When, why and for whom there is a relationship between physical activity and menopause symptoms.

Objectives: The relationship between enhanced physical activity and decreased menopause symptoms is equivocal. In this study we sought to better understand this relationship by examining the association of physical activity to different symptom domains and by examining mediating and moderating variables.

Study Design: Women participating in a randomized control trial on physical activity were given a menopause symptom measure (MENQOL) at follow-up.

Outcomes from the women's wellness project: a community-focused physical activity trial for women.

Background: Given the low rates of physical activity participation, innovative intervention approaches are needed to make a public health impact.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Miriam Hospital/Brown Medical School in Providence, RI, and in communities of Southeastern Massachusetts from 2002 to 2005. Previously sedentary women (n = 280; mean age = 47.