Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
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Union3_1: Abstract presentations: Physical Activity Across the Life Course: From Chronic Conditions to Active Ageing Location: Grand Hotel Union Session Chair: Suzana Pustivšek | |
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10:43am - 10:53am
Postmenopausal Women’s Knowledge and Experiences of Physical Activity Guidance in Ireland Technological University of Shannon, Ireland Aim Menopause is a key stage in women’s ageing during which engagement in physical activity (PA) is particularly important1, 2. This study examined PA levels among postmenopausal women in Ireland and their knowledge, attitudes, healthcare professional advice, barriers, motivators to PA3,4, and experience of menopausal symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 630 postmenopausal women in Ireland. PA levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form and menopause symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale. A researcher developed questionnaire assessed knowledge of PA guidelines, healthcare professional advice and barriers and motivators for PA. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and open-ended responses using content analysis. Results Participants reported mean PA levels of 2647.7 ± 660 min/week with 41.7% highly active, 39.5% moderately active, and 18.7% with low PA levels. Attitudes toward PA were positive (97.7% rated it very or extremely important), although knowledge was limited with 27% and 29.5% correctly identifing aerobic and strength guidelines respectively. Health-related limitations and time constraints were the most common barriers to PA, while external support and health benefits were key motivators. Only 24.9% reported receiving PA advice from healthcare professionals. Menopause symptom severity differed significantly across PA levels, with higher symptoms reported among women with low PA (p = 0.012). Conclusions Despite positive attitudes, postmenopausal women reported limited knowledge of PA guidelines and low exposure to professional advice. Lower PA levels were associated with higher menopause symptom severity, highlighting the need for greater PA promotion in this population. | |
