title: Resistance training for hot flushes in postmenopausal women: Randomized controlled trial protocol.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hot flushes and night sweats affect 75% of all women after menopause and is a common reason for decreased quality of life in mid-aged women. Hormone therapy is effective in ameliorating symptoms but cannot be used by all women due to contraindications and side effects. Engagement in regular exercise is associated with fewer hot flushes in observational studies, but aerobic exercise has not proven effective in randomized controlled trials. It remains to be determined whether resistance training is effective in reducing hot flushes and improves quality of life in symptomatic postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of standardized resistance training on hot flushes and other health parameters in postmenopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is an open, parallel-group, randomized controlled intervention study conducted in Linköping, Sweden. Sixty symptomatic and sedentary postmenopausal women with a mean of at least four moderate to severe hot flushes per day or 28 per week will be randomized to an exercise intervention or unchanged physical activity (control group). The intervention consists of 15 weeks of standardized resistance training performed three times a week under supervision of a physiotherapist.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome is hot flush frequency assessed by self-reported hot flush diaries, and the difference in change from baseline to week 15 will be compared between the intervention group and the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intention is that this trial will contribute to the evidence base regarding effective treatment for hot flushes.
authors: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
authors: Emilia
authors: E
authors: Berin
authors: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
authors: Mats L
authors: ML
authors: Hammar
authors: Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE- 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
authors: Hanna
authors: H
authors: Lindblom
authors: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
authors: Lotta
authors: L
authors: Lindh-Åstrand
authors: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. Electronic address: anna-clara.spetz.holm@liu.se.
authors: Anna-Clara E
authors: AC
authors: Spetz Holm
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D055070:Resistance Training; D013546:Sweating; D013548:Sweden
keywords: Exercise; Hot flashes; Menopause; Resistance training; Study protocol; Vasomotor symptoms