A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical performance during the menopausal transition and the role of physical activity (2021)

Bondarev, D., Finni, T., Kokko, K., Kujala, U. M., Aukee, P., Kovanen, V., Laakkonen, E. K., & Sipilä, S. (2021). Physical performance during the menopausal transition and the role of physical activity. Journals of Gerontology Series A : Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 76(9), 1587-1590. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa292

JYU authors or editors

Bondarev, Dmitriy
Juutinen, Taija
Kokko, Katja
Kujala, Urho
Kovanen, Vuokko
Laakkonen, Eija
Sipilä, Sarianna

Publication details

All authors or editors: Bondarev, Dmitriy; Finni, Taija; Kokko, Katja; Kujala, Urho M; Aukee, Pauliina; Kovanen, Vuokko; Laakkonen, Eija K; Sipilä, Sarianna

Journal or series: Journals of Gerontology Series A : Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences

ISSN: 1079-5006

eISSN: 1758-535X

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 24/11/2020

Volume: 76

Issue number: 9

Pages range: 1587-1590

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa292

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72820

Abstract

Background
To examine longitudinal changes in physical performance during the menopausal transition and the role of physical activity (PA) in these changes.
Methods
Based on follicle-stimulating hormone levels and bleeding diaries, women (47-55 years) were classified as early (n=89) and late perimenopausal (n=143) and followed prospectively until postmenopausal status, with mean duration of 17.5 and 13.8 months respectively. Physical performance was measured by handgrip force, knee extension torque, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed and six-minute walking distance. PA was self-reported and categorized as low, medium, high. Longitudinal associations of menopausal status, physical performance and related changes with PA level were analyzed using generalized estimation equations adjusted for duration of hormonal therapy.
Results
A significant decline over the menopausal transition in handgrip force (-2.1%, 95% CI -3.8 to -0.4), knee extension torque (-2.6%, 95% CI -4.5 to -0.8) and vertical jumping height (-2.6%, 95% CI -4.2 to -1.1) and a significant increase in six-minute walking distance (2.1%, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) were observed in the total sample. A significant interaction of PA by time was observed in handgrip force and in vertical jumping height. High PA women had greater increase in handgrip strength but greater decline in vertical jumping height than medium, low and inactive women (all p ≤0.001).
Conclusions
Both early and late perimenopausal women show decline in muscle strength and power during the transition to postmenopause. PA seems to influence physical performance during the menopausal transition but understanding the benefits of PA require interventional studies.

Keywords: menopause; physical fitness; muscle strength; physical activity; walking (motion)

Free keywords: muscle strength; muscle power; walking; menopause; longitudinal changes

Fields of science: