Determinants of Physical Activity in Postmenopausal Women

November 7, 2026 updated by: Seda Nur Kemer, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Determinants of Physical Activity Levels in Postmenopausal Women: A CHAID-Based Analysis

In the postmenopausal period, hormonal and physiological changes may be accompanied by alterations in body composition, physical performance, and body image. Psychosocial characteristics such as menopausal symptoms and self-esteem may also be associated with women's physical activity behaviors. During this period, physical activity levels are addressed within a multidimensional framework in which anthropometric, physical, and psychosocial factors are interrelated.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

385

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

45 years to 64 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Female

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Community-dwelling postmenopausal women aged 45-64 years who have experienced natural menopause (at least 12 consecutive months without menstruation), are able to walk independently, and voluntarily agree to participate. Women with a history of surgical menopause or conditions that prevent safe completion of the assessments are not included.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Women aged 45-64 years
  • Natural menopause, with no menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months
  • Ability to walk independently
  • Voluntary agreement to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of surgical menopause
  • Severe neurological, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disease that prevents safe completion of the assessments
  • Acute health problem that precludes physical performance testing
  • Inability to complete the assessment forms reliably

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Observational Models: OTHER
  • Time Perspectives: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal women aged 45-64 years

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Anthropometric Assessment
Time Frame: Baseline

Participants' height, body weight, and waist circumference will be measured. Body mass index will be calculated by dividing body weight by the square of height in meters, and waist-to-height ratio will be calculated by dividing waist circumference by height.

Baseline
International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF)
Time Frame: Baseline

The multinational validity and reliability findings of this questionnaire, developed by an international working group, were published by Craig et al. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Sağlam et al. The questionnaire provides information about walking, moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity, and time spent sitting over the last seven days.

Baseline
Body Cathexis Scale ( BCS)
Time Frame: Baseline

The scale, developed by Secord and Jourard, assesses an individual's satisfaction with different parts of the body and bodily functions. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Hovardaoğlu. The Turkish form consists of 40 items rated on a five-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from 40 to 200, with higher scores indicating decreased satisfaction with the body.

Baseline
Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)
Time Frame: Baseline

The international versions and psychometric properties of this scale, developed to assess the severity of menopause-related complaints, were published by Heinemann et al. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Can Gürkan. The scale consists of 11 items assessing somatic, psychological, and urogenital complaints. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, and the total score ranges from 0 to 44. Higher scores indicate a greater burden of menopausal symptoms.

Baseline
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Time Frame: Baseline

The Turkish adaptation and validity and reliability study of the scale, developed by Rosenberg, was conducted by Çuhadaroğlu. In this study, the 10-item section of the scale assessing self-esteem will be used. The original scoring key of the Turkish adaptation will be followed; the direction and score range of the total score to be used will be finalized before data analysis.

Baseline
Handgrip Strength
Time Frame: Baseline

Handgrip strength will be assessed using a Jamar hand dynamometer. The participant will be positioned in an upright seated posture with the arm alongside the trunk, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm supported on a horizontal surface. The measurement will be performed three times for each hand, with a rest period of 30-60 seconds between consecutive trials. During each trial, the participant will be verbally encouraged to produce maximal grip force. The highest value obtained from the three measurements for each hand will be recorded in kilograms (kg).

Baseline
30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (STS)
Time Frame: Baseline

Lower extremity functional performance will be assessed using the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test. After 1-2 practice trials and a 30-60 second rest, participants will perform the test on a standard armless chair (seat height 45 cm) with arms crossed over the chest, standing up fully and sitting down as many times as possible in 30 seconds. The number of correct repetitions will be recorded, and participants may stop if they feel excessive fatigue. Sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power will be calculated in watts (W) using the equation defined by Alcazar et al., and relative STS muscle power (W/kg) will be obtained by dividing it by body weight.

Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

November 15, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

February 15, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

February 28, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

November 7, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 7, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

November 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

November 13, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 7, 2026

Last Verified

November 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2026/611

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.