Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with hormonal changes that may impair cognitive function, physical performance, and quality of life. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor that may reduce age-related changes. Aims: This study aimed to assess the physical activity, cognitive function, agility, and quality of life of postmenopausal women and to evaluate the interrelationships among these variables. Settings and Design: A pilot study was conducted among community-living women in Southern Karnataka. Methods and Materials: Postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with at least 12 months of menopause were recruited using convenience sampling. Physical activity, cognitive function, agility, and quality of life were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. Results: Physical activity showed a very weak positive correlation with cognitive function (r=0.032, p=0.906) and a moderate positive correlation with agility (r=0.484, p=0.057). A moderate negative correlation was observed with the vasomotor domain of QoL (r=-0.604, p=0.013). No correlations were found between the psychosocial, physical, sexual, or overall QoL domains. Conclusions: Higher physical activity levels were associated with improved vasomotor QoL. However, no significant association was observed between physical activity and cognitive function, agility, or QoL. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

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