Nurs Open. 2026 Feb;13(2):e70350. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70350.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Around 1.3 million US women enter menopause annually, with 75%-80% experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) impacting mood, sleep, and cognition. VMS may contribute to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of female mortality. Limited research suggests behavioural interventions, especially Asian mind-body exercises, may alleviate VMS and other menopausal symptoms. This scoping review explores the literature on the effects of Asian mind-body exercises on VMS and related symptoms in this population.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to map the current literature on the effects of Asian mind-body exercises on VMS and other menopausal symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women, addressing the existing knowledge gap and providing recommendations for healthcare interventions and future research.
METHODS: Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we will utilise the framework by Arksey and O'Malley, adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines for transparency and reproducibility for scoping reviews and searches. We will use Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation) to screen and extract studies. Citation management and duplicate detection and removal will be accomplished with EndNote (Clarivate Analytics).
DISCUSSION AND RESEARCH SPIN-OFFS: This research will identify gaps, clarify definitions, and inform future research directions, providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based insights to support the implementation of Asian mind-body exercises for women in peri- and post-menopause. By doing so, it aims to advance culturally responsive and effective strategies that address the specific health needs of women during this life stage.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings from this scoping review may be used in clinical healthcare recommendations integrating traditional Asian mind-body exercise for vasomotor symptoms and other menopausal symptoms.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This will be a scoping review study.
PMID:41656500 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70350