SEDENTARY time and reduced physical activity are linked to an elevation in the frequency of hot flashes, according to Sarah Witkowski, Department of Exercise and Sport Studies, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.
Hot flashes, commonly also known as hot flushes, are characterised by sudden warmth in the chest, neck, and face, along with sweating and rapid heart rate. They are a common occurrence amongst females experiencing menopause, and whilst the precise cause is elusive, they are believed to be the result of hormone changes. In this study, Witkowski and colleagues aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and hot flashes, during both waking and sleeping periods.
Overall, 196 females, aged between 45–55 years, were recruited and had their physical activity and hot flush experiences monitored. The latter was assessed using sternal skin conductance, logs for hot flash perception, and humidity recordings, amongst others. Regarding the analysis, generalised linear regression modelling was used to evaluate the impact of physical activity types and sedentary time on hot flush outcomes, whilst isotemporal substitution modelling was used to study the effect (if any) of replacing sedentary time with physical activity on flash frequency.
Notably, increasing sitting time by 1 hour was linked to a 7% increase in the rate of objectively reported hot flashes. Replacing 1 hour of sitting with 1 hour of vigorous activity was associated with a 100% increase subjectively, but not objectively, in measured waking hot flashes. Finally, no substantial link was found for the effect of temperature or humidity on any hot flash outcome.
As urged by the researchers, this study provides clear quantitative data for the importance of physical activity in minimising hot flashes in menopause.
