Movement and mood in midlife: what the review found
A UCL-led review suggests benefits from physical activity during menopause, while leaving important questions about individual practices open.
A review highlighted by UCL on October 13 brings together 12 randomised trials involving more than 1,000 women in perimenopause and early postmenopause. It examines physical activity, psychological symptoms and quality of life.
Keep the categories in view
The review separates aerobic activities, including walking and dance, from mind-body activities such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates and stretching. Aerobic activity showed the strongest effects on depressive symptoms and overall quality of life; the mind-body category showed improvements in psychological quality of life.
Those categories are important. The findings should not be read as proof that yoga alone produced the combined result, or that one activity is best for every person. UCL notes substantial variation between studies and a high risk of bias in many of them.
The researchers also suggest that social connection in group settings may contribute, although this is not an isolated explanation established by the review. Movement can be discussed as part of broader support during menopause, alongside appropriate medical and psychological care. More rigorous studies are still needed.
Sources
YOGA+