Characteristics of Resistance Training Programs Targeting Improvements in Health Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women: A Scoping Review.

Abstract: Islam, J, Dixon, CR, O'Rourke, M, and Räisänen, AM. Characteristics of resistance training programs targeting improvements in health outcomes in postmenopausal women: A scoping review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-Currently there are no evidence-based recommendations for health-promoting resistance training programs specifically for postmenopausal women. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the characteristics of resistance training programs targeting health-related outcomes in postmenopausal women. Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, were searched using both controlled language and keyword searches. A total of 790 studies were screened and 69 studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies incorporated a full-body resistance training protocol (n = 52), training for specific muscle group or body part, such as back extensors (n = 13), or aquatic resistance training (n = 4). Most commonly used dose was 3 sets of 8 repetitions (n = 8) or 3 sets of 10 repetitions (n = 7). Intensity was typically described as 80% of 1 repetition maximum or as 8 repetition maximum. In the full body training programs, most common exercises were leg extensions (n = 35), leg press (n = 35), and chest press (n = 33). Most commonly measured health-related outcomes were body size and composition (n = 33) or muscular performance (n = 32). The results of this scoping review demonstrate that studies targeting to improve health-related outcomes in postmenopausal women follow the established strength training guidelines but typically do not incorporate functional exercises. Functional exercises can be important for maintaining the ability to perform common daily activities, such as carrying groceries and lifting heavy household items. Future studies should explore the feasibility and effectiveness of training protocols that combine functional exercises with resistance machine exercises.