Keywords
menopause; resistance training; postmenopauseal women; resistance training for menopausal women; weightlifting for older women
Abstract
Resistance training serves as a critical non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating the physiological and psychological declines associated with the menopausal transition. This natural biological phase, marked by declining estrogen levels, typically leads to accelerated bone mineral density loss, sarcopenia, metabolic regulation disturbance, and heightened mood disturbances. To evaluate the efficacy of targeted exercise interventions, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. From an initial pool of 60 relevant articles, 13 studies met the specific inclusion criteria, focusing on structured resistance training protocols for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal cohorts.
The synthesis of these studies indicates that resistance training is a highly effective intervention for improving body composition and physical function. Results consistently demonstrate significant gains in muscle mass and strength, alongside notable improvements in metabolic health markers. While the impact on bone mineral density showed some variability across different intervention designs, the overall trend suggests a protective effect against osteoporotic changes. Furthermore, while psychological metrics such as mood and quality of life were reported with less frequency, the evidence generally points toward favorable trends, suggesting that regular resistance exercise provides a dual benefit for both physical resilience and mental well-being. These findings highlight the role of strength-based protocols for aging women in relation to health risks associated with the loss of ovarian function.
Thesis Completion Year
2026
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Valdes, Anna
College
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Department
Kinesiology
Thesis Discipline
Kinesiology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Strauss, Alyson K., "The Role of Resistance Training in Managing Menopause-Related Changes" (2026). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 533.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/533
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Other Life Sciences Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
Rights Statement
