findings reinforce the importance of tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual health priorities and risk profiles, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.At the mechanistic end of the research spectrum, Dai et al. In conclusion, the studies presented in this Special Issue collectively reinforce exercise as a robust evidence-based and adaptable intervention to support women across the menopausal transition. By integrating mechanistic insight, innovative exercise modalities and global perspectives, this body of work advances the field towards more personalised, equitable and sustainable approaches to optimising health and well-being in midlife and beyond.Funding. This editorial was conceived and written whilst KAR was supported by a Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowship funded by the British Heart Foundation (grant number FS/CRERF/DJT/21/22501). The funder had no role in the conception, writing, or decision to publish this work.Competing interests. None declared.
Editorial26 February 2026
Editorial: Exercise and menopause: benefits, challenges and the transition to optimal management
PERSPECTIVE
18 December 2025
Gayathri Delanerolle, 1 more and Sohier Elneil
3 Authors
Boxing, traditionally a competitive sport, is increasingly recognised as a therapeutic exercise modality for women transitioning through perimenopause and menopause a life stage characterised by hormonal changes that can accelerate muscle loss, bone demineralisation, balance impairment, cardiovascular risk, weight gain, and mood fluctuations. Structured, non-contact fitness boxing integrates resistance, impact, and aerobic components, delivering multi-system benefits relevant to this population. Physically, boxing stimulates muscle protein synthesis, preserves lean mass, and provides weight-bearing stimuli to maintain bone density, thereby reducing fracture risk. Dynamic footwork and agility drills challenge proprioception and postural control, improving balance and lowering fall risk. The high-intensity cardiovascular demands enhance heart health, reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and assist with weight management. Physiologically, boxing's combined strength-endurance format boosts basal metabolic rate, improves insulin sensitivity, and moderates stress hormone levels, supporting metabolic health and resilience to menopause-related changes. Neuromuscular adaptations from complex motor sequences enhance coordination, reaction time, and functional independence. Neurologically, boxing promotes endorphin release and modulates key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, improving mood stability and reducing anxiety. Cognitive engagement through learning and executing punch combinations enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, supporting neuroplasticity, memory, and executive function. Emerging evidence positions non-contact boxing as a safe, engaging, and multi-dimensional exercise strategy for midlife women. It addresses physical, physiological, and neurocognitive domains in one intervention, offering healthcare and wellness professionals a practical, evidence-informed tool to promote strength, stability, cardiovascular fitness, and psychological well-being during the menopausal transition.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
10 November 2025
Tongyan Zhang, 4 more and Wenxue Yuan
6 Authors
- TZ
Tongyan Zhang
Faculty of Physical Education, Tomsk State University, Russia
- AV
Anastasiia V. Kabachkova
Faculty of Physical Education, Tomsk State University, Russia
- ZD
Zifu Deng
School of General Education, Dalian University of Technology, China
- YL
Yishu Liang
School of General Education, Dalian University of Technology, China
- ML
Meng Li
School of General Education, Dalian University of Technology, China
- WY
Wenxue Yuan
School of General Education, Dalian University of Technology, China
ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare and rank the effectiveness of various exercise interventions on metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors in postmenopausal women.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials investigating exercise effects on MetS risk factors in postmenopausal women were included. Two reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and strength of evidence. Analysis was performed by RStudio and Stata 16.0.ResultsThis study encompassed 142 RCTs with 7,967 women. The results of the network meta-analysis indicated that combined training (CT) had the greatest effect on body weight (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA] = 0.897), body mass index (SUCRA = 0.923) and triglyceride levels (SUCRA = 0.783); aerobic exercise (AE) had the most significant effect on body fat percentage (SUCRA = 0.856), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SUCRA = 0.765), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (SUCRA = 0.814); resistance training (RT) had the greatest effect on waist circumference (SUCRA = 0.834), glucose (SUCRA = 0.929),and total cholesterol levels (SUCRA = 0.776); mind-body exercise (MBE) had the most significant effect on diastolic blood pressure (SUCRA = 0.969), systolic blood pressure (SUCRA = 0.921), and adiponectin levels (SUCRA = 0.808).ConclusionAE, CT, RT, and MBE demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in improving different MetS risk factors in postmenopausal women. Selecting appropriate exercise modalities based on individual metabolic risk profiles and health goals is important to achieve optimal intervention outcomes. These findings provide valuable guidance for clinical practice. However, considering the limitations such as the low quality of evidence and high risk of bias in the included studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023456584, identifier CRD42023456584.
BackgroundCognitive complaints are commonly reported during menopause. Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and time-restricted eating, are being investigated for their potential role in supporting cognitive health during menopause. This study investigated the effect of combining time-restricted eating (16:8) with a resistance and endurance circuit training program on cognitive health, as assessed using a comprehensive multi-domain cognitive test battery, in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women.MethodsFifty-nine perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women were assigned into a combination group (exercise + time-restricted eating, n = 26) and into an exercise group (exercise only, n = 33). Assessments were performed before and after a 12-week period and included Stroop Test, N-back Test, assessment of BDNF and GDNF level, and EEG testing.ResultsReading interference tendency in Stroop Test improved significantly in the exercise group (p = 0.026) while there were no changes in the combination group. Working time in Stroop Test decreased significantly in both groups (p = 0.025 – exercise group; p = 0.032 – combination group). Resting-state theta activity (eyes closed) and N-back test-related brain activity increased significantly only in the exercise group (p = 0.043). There were no significant changes in naming interference tendency in Stroop Test, N-back test results, BDNF level and GDNF level in any group.ConclusionCombination of time-restricted eating and exercise does not result in superior improvements in cognitive health markers when compared with exercise alone in menopausal women. These results highlight the central role of physical exercise in maintaining cognitive health during menopause and suggest that adding time-restricted eating may not provide added value in this context. Future studies should investigate the underlying mechanisms through which multimodal lifestyle interventions may influence cognitive health in menopausal populations.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06138015, identifier NCT06138015.