Examining the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a group-based physical activity intervention integrating strength training among pre- and perimenopausal women: A randomized pilot trial.

Background: Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, particularly strength training, for managing menopause-related physiological changes such as muscle loss and weight gain, few interventions specifically target pre- and perimenopausal women using scalable, remote delivery methods.

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a group-based physical activity and strength intervention delivered via Zoom for pre- and perimenopausal women.

Design: This study was a randomized controlled trial lasting 12 weeks.

Methods: Low active pre- and perimenopausal women between the ages of 40-50 (n = 39) were randomly assigned to a 12-week physical activity strength intervention or a waitlist control. Participants attended the sessions twice per week, which included both a 40-min cardiovascular and strength training component and a 20-min motivational component informed by Self-Determination Theory and Habit Formation Theory. Participants were provided Apple Watch devices to monitor their physical activity.

Results: The physical activity strength intervention appears feasible based on recruitment duration, adherence to the Zoom sessions, retention, and the consumer satisfaction survey. The intervention participants increased their physical activity by 21 min/week, and the control group decreased by 2 min, although the differences were not significant. The intervention participants reported greater positive changes on several of the psychosocial variables, including self-efficacy, habit formation, habit automaticity, self-regulation, goal setting, physical activity enjoyment, physical activity feeling, physical activity revitalization, and physical activity tranquility.

Conclusions: Although there was no evidence that the intervention led to increases in physical activity, this study supports the feasibility of a group-based physical activity strength intervention delivered via Zoom. Additional studies that include larger sample sizes and a longer intervention are needed to better understand the efficacy of the intervention.Registration/clinical trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05426070.