Effects of a high-intensity functional exercise program on menopausal symptoms, physical performance, and dual-task performance in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

This study aims to examine the effects of a high-intensity functional exercise program on menopausal symptoms, physical performance, and dual-task performance in postmenopausal women. The study included 40 postmenopausal women aged 50–65. Participants were randomized into two groups: a high-intensity functional exercise (HIFE) group and a control group. Participants’ physical performance was assessed using a short physical performance battery (SPPB), and dual-task performance was assessed using simultaneous cognitive tasks during a 4-meter walk and a 30-second sit-to-stand test. The Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms, and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MSQOL) was used to assess health-related quality of life. Assessments were conducted at the beginning of the training and at the end of 8 weeks. The HIFE group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in SPPB total score, including 4-meter walk and chair sit-to-stand performance, compared with the control group (p 0.05). The study found that the HIFE program increased physical performance, reduced dual-task costs, and decreased somatic and psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, while also improving health-related quality of life. Our study demonstrated that HIFE is an effective exercise modality for improving physical performance, reducing menopausal symptoms, and enhancing cognitive-motor performance in postmenopausal women. NCT07471620, Registration date: 10/03/2026.