Effect and Predictors for Hot Flush in Women Undergoing Static Stretching Exercise
Effect and Predictors for Hot Flush in Women Undergoing Static Stretching Exercise
This study investigates the effect and predictors of static stretching exercise on hot flush
 in women after performing 4-week stretching exercises.
Hot flush (HF) is the most common symptom among menopausal syndrome and can significantly
 affect women's quality of life. Considering the risk of hormone therapy, the behavioral
 therapies have been proposed for the alternative treatment of HF. However, the exercise
 prescription for women with HF is controversial. Previous studies show the inconsistent
 effect of aerobic exercise on HF, and a moderate-to-high intensity exercise seems to
 aggravate HF frequency and severity. Recent studies have shown that static stretching
 exercise could improve HF in middle-aged women, but the related research is quite few, and
 the physiological mechanism as well as predictors for responders who can benefit from
 stretching exercise are still not clear. The knowledge of predictors for responders will
 provide clinicians and clients with HF symptoms to choose static stretching exercise as their
 treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Age between 20-65 years old.

 2. With hot flashes.

 3. No current therapies such as hormone therapy, psychotropic medications, or sleeping
 pills for the past 6 months.

 4. With ability to follow instructions of stretching exercise.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. SBP >160 mmHg or DBP >100 mmHg

 2. Medical condition under investigation or unstable condition that could affect hot
 flashes, like thyroid disease.

 3. Any medical condition limiting the ability to participate the exercise.