Actively Recruiting
Resistance Training and Cognitive Health in Perimenopausal Females with Subjective Cognitive Complaints
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-04-16
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
6 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
V
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of exercise on brain health and thinking abilities in perimenopausal females aged 40 to 55 who report difficulties with their memory and thinking. The study aims to fill a knowledge gap on whether resistance training can improve cognitive health during perimenopause, a time linked to increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline in females. This is a randomized, assessor-blinded trial comparing two types of exercise programs over 26 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: progressive resistance training (PRT) or balance, flexibility, and tone exercises (BAT). The PRT group will attend 1-hour sessions twice a week, including warm-up, resistance training using weights or machines, and cool-down. The BAT group will also participate in 1-hour group sessions twice a week focusing on Pilates, yoga poses, Kegel exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques. The intervention lasts for six months. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline, 13 weeks, and 26 weeks. These include cognitive tests like the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, muscle strength measurements, blood pressure, sleep quality evaluations, psychological questionnaires, and quality of life surveys. Researchers will also monitor heart health, inflammation markers, diet, physical activity, and brain-related biomarkers. The study tracks changes over time to understand how exercise might support brain and overall health in perimenopausal females.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Are biological females, as assigned at birth
- Are aged between 40 and 55 years
- Had at least 1 menstrual period in the last 10 months
- Are perimenopausal based on STRAW +10 Staging System or report changes in periods, hot flashes, or vaginal symptoms
- Have an intact uterus
- Have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score above 26/30 indicating normal cognition
- Have subjective cognitive complaints, feeling that memory or thinking is worsening
- Completed high school education
- Can read and speak English with acceptable vision and hearing
- Are able to safely participate in moderate-intensity progressive resistance training
- Are able to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Are engaged in regular progressive resistance training twice a week or more in the prior three months
- Are diagnosed with cognitive impairment or any type of dementia
- Are at high risk for cardiac complications during exercise
- Have significant peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease affecting mobility
- Are taking medications that negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, major tranquilizers, or anticonvulsants
- Have a body mass index below 15 or anorexia nervosa
- Have had surgical menopause
- Had endometrial ablation causing loss of menstruation
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Are currently undergoing chemotherapy
- Have used estrogen-containing contraception in the last 12 months
- Had premature ovarian failure
- Are currently enrolled in another drug or exercise trial
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 26 weeks
Participants engage in either progressive resistance training or balance, flexibility, and tone exercises to improve cognitive health during perimenopause.
Twice weekly group-based exercise sessions
Duration - 26 weeks
Participants undergo cognitive and health assessments to monitor progress during and after the intervention.
Assessments at baseline, 13 weeks, and 26 weeks; physical activity questionnaires every 30 days
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 1M9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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