Foot and Ankle Strengthening Program to Improve Physical Function in Menopausal Women (FAMEX)

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Foot and ankle exercise program: A structured exercise program focused on strengthening intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, ankle stabilizers, and improving balance and functional performance. The program will be performed over a 12-week period.

Study summary

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a 12-week foot and ankle strengthening program on physical function and health-related quality of life in menopausal women.

Menopause is associated with hormonal changes that may negatively affect muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity, potentially leading to reduced mobility and increased risk of falls. Although exercise interventions have demonstrated benefits in this population, most programs focus on global lower-limb training and rarely target the foot and ankle complex, which plays a key role in postural stability and gait propulsion.

Approximately 60 menopausal women aged 45-65 years will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group performing a structured foot and ankle strengthening program or a control group maintaining their usual physical activity. The intervention will last 12 weeks and will include one supervised weekly session and four home-based sessions.

The primary outcome will be ankle plantarflexion isometric strength measured by hand-held dynamometry. Secondary outcomes will include ankle strength in other directions, intrinsic foot muscle function, gait speed, spatiotemporal gait parameters, balance, foot-related functional status, and health-related quality of life.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Isometric plantarflexion strength of the ankle — Baseline and 12 weeks
  Maximal isometric plantarflexion strength of the ankle measured using hand-held dynamometry. Participants will perform maximal voluntary contractions in a standardized seated position with the knee flexed at 90° and the ankle in neutral position. Two trials of 3-5 seconds will be performed and the highest value will be recorded. Strength will be expressed in kilograms (Kg).

Trial sites (1)

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