Bone health research programme explained

The Menopaus’ull Support Network is a 12-month funded project that will support women before, during and after the Menopause. It will include educational workshops, peer to peer support get togethers, exercise classes and a tailored bone health research programme in partnership with the University of Hull.

The University of Hull is committed to promoting better physical and mental health in the local region and beyond. Prof Natalie Vanicek is a researcher in clinical biomechanics in Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Hull. Her interests involve understanding the mechanics of human movement and making evidence-based recommendations for improved physical function and quality-of-life through exercise. Natalie is especially interested in using exercise to maintain health, especially bone health, in women across the ages and has experience of developing group-based community exercise programmes for specific adult groups in Hull.

Natalie currently works with the University Sports Centre to deliver a specialised exercise programme for people following amputation. The programme is the first of its kind and featured by the largest national charity for civilians living with lower limb loss (Limbless Association) in a virtual capacity. She also has collaborated with local charity OSPREY (Osteoporosis Research in East Yorkshire) to help women in the local region affected by osteoporosis, which is a bone disease that commonly affects women following menopause. Natalie will draw on her vast network of colleagues across the University and local NHS Trust to help deliver a bespoke programme targeted to meet the needs of women before, during and after the menopause.    

This new partnership between the Neighbourhood Network and the University offers a unique opportunity to share expert knowledge to to deliver an exciting programme of activities tailored to the needs identified by women locally. Natalie will contribute her knowledge in setting up a bespoke exercise programme delivered by expert staff in the University Sport Centre virtually and/or face-to-face. For example, participants will receive regular feedback on their physical progress, which can be a strong motivator to continue participation, especially for people who might not otherwise engage in physical activity.

During December 2021, the team will be seeking individuals who would like to get involved in a tailored 4–6-month exercise programme, to research into how exercise can improve bone health during the menopause. The programme will involve attending two free exercise sessions per week for a 4–6-month period and involve assessments throughout this time, which will begin in January 2022. The team are especially seeking people who are at risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. If you are interested in taking part in this programme, please email office@nnetwork.org.uk.

Further details about the programme and eligibility criteria to take part will launch in the coming weeks.