A Community-Based Wellness Program to Increase Exercise Adherence For Menopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

Evidence exists that long-term commitment to an exercise routine is beneficial. Contrarily, there is a notable lack in exercise adherence among menopausal and postmenopausal women. Though research has thoroughly examined the reasons why menopausal and postmenopausal women may not be committed to an exercise routine, it remains unclear what motivates those who are adherent. This pilot study employed a mixed-methods design through administering surveys and conducting in-person focus group interviews. Additionally, an 8-week buddy system was implemented to assess the role of social support and its effect on exercise adherence. For quantitative data collection, a total of 7 participants enrolled in the study with, 6 participants submitting complete data. For qualitative data collection, a total of 5 participants volunteered to take part in the focus group interviews. Social Support Theory guided this study in understanding how social networks influenced exercise adherence among menopausal and postmenopausal women during a life stage often marked by symptoms that can impact overall quality of life. Findings from the quantitative data analysis may suggest that women who experienced symptoms of menopause had greater exercise self-efficacy. Results from the qualitative data analysis provided a deeper understanding into the reasons why menopausal and postmenopausal women remained committed to an exercise routine and revealed how the women used motivational self-talk as a cognitive process in overcoming challenges to showing up to their exercise classes. This pilot study laid the foundation for a larger study to be conducted which may include health education sessions and expanding the inclusion criteria to include participants who are not already adherent to an exercise routine to compare to those who are. Furthermore, a future exercise adherence model was developed that could be potentially put into practice at local community-based wellness facilities. Keywords: menopause, postmenopausal, exercise adherence, social support, buddy system, partner workout