Moving through menopause: a mixed methods study of UK women’s experiences of being physically active during the menopause life stage

Objective: There is growing evidence for the benefits of physical activity during the menopause life stage. However, limited research has explored physical activity behavior of UK women. Using a mixed-methods approach, 2 phases of research were undertaken to: (1) assess physical activity levels and examine the relationship with menopausal symptoms, and (2) use the COM-B theoretical framework to understand the influence of “Capability, Opportunity and Motivation” on physical activity Behavior. Methods: In phase 1, participants completed an online survey (n = 655; mean age = 49.9 y). Descriptive analyses were supplemented with χ 2 tests, with Bonferroni correction. In phase 2, 4 online focus groups (n = 24; mean age = 52.7 y) were undertaken and thematically analyzed. Results: In phase 1, 75% reported achieving 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity/week, although 57% reported activity levels had decreased during the menopause life stage. Twelve out of 14 symptoms were experienced by >50%, with changes in mood and brain fog most common (>80%). There was no significant difference in the proportion meeting the moderate to vigorous physical activity guidelines between those women who did or did not experience individual symptoms, although for 10/14 symptoms, >50% indicated a negative impact on likelihood to engage in activity. In phase 2, capability (eg, menopausal symptoms), opportunity (eg, social support), and motivation (eg, low confidence) were all influential on behavior. Conclusion: These findings enhance our understanding of UK women’s experiences of being physically active during the menopause, and provide insight into potential intervention strategies to support women to be active at that time.