Effects of Walking Practice in Menopausal Women Monitored Using a Mobile Application.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has been shown to improve the health of middle-aged women and prevent menopause-associated disorders. Considering advances in technology, investigating the effects of exercises, especially walking, on the health of menopausal women using a mobile application is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to implement a 12-week walking program for menopausal women using a mobile application (WalkON) and to investigate changes in health conditions, lifestyle habits, social support and mental health, health-promoting behaviors, health beliefs, and self-efficacy.

Methods: This observational study, utilizing a nonequivalent control group and pre- to post-test design, was conducted between September 9, 2024, and November 11, 2024, with the intervention group consisting of 46 participants and the control group consisting of 45 participants. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed that, compared with those in the control group, sleep quality scores in the intervention group decreased significantly following the walking intervention, indicating that sleep quality improved in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In addition, changes in depression levels were also significant between the two groups (p < 0.001). Among the health-promoting behavior subfactors, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the health responsibility domain (p < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in the nutrition domain between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, a significant difference between the two groups was found in the self-efficacy domain (p < 0.05).

Discussion: WalkONs have potential positive effects on health-promoting behaviors and mental health improvement, and could serve as an effective strategy to improve physical and mental health in women experiencing menopausal symptoms.