Daily physical activity and hot flashes in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Flashes Study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of physical activity in menopausal hot flashes.


METHODS
Physiologic hot flash monitor and activity monitor over two 48-hour periods, with self-report in an electronic diary.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
51 midlife women.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Physiologically detected hot flashes and reported hot flashes with and without physiologic corroboration.


RESULTS
Competing models conceptualize physical activity as a risk or protective factor for hot flashes, but few studies have examined this relationship prospectively using physiologic measures of hot flashes and physical activity. When physiologic hot flashes, reported hot flashes, and reported hot flashes without physiologic corroboration were related to activity changes using hierarchic generalized linear modeling, adjusting for potential confounders, hot flash reports without physiologic corroboration were more likely after activity increases, particularly among women with higher levels of depressive symptoms. No other types of hot flashes were related to physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute increases in physical activity were associated with increased reporting of hot flashes that lacked physiologic corroboration, particularly among women with depressive symptoms. Clinicians should consider the role of symptom perception and reporting in relations between physical activity and hot flashes.
Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: gibsoncj@upmc.edu.
Carolyn
C
Gibson
Departments of Psychiatry, Epidemiology, and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Karen
K
Matthews
Departments of Psychiatry, Epidemiology, and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rebecca
R
Thurston
D056044:Actigraphy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
Hot flashes; menopause; physical activity