Actively Recruiting
Perimenopause: Window for Exercise and Resilience Pilot Study Comparing Moderate-Intensity Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training, and Stretching
Led by University of Toronto · Updated on 2025-09-09
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Women in perimenopause, the years before menopause, often experience symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats that can reduce quality of life. This research investigates how different exercise approaches might help during this time, including following Health Canada guidelines for moderate aerobic activity, performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or doing stretching exercises. The study is a pilot to assess how easy and enjoyable these exercises are over 6 weeks, aiming to guide a larger future study on health impacts. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 6-week intervention: moderate-intensity continuous exercise totaling 150 minutes weekly guided by trainers in-person and virtually; high-intensity interval training with alternating periods of intense exercise and rest totaling 75 minutes weekly; or twice-weekly virtual instructor-led whole-body stretching classes. Before and after the intervention, various tests and questionnaires will be completed to measure menopause symptoms, stress, quality of life, body composition, and insulin sensitivity. During the study, participants will attend assessments including BodPod body composition scans and oral glucose tolerance testing with blood samples. Questionnaires will evaluate symptoms, stress, and enjoyment of the intervention to track adherence and acceptability. The main outcomes measured at 6 weeks include how well participants stick to and accept their assigned exercise, alongside health measures like insulin resistance, fitness, body fat, menopausal symptoms, mood, heart health, and diet. The study is led by the University of Toronto and runs until June 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Feasibility of Different Types of Exercise Training in Perimenopausal Females
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Biological females in early or late perimenopause as defined by STRAW+10 criteria
- Experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats
- Aged 40 years or older
- Sedentary lifestyle with less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week
- Body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or higher with waist circumference indicating abdominal obesity specific to BMI category
You will not qualify if you...
- History of reproductive surgeries including oophorectomy, hysterectomy, ablation, or gender-affirming surgery
- Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer), respiratory disease such as COPD or severe asthma, uncontrolled hyper- or hypogonadism, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Major symptoms or signs of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Use of medication that affects blood glucose
- Pregnant, less than 12 months postpartum, lactating, or breastfeeding within 3 months of study start
- Recreational smoking such as tobacco use
- Actively following a low-carbohydrate diet like ketogenic or Atkins
- Using transdermal or other exogenous hormones including intrauterine devices
- Significant weight loss greater than 5 kg in the past 3 months or currently on weight loss medications
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups and complete a 6-week intervention involving moderate-intensity continuous training, high-intensity interval training, or stretching.
Weekly visits for exercise sessions, including both in-person and virtual sessions
Duration - Assessment before and after the 6-week intervention
Before and after the exercise intervention, participants will complete questionnaires and assessments to measure menopause symptoms, stress levels, quality of life, body composition, and insulin sensitivity.
2 visits (one before and one after the intervention, in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2C9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jenna Gillen, PhD
C
Clara Rivaya Salvadores, BKin
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here