Plain language summary
The decline in oestrogen with perimenopause is associated with decline in muscle mass and function which in turn increases the risk of falls, a major concern for postmenopausal women. Balance is important in the prevention of falls. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis, including 26 randomised controlled studies with 1560 participants, was to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on balance in peri- and postmenopausal women. Outcome measures and interventions varied across the included studies. Whole body vibration training (a form of passive exercise through standing on a vibrating platform) showed the most consistent benefits of balance although this was based on a small number of small trials. Other types of exercise (resistance and balance training and a combination of resistance, aerobic and balance training) also showed some benefits but not across all outcome measures. The authors conclude that exercise should be considered for peri-and postmenopausal women to improve balance.
Abstract
In addition to a range of physiological and psychological symptoms, menopause causes a decrement to balance performance and risk of falls. This review aimed to determine the effects of exercise interventions on balance in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women. Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. Randomised, controlled trials of exercise interventions in perimenopausal or early postmenopausal populations with an average age of 65 years or younger reporting balance measures were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. A random effects model network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of exercise on balance. Standardised mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals were used as the measure of effect. Twenty-six studies were included after screening. Network meta-analyses were conducted for 5 balance variables. Whole-body vibration (standardised mean difference: 2.25, confidence interval: 0.08; 4.43), balance (standardised mean difference: 1.84, confidence interval: 0.15; 3.53), balance + nutrition (standardised mean difference: 3.81, confidence interval: 1.57; 6.05) and resistance (standardised mean difference: 1.43, confidence interval: 0.41; 2.46) exercise improved Berg balance scale performance. Resistance + aerobic + balance exercise improved one-leg stance (standardised mean difference: 0.80, confidence interval: 0.39; 1.22) and whole-body vibration improved anterior-posterior (standardised mean difference: -0.89, confidence interval: -1.48; -0.31), medio-lateral (standardised mean difference: -0.58, confidence interval: -1.15; -0.01) postural sway and falls indices (standardised mean difference: -0.75, confidence interval: -1.45; -0.04). Exercise improved all balance measures and should be considered as an adjunct therapy in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Whole-body vibration was most frequently the highest ranked intervention; resistance and balance training also improved balance.
Methodological quality
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