Journal article
The LIFE study: a cross-sectional study protocol for LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing
BMJ Open, Vol.16(6), pp.1-16
2026
PMID: 42276812
Abstract
Introduction: The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviours play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to characterise how hormonal and lifestyle (physical activity, diet and sleep) differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health.
Methods and analysis: Women aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited and classified into pre, peri or postmenopausal groups. Body composition measures and blood samples were collected. Sleep and physical activity were objectively measured using activPAL4 and ActiGraph GT9X link accelerometer over 7 days. Participants were also provided with a sleep diary. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Participants completed a series of questionnaires: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, RuSATED, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Australian Eating Survey.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was received from the relevant University Human Research Ethics Committee (ethics approval number #S221718) prior to the commencement of the research project. Data collection is ongoing and expected to be completed by April 2026. Results are expected to be available from July 2026. Findings will be disseminated in national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals and expected to inform how differences in lifestyle behaviours across menopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity and cognitive function. Understanding and characterising the links between lifestyle behaviours and menopausal symptoms will inform targeted strategies to improve long-term well-being, heart, brain and metabolic health.
Details
- Title
- The LIFE study: a cross-sectional study protocol for LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing
- Authors
- Joseph J Scott - University of the Sunshine CoastLaura E Pernoud - University of the Sunshine CoastJamie Noll - University of the Sunshine CoastPaul A Gardiner - The University of QueenslandMelinda Dean - University of the Sunshine CoastKathryn M Broadhouse - University of the Sunshine CoastMeegan Walker - University of the Sunshine CoastHattie H Wright - University of the Sunshine CoastAnthony Villani - University of the Sunshine CoastAlexandra Metse - University of the Sunshine CoastMia Schaumberg (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- BMJ Open, Vol.16(6), pp.1-16
- Publisher
- BMJ Group
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-106377
- ISSN
- 2044-6055
- PMID
- 42276812
- Copyright note
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Nursing; School of Education and Tertiary Access; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991239199902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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