Date of Award

Summer 8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Exercise Science

Committee Director

Natalie M. Yarish

Committee Member

Heather M. Hamilton

Committee Member

Kristin E. Heron

Abstract

Menopausal symptoms are common during midlife and may be associated with females' physical activity (PA) participation, yet how these symptoms relate to PA levels, perceived confidence and enjoyment, and psychosocial resources such as social support (SS), exercise identity, and quality of life (QOL) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine how menopausal symptom severity relates to PA levels, perceived confidence and enjoyment during PA, and psychosocial factors, including SS, exercise identity, and QOL. This cross-sectional study surveyed 151 midlife females aged 40 to 60 who reported engaging in intentional PA at least once per week. Participants completed an online survey including the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Self-Administered Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (SMAQ), the Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS), the Social Support for Exercise Survey (SSES), the Exercise Identity Scale (EIS), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Spearman correlations, simple linear regression, and simultaneous multiple linear regression were used to examine associations among menopausal symptoms, SS, exercise identity, QOL, and self-reported PA. Perceived symptom impact was summarized descriptively. Contrary to the hypothesis, greater menopausal symptom severity was not associated with lower PA; instead, symptom severity showed a weak positive association with PA and was the only variable significantly associated with PA in the multiple regression model. Descriptively, menopausal symptoms were highly prevalent and were commonly perceived as negatively affecting PA confidence, enjoyment, intensity, and ease of participation. Social support was positively associated with PA at the bivariate level but was not significantly associated with PA when accounting for the other variables in the multiple regression model, and exercise identity and QOL were not significantly associated with PA in the multiple regression model. These findings suggest that midlife females may remain physically active even while experiencing symptoms that make activity feel more difficult, less enjoyable, or less confidence-building, and that self-reported PA participation and the perceived experience of being active should be considered separately. Findings support the need for flexible, symptom-aware, and socially supportive approaches to PA promotion for midlife females.

ISBN

9798193214571

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