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Preprint
The LIFE Study: a cross-sectional study protocol for LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing
medRxiv, Vol.30 January 2026
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
2026
Abstract
The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of multiple 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 behaviors across menopause 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 develop an understanding of how hormonal and lifestyle factor differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health. A total of 165 women aged between 40-65 years have been recruited and classified into pre, peri or postmenopausal groups. Body composition measures and blood glucose 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 log 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 including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, RuSATED, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Australian Eating Survey. The LIFE study aims to firstly determine how differences in lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, diet and sleep) across menopause influence chronic systemic inflammation and visceral adiposity. Secondly, to determine the association between chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, and cognitive function, elucidating the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and menopausal symptoms. Collectively this will provide an understanding and characterization of lifestyle behaviors and links to inflammatory markers, cognition, mental health and sleep health in pre, peri and postmenopausal women that will inform targeted strategies to improve long-term, wellbeing, 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
- Laura E Pernoud - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicineJamie Noll - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicinePaul A Gardiner - The University of QueenslandMelinda Dean - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicineKathryn M Broadhouse - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingMeegan Walker - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise ScienceHattie H Wright - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsAnthony Villani - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsJoseph J Scott - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary AccessAlexandra Metse - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyMia Schaumberg (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
- Publication details
- medRxiv, Vol.30 January 2026
- Publisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.64898/2026.01.28.26344893v1
- Copyright note
- The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.
- Grants
- Understanding the acute myokine response to resistance exercise in older adults for longevity and disease prevention., 0980027690, University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
- Grant note
- M.D. L.P is supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation scholarship, J.N was supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Higher Degree by Research Program Support Grant.
- 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
- 991212980102621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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