Self-worth and the benefits of physical activity in menopause

Physical activity enhances quality of life (QOL). Researchers from The Pennsylvania State University, in University Park evaluated the influence of physical self-worth and positive affect on this relationship.

First, the details.

• Middle-aged women who had participated in a 4-month study of walking and yoga answered a mail-in survey 2 years later.
• The survey included a series of psychological and physical activity questions, on menopausal symptoms and menopause-related QOL.

And, the results.

• Physical activity and menopausal symptoms were related to physical self-worth and positive affect.
• Greater levels of physical self-worth and positive affect were associated with higher levels of menopause-related QOL.
• Increases in physical activity and decreases in menopausal symptoms over the 2 years were related to increases in physical self-worth.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The effects of physical activity on QOL are mediated, in part, by intermediate psychological outcomes and that physical activity can have long-term benefits for women undergoing the menopausal transition.”

10/29/09 20:37 JR