Physical activity and reproductive health problems in young adult women

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with reductions in the risk of a large number of non-communicable chronic diseases. Relationships between physical activity and reproductive health outcomes are however less understood. Recent evidence suggests that low levels of leisure time physical activity may increase the risk of menstrual irregularities and infertility, especially if coupled with overweight or obesity.  In the context of decreasing levels of physical activity, increasing rates of overweight and obesity and the increasing numbers of young women seeking help for fertility problems, it is important to understand whether physical activity could help with the prevention and management of reproductive health problems, with or without weight loss. The project will be conducted in three stages: (1) a systematic review of the extant literature; (2) secondary analysis of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health; and (3) a pilot intervention trial to assess the efficacy of a novel intervention to promote improved reproductive health.

Funding body: UQ internal initiatives- UQ Research Scholarship & UQ Development Fellowship 2018