Effects of Physical Activity on Reducing Depression and Menopausal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: This study systematically reviewed the effects of physical activity on depression and various menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women. We aimed to identify as a useful intervention for mitigating physiological psychological challenges associated with menopause promoting healthy aging.Methods: Electronic searches were conducted MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library databases using predefined keywords “menopause” “physical activities”. Of 1,391 initial articles, 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1,692 women included.Results: Physical activities led reduction depressive symptoms, standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.60 (95% CI, -0.90 -0.30). Moreover, all except vasomotor decreased. Specifically, SMDs five subscales follows: total scores: -1.53 -2.57 -0.49); vasomotor: -0.76 0.00); psychological: -0.93 -1.62 -0.25); physical: -1.10 -1.77 -0.43); urogenital/sexual: -0.67 -1.23 -0.12).Conclusion: is beneficial transitioning from peri- post-menopause. Engagement can contribute maintenance overall health well-being during aging by reducing symptoms.