Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Volunteers needed for menopause study
Dr Nova Deighton-Smith, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Leeds School of Social Sciences, says it’s important that women feel heard: “At the moment all the information around exercise and perimenopause is very medical in its focus, but I want to understand lived experiences and hear from those experiencing perimenopause about how strength and resistance exercise impacts on their wellbeing, symptoms and overall health.
“In the world of social media, exercise is often promoted as a means of managing weight or improving our appearance and strength training can sometimes be seen as a typically male-focused form of exercise, even in later life. My study will directly contribute to an under-researched field that has often overlooked subjective experiences of health, appearance and fitness during the perimenopausal period, looking at the benefits in alleviating the symptoms and empowering those going through it.
“It’s also vital to me that we hear from non-binary and trans people who are going through this – we want to hear from a diverse range of voices, and these are often overlooked despite the NICE guidelines having been updated to be more inclusive.”
Dr Deighton-Smith aims to use her research to develop resources that practitioners can use to help their clients.
“Early recognition and increased awareness of both the physical and psychological benefits of strength training may substantially improve menopausal outcomes and experiences through the transition. But to date, there is very little research that has explored the social and cultural barriers that may prevent those going through perimenopause from engaging in strength training, or the role of online health information and media messaging in which our health and fitness journeys are often embedded. This study aims to be more inclusive of all those experiencing menopausal symptoms, which will have implications for further academic research, clinical practice and for those working with clients.”
The survey will run for around six months and the criteria to take part are:
- Aged 18 +
- Engage in some form of strength or resistance training
- Are experiencing some menopausal symptoms
- English speaking
If you would like your voice to be heard and help empower others then please visit the link.