Investigating Resistance Training for Vascular Function and Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women

What this Trial Is About

Women going through perimenopause, the transition period before menopause, often experience worsening blood vessel health, mood changes, sleep problems, and reduced quality of life. This trial investigates whether resistance exercise, such as lifting weights, can improve blood vessel function and these other health aspects in women aged 40 to 60 who are starting menopause. Researchers aim to understand how resistance training affects cardiovascular risk factors during this important life stage. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will perform resistance training twice a week for 16 weeks, starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing intensity. Each session includes warm-up, stretching, and exercises targeting major muscle groups. The other group will receive weekly emails with general menopause information and maintain their usual lifestyle. After 16 weeks, both groups will have assessments repeated to compare effects. Throughout the study, participants will undergo tests of vascular function and endothelial function at the start and end. They will provide blood and urine samples and complete surveys about their mood, sleep quality, and menopause-specific quality of life. The study monitors adherence to exercise and evaluates changes in these measures to assess impacts of the training program. Participation lasts for 16 weeks with follow-up assessments at the University of Michigan.

Hemodynamics After Resistance Training