Breathing Exercises on Depression in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Breathing Exercises on Depression and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women

Evaluate the effect of breathing exercises on depression and sexual function in postmenopausal women

Sixty postmenopausal women will be sourced from the Obstetrics & Gynecology outpatient clinic at El Mahalla El Kobra general hospital in Egypt, with referrals from gynecologists. Patients will be randomly assigned into two groups.

Study group: It will include 30 women participating in diaphragmatic breathing plus aerobic training.

Control group: It will include 30 women participating in aerobic training.

At baseline and poststudy, the following outcomes will be assessed:

1. Depression (Beck Depression Inventory II scale).
2. Sexual function (female sexual function index questionnaire).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimum of 3 years after menopause.
• Mild to moderate depression.
• Mild to moderate sexual dysfunction.
• Their ages will be ranged from 45 to 60 years old.
• Their BMI will be less than 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prolapse of the pelvic organs.
• Pelvic tumors.
• Vaginal infections.
• Musculoskeletal/ neurological limitations to exercise.
• Psychiatric disorders.
• Unstable cardiovascular conditions.
• Diabetes.