Year: 2023 | Month: November | Volume: 13 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 76-88
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20231111
Effects of Light-Intensity Stretching on Menopausal and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged Women: Experimental Study
Narayani Nagare1, Dr. Omeshree Meshram2, Dr. Shweta Phadke3, Dr. Pranati Tilak4
1Intern, TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai - 410210, Maharashtra, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Community Physiotherapy TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai-410210, Maharashtra, India
3Principal, TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai-410210, Maharashtra, India
4Director, TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai-410210, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding Author: Narayani Nagare
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Natural menopause, characterized by the cessation of menstruation due to ovarian follicular inactivity, often leads to various symptoms, including hot flashes and depressive mood. Exercise has shown promise in alleviating these symptoms, with light-intensity stretching being a potential solution. This study examines the effects of light-intensity stretching on menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women, exploring physiological mechanisms involved.
Objectives: To evaluate impact of light-intensity stretching on menopausal and depressive symptoms and quality of life in middle-aged women. Specific objectives include assessing changes in symptom severity using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
Method: Employing experimental design and convenient sampling, 58 women aged 45-55 are divided into control and stretching groups based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measures include MRS, HDRS, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A 3-week intervention involves sham stretching for controls and group-based light-intensity stretching for the others.
Results: The stretching group experiences significant reductions in menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life, evident in MRS domain sub-scores and total scores. HDRS scores also show substantial decreases in depressive symptoms compared to the control group
Conclusion: Light intensity stretching notably alleviates menopausal and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. Enhanced parasympathetic activity, reduced sympathetic activity, improved circulation, muscle relaxation, stress reduction, altered pain perception, and endorphin release are key physiological mechanisms. Positive effects extend to urogenital symptoms, underscoring its holistic benefits for women's overall quality of life.
Key words: Menopausal Symptoms, Light-Intensity Stretching, Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, Middle-Aged Women, Physiological Mechanisms