores and some balance measures versus usual care, though between-group balance differences were not significant.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 98 women · 26 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
In perimenopausal women with pelvic floor dysfunction, 3 months of combined Kegel and yoga exercise improved symptoms, quality of life and pelvic floor muscle strength more than Kegel exercise alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 74 women · 12 weeks · 2021PerimenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
115 postmenopausal women with low bone mass did 8 months of high-intensity resistance and impact training or low-intensity Pilates, and pelvic floor related quality of life did not differ between groups.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 115 women · 32 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did 14 weeks of functional training; both element-based and task-specific programs improved functional reach, gait speed and quality of life versus control.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 47 women · 14 weeks · 2020PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
Women with menopause symptoms did an unsupervised physical activity program four times weekly for six months, and the intervention improved cardiorespiratory fitness, lean muscle mass and quality of life cost effectively.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 151 women · 26 weeks · 2015Midlife womenCited 4 timesPubMed
In a trial of 128 postmenopausal women with low back pain, Pilates exercises produced greater improvements in pain, endurance, quality of life and disability than conventional physical therapy.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 128 women · 2025PostmenopausalCited 3 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis doing an 18 month exercise program, individually coached and group coached training showed similar improvements in physical function and activity levels.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 52 women · 78 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
In 320 perimenopausal women with cardiovascular risk factors, an educational workshop intervention increased physical activity and mental quality of life and prevented weight gain over 12 months versus mailed information.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 320 women · 52 weeks · 2017PerimenopausalCited 3 timesPubMed
106 obese postmenopausal women did a 3 month aerobic and anaerobic exercise program and reported improved quality of life and reduced weight and fat mass versus a diet-advice control group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 106 women · 12 weeks · 2009PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
Peri and postmenopausal women with hot flushes using DVD-based or social-support exercise programs for a year showed a small quality-of-life gain, with social support likely cost-effective.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 261 women · 52 weeks · 2017Midlife womenCited 3 timesPubMed
In 42 postmenopausal women, 12 weeks of Zumba training improved postural balance, lower limb strength, mood, and quality of life compared with baseline.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 42 women · 12 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 3 timesPubMed
30 postmenopausal women did an 8-week Pilates program and reported better menopause symptom scores, quality of life, and sexual function scores than controls who only attended information sessions.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 30 women · 8 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 3 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis did a 4-month sedentary-behavior reduction program; it did not change sedentary time, activity, or most cardiometabolic and quality of life measures.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 103 women · 16 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
In a 6-month home-based physical activity pilot study including postmenopausal grandmothers, activity increased but life satisfaction scores did not improve compared to controls.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 11 women · 26 weeks · 2005Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed
In a 12-week RCT of 70 postmenopausal women with stress incontinence, both Kegel-only and Kegel plus abdominal exercises reduced incontinence severity and improved quality of life and sleep, with the combination performing better.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 70 women · 12 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
In 54 menopausal women, combining time-restricted eating with resistance and endurance circuit training reduced menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life more than exercise alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 54 women · 2025Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
Women aged 40 to 65 followed a 12 week web-based lifestyle program including exercise goal-setting, and reported reduced anxiety, depression, hot flushes and sexual dysfunction.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 225 women · 12 weeks · 2015Midlife womenCited 27 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia who did 24 weeks of aerobic dance showed increased femoral neck bone density, grip strength, and physical quality of life compared to controls.
Reported an improvementCohort study · 80 women · 24 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 30 timesPubMed
Thirty-eight postmenopausal women with hot flushes did 12 weeks of combined resistance and walking exercise, and reported reduced vasomotor symptom severity and improved sleep and mood versus controls.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 36 women · 12 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with pelvic floor dysfunction used a digital pelvic floor muscle training and education program and reported less symptom impact, better mental health and improved work productivity.
Reported an improvementCohort study · 3,051 women · 2025PostmenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
A 6-month adapted exercise program in 44 postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures improved quality of life, fear of falling, balance, gait, and functional exercise capacity compared with controls.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 44 women · 26 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 18 timesPubMed
62 postmenopausal women did 12 weeks of tai chi; dynapenic women showed improved handgrip strength, function and health perception, and both groups had lower blood pressure.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 62 women · 12 weeks · 2011PostmenopausalCited 20 timesPubMed
In 68 women averaging 50.5 years with urinary incontinence, a 4 month home pelvic floor exercise program reduced incontinence severity and improved pelvic floor strength regardless of adherence level.
Reported an improvementCohort study · 68 women · 16 weeks · 2012Midlife womenCited 18 timesPubMed
Breast cancer survivors took part in a 12-week yoga and meditation program and interviews afterward described positive emotional, physical and behavioral experiences with the intervention.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 9 women · 12 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 1 timesPubMed
In postmenopausal women followed 24 months after a year of moderate or high volume aerobic exercise, quality of life and sleep outcomes did not differ between the two exercise doses.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 333 women · 104 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalPubMed
Midlife women aged 45 to 60 who did a 16 week combined aerobic and resistance exercise program reported greater improvements in health related quality of life than a counseling group.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 150 women · 16 weeks · 2023Midlife womenPubMed
Healthy postmenopausal women did 30 weeks of ballistic or conventional resistance training, and both were well accepted with no serious adverse events and similar perceived benefits.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 109 women · 30 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalPubMed
In 1440 postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, those reporting higher physical activity had longer progression-free survival, fewer treatment side effects, and better quality of life and fatigue.
Reported an improvementCohort study · 1,440 women · 2024PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis did 24 weeks of home leg exercises with or without vitamin D3 or E, and all groups improved in symptoms and strength with no added benefit from supplements.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 80 women · 24 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
In postmenopausal women, a 15-week resistance training program reduced hot flush frequency for up to 6 months, but the benefit was not maintained at 2-year follow-up.
No difference foundCohort study · 35 women · 104 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
In 66 early postmenopausal women, eight weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training, delivered in person or via app, reduced menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and improved sleep versus education alone.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 66 women · 8 weeks · 2026Early postmenopausalPubMed
An RCT of 51 middle-aged women with chronic low back pain found core stability and postural control training both reduced pain and disability, with postural training also improving proprioception.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 51 women · 2026Midlife womenPubMed
46 middle-aged women with urinary incontinence did 8 weeks of either a body technique program or pelvic floor muscle training, and both groups reported increased pelvic floor strength and improved quality of life.
Reported an improvementRandomised trial · 46 women · 8 weeks · 2025Midlife womenPubMed
An 8 week high-intensity functional exercise program improved physical performance, dual-task performance and menopausal symptom scores in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 compared with controls.
Mixed resultsRandomised trial · 40 women · 8 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
Postmenopausal women on alendronate did resistance training, judo, water aerobics or no exercise for 12 months; resistance training and judo groups showed greater gains in spine bone density, balance and quality of life than controls.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 35 women · 52 weeks · 2010PostmenopausalCited 13 timesPubMed
In breast cancer survivors aged 35 to 68 starting a one year exercise trial, higher physical activity correlated with better quality of life, while fatigue and depression were linked to worse quality of life.
Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 537 women · 2011Midlife womenCited 75 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women did 16 weeks of resistance training three times weekly; muscle strength increased significantly, but overall quality of life scores did not differ from controls.
No difference foundControlled trial · 32 women · 16 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
In a survey of women aged 46 to 55, regularly active women reported better health related quality of life, but exercise status was not linked to vasomotor symptom scores.
Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 1,206 women · 2007Midlife womenCited 50 timesPubMed
In an 8-week trial in postmenopausal women, pelvic floor training plus active photobiomodulation improved sexual function scores more than training plus sham photobiomodulation; pelvic pressure did not differ significantly.
No difference foundRandomised trial · 8 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
Postmenopausal women with low bone mass who did 3 months of weight-bearing and resistance exercise showed increased bone formation markers, strength, and improved quality of life.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 33 women · 12 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 38 timesPubMed
A 12 week pelvic floor muscle training program in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reduced symptoms and improved quality of life and sexual function.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 32 women · 12 weeks · 2019PostmenopausalCited 38 timesPubMed
Menopausal women attended eight weekly cognitive-behavioral sessions including relaxation, exercise and diet, and reported significant reductions in physical and psychological symptoms and improved quality of life.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 28 women · 8 weeks · 2009Midlife womenCited 4 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
Middle-aged women with stress urinary incontinence did 8 weeks of pelvic floor muscle exercises with or without added electrical stimulation, and the combined group showed greater improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 54 women · 8 weeks · 2021Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors did 16 weeks of whole-body resistance training and showed increased muscle strength, reduced fatigue, improved quality of life, and lower inflammatory markers.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 11 women · 16 weeks · 2018PostmenopausalCited 40 timesPubMed
Middle-aged women did Baduanjin exercise three times weekly for 12 weeks and researchers found increased antioxidant enzyme levels and improved quality of life scores.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 31 women · 12 weeks · 2008Midlife womenCited 40 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with joint pain from aromatase inhibitors did twice-weekly yoga for 8 weeks; balance, flexibility, quality of life improved and pain severity decreased.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 8 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 64 timesPubMed
Ten postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor joint pain did twice weekly yoga for eight weeks and reported pain relief and improved quality of life themes in interviews.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 10 women · 8 weeks · 2012PostmenopausalCited 36 timesPubMed
Middle-aged women with urinary incontinence did a 4-week pelvic floor exercise and bladder training program, and reported fewer leakage episodes and better quality of life than controls.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 60 women · 4 weeks · 2005Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
In 48 peri and postmenopausal women, 8 weeks of using an app providing exercise coaching and information improved quality of life scores and reduced anxiety and somatic symptoms compared to a waitlist group.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 48 women · 8 weeks · 2024Midlife womenCited 1 timesPubMed
77 postmenopausal women with low bone mass did water-based weight-bearing exercise for 12 months, improving fitness and wellbeing but not preventing spinal bone density decline.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 77 women · 52 weeks · 1997PostmenopausalCited 26 timesPubMed
Middle-aged women with urinary incontinence did an 8-week combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program, reporting improved pelvic muscle strength and incontinence symptoms.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 55 women · 8 weeks · 2015Midlife womenCited 17 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors self-reported leisure, strength, and walking activity; about half met activity guidelines, and activity level was not linked to quality of life scores.
No difference foundCross-sectional study · 170 women · 2021PostmenopausalCited 11 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with joint pain from aromatase inhibitors did group tai chi twice weekly for 8 weeks and reported improved anxiety, depression, fatigue and emotional wellbeing, with no significant change in pain or balance.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 12 women · 8 weeks · 2013PostmenopausalCited 23 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with mild knee or hip osteoarthritis who practiced Eight Part Vajra Gong 20 minutes, two to three times weekly for 24 months, reported greater improvements in pain and quality of life than non-exercisers.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 180 women · 104 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
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
A home based walking program of 150 minutes per week in 52 women with metastatic breast cancer, mean age 55, was reported feasible and linked to improved general and mental wellbeing.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 52 women · 26 weeks · 2023Midlife womenCited 8 timesPubMed
In 102 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79, time spent in light intensity physical activity correlated with better quality of life scores, while vigorous activity did not.
Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 102 women · 2020PostmenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
A 6-week health education and exercise program for Japanese menopausal women improved general health perception and physical quality of life but did not improve climacteric symptoms.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 39 women · 6 weeks · 2009Midlife womenCited 10 timesPubMed
Perimenopausal women received a 12-week combined traditional Chinese medicine program including tai chi, herbs and counseling, and menopause-specific quality of life scores improved.
Reported an improvementControlled trial · 12 weeks · 2011PerimenopausalCited 1 timesPubMed
A pilot lifestyle programme adapted for midlife women with HIV, ages 40 to 59, reported increased physical activity, cardiovascular disease knowledge, and improved fatigue and mental health.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 14 women · 2021Midlife womenCited 8 timesPubMed
In 200 postmenopausal Iranian women aged 45 to 55, confidence and emotional factors predicted starting and sticking with regular physical activity linked to menopausal quality of life.
Direction not statedCross-sectional study · 200 women · 2022PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia did a 6-month weighted-vest and education program, with high adherence and improved quadriceps strength and hip bone density.
Direction not statedBefore-and-after study · 42 women · 26 weeks · 2015PostmenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
In 27 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, higher physical activity correlated with greater vigor and vitality, but no relationship was found between activity level and bone density.
Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 27 women · 2002PostmenopausalCited 10 timesPubMed
A review reported that combined diet and aerobic plus strength exercise programmes showed promise for weight control and improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors.
Reported an improvementOther · 2012Midlife womenCited 162 timesPubMed
In 56 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors, a multimodal exercise and health education program reduced metabolic syndrome prevalence, hypertension, central obesity, and triglycerides, and improved quality of life after 3 months.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 56 women · 12 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 3 timesPubMed
This study design paper describes a planned year long trial comparing high versus moderate volume aerobic exercise in inactive postmenopausal women, with results not yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 400 women · 52 weeks · 2014PostmenopausalCited 29 timesPubMed
Obese postmenopausal women did a 10 week mixed Nordic walking and strength training program and showed improved fitness, strength, waist to hip ratio and cholesterol levels.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 10 weeks · 2014PostmenopausalCited 8 timesPubMed
Women in the menopausal transition completed a 10 week yoga program and reported changes in menopause symptoms and quality of life.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 10 weeks · 2015PerimenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
Sixty six obese menopausal women followed a structured diet and exercise program for three months and showed reduced weight, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, and better quality of life.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 66 women · 12 weeks · 2016PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
Midlife women who had done a walking and yoga trial were surveyed two years later; increased physical activity and fewer menopausal symptoms were linked to higher menopause-related quality of life.
Reported an improvementOther · 2009Midlife womenCited 79 timesPubMed
A review of trials in menopausal women reported that aerobic exercise and yoga were linked to improved mood, quality of life, insomnia and some vasomotor symptoms compared with no exercise.
Reported an improvementOther · 2009Midlife womenCited 66 timesPubMed
A planned 16-week, 3 sessions per week exercise program in 150 perimenopausal women will assess cost-effectiveness and effects on fitness, sleep and menopause symptoms, results not yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 150 women · 16 weeks · 2015PerimenopausalCited 18 timesPubMed
In interviews after a 6 month physical activity trial, menopausal women reported improved hot flushes, night sweats, sleep and psychological wellbeing from being physically active.
Reported an improvementOther · 17 women · 26 weeks · 2020Midlife womenCited 22 timesPubMed
Breast cancer survivors will do resistance and aerobic exercise with omega-3 supplementation or education for 12 to 24 weeks to test effects on lean body mass; this is a study protocol with no results yet.
Direction not statedOther · 153 women · 24 weeks · 2014Midlife womenCited 12 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women with at least 7 years of resistance training felt younger, rated their health higher and had better body composition than untrained peers of similar age.
Reported an improvementCross-sectional study · 46 women · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
Fifteen low-active postmenopausal women did 15 weeks of resistance training and reported improved well-being and most experienced fewer vasomotor symptoms.
Reported an improvementOther · 15 women · 15 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalCited 12 timesPubMed
Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70 did 12 weeks of twice-weekly hatha Balance Flow Yoga and described perceived physical, emotional and social benefits in focus group discussions.
Reported an improvementBefore-and-after study · 36 women · 12 weeks · 2022PostmenopausalPubMed
This is a trial protocol for 80 Japanese women over 65 with knee osteoarthritis combining oestrogen gel with 12 weeks of muscle resistance exercise, with no results reported yet.
Direction not statedOther · 80 women · 12 weeks · 2023PostmenopausalCited 7 timesPubMed
This review reported that resistance training produced beneficial effects on muscle, bone and adipose tissue, improving quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Reported an improvementOther · 2010PostmenopausalCited 21 timesPubMed
This protocol describes an 8 month trial testing high-intensity resistance and impact exercise combined with romosozumab versus low-intensity exercise in 102 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, results not yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 102 women · 32 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 5 timesPubMed
A 12 week trial design compared dumbbell resistance exercise and aerobic exercise for physical activity and quality of life in 102 Malaysian breast cancer survivors, stratified by menopausal status, with no results yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 102 women · 12 weeks · 2016Midlife womenCited 6 timesPubMed
A protocol describes a 9 month mHealth guided jumping and fast walking program in 120 postmenopausal women to test effects on bone density, with results not yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 120 women · 36 weeks · 2025PostmenopausalCited 4 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
A pilot RCT protocol will test a 9-month high-intensity resistance and impact training program in 40 perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women, assessing feasibility and bone, muscle and function measures.
Direction not statedOther · 40 women · 36 weeks · 2025PerimenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
This review reported that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women benefit from endurance and strength exercise, improving fitness, bone health, and quality of life.
Reported an improvementOther · 2000Midlife womenCited 10 timesPubMed
This review reported that exercise interventions in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors improved body composition, joint pain, and overall quality of life.
Reported an improvementOther · 2020PostmenopausalCited 4 timesPubMed
A qualitative analysis of journal entries and interviews from menopausal women aged 40 to 65 found yoga supported problem and emotion focused coping with symptoms.
Reported an improvementOther · 12 women · 2019Midlife womenCited 2 timesPubMed
A narrative review of psychological and mind-body approaches, including yoga, found empirical support for improving quality of life and symptoms like hot flushes and sleep during menopause.
Reported an improvementOther · 2024Midlife womenCited 3 timesPubMed
A trial protocol will compare pelvic floor muscle training alone versus combined with photobiomodulation in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, over 16 sessions, with no results yet.
Direction not statedOther · 8 weeks · 2024PostmenopausalCited 2 timesPubMed
A planned 18 week yoga program will be tested against a waitlist control for musculoskeletal complaints in women on endocrine therapy for breast cancer, with results not yet reported.
Direction not statedOther · 140 women · 18 weeks · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
In menopausal women, higher physical activity was linked to fewer menopause symptoms, which in turn related to better quality of life, in a modelling study of 86 women.
Reported an improvementOther · 86 women · 2025Midlife womenPubMed
In interviews, 18 women aged 40 to 60 described using strength training, yoga and cold-water immersion to navigate menopause, reporting symptom relief, self-awareness and identity development.
Reported an improvementOther · 18 women · 2026Midlife womenPubMed
Seven perimenopausal women who played walking football reported physical and mental health benefits, including reduced depressive symptoms and a supportive social environment.
Reported an improvementOther · 7 women · 2025PerimenopausalPubMed
A review synthesized evidence on combining structured exercise with functional foods and supplements like vitamin D in postmenopausal women, finding the clinical evidence for bone and quality of life benefits remains heterogeneous.
Mixed resultsOther · 2026PostmenopausalPubMed
This protocol describes a planned trial comparing pelvic floor physiotherapy versus laser therapy for genitourinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors, with no results yet available.
Direction not statedOther · 2025PostmenopausalPubMed