Interventions to Improve Bone and Muscle Strength in Perimenopause
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating a Multi-Disciplinary Community Intervention to Improve Bone Health and Muscle Strength in Perimenopause from a bio-psychosocial-cultural Perspective: a mixed methods study
IRAS ID
349386
Contact name
Becca Freeden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Margaret University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12351190
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
The development of osteoporosis and associated risk of fracture is a significant concern in later life, with bone density reducing at a faster rate during the perimenopausal years. Those from poorer backgrounds are affected at the highest rate. Bone loss can be slowed through various lifestyle interventions; however, multiple barriers exist to participating in these activities.
This study will investigate the impact of a multidisciplinary community intervention that encourages peer support and delivers sessions covering general health, medications, nutrition, pelvic health, mindfulness, and herbal medicine. The research will focus on gathering data on the intervention's impact and gaining an understanding of the acceptability of the intervention, and potentially developing new insights into the experience of perimenopause and menopause.
The study will recruit people assigned female at birth, age 35 and over (or those experiencing premature menopause from any age) who are enrolled on the Health Agency’s “Menopause Walk with a Doc” six-week course.
Participants will complete questionnaires relating to menopause symptoms and perceived stress levels, and take part in focus groups or participatory methods. The participatory methods are the creative methods “Drawing a Timeline” and “Body Mapping”, followed by a recorded discussion about the experience. Following initial analysis of the results, a stakeholder meeting will be held to which participants who have taken part in the intervention and connected health care and policy workers will be invited. A form of collaborative analysis will be undertaken at this meeting.
Questionnaires will be completed on weeks one and six of the course, and at six-month follow-up. A focus group will be held within two months of the completion of the course, and participatory methods will be completed in the week before the course and one week following the course. The stakeholder meeting will take place within six months of the course finishing.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
24/SS/0089
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion