No Time to Pause: Physical Activity to Improve Health of Midlife Hispanic Women

The menopausal transition in midlife is a critical juncture where women experience life transitions and adverse physiological and psychological changes that increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in later life. Physical activity improves blood pressure, biomarkers of hypertension, sleep, mood, and well-being; however, Hispanic women meet physical activity recommendations at lower levels than non-Hispanic White women. The investigator will examine the feasibility of the physical activity intervention among sedentary midlife Hispanic women in the menopausal transition with elevated blood pressure, exploring changes in physical activity and health.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Hispanic by self-report
• Able to speak and read English
• Sedentary
• Age 45-50
• Diagnosed with elevated blood pressure or objectively measured systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg averaged from ≥ 2 measures on ≥ 2 outpatient visits
• Symptoms consistent with the menopause transition (persistent difference of ≥7 days in the length of consecutive cycles; persistence is defined as recurrence within 10 cycles of the first variable length cycle)
• Apparently healthy
• Self-reported ability to engage in moderate intensity physical activity
• Access to a smart device that is compatible with a Fitbit application

Exclusion criteria

• Self-reported physical activity of ≥150 minutes per week
• Answered yes to any question on the Physical Activity Readiness (PAR-Q+) questionnaire
• Post-menopausal (12-months without a menstrual cycle)
• Diagnosed hypertension
• Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal and/or psychiatric diseases, or any cancers
• Previous hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and/or uterine ablation
• Medication to treat hypertension, elevated glucose, cholesterol, depression, anxiety, and insomnia
• Hormonal medication via any route or implants
• Tamoxifen
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Planning to move out of the Galveston/Houston area in the next 18 months
• Current participation in another physical activity study or program