Effects of Different Physiotherapy Modalities on Insomnia and Depression in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Post-menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Menopause is the time that marks passing 12 months after last menstruation cycle in women between ages 40–50. Menopausal women have common symptoms such as: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood switching, depression and insomnia. The systematic review aims to determine the effects of different therapeutic and manual modalities on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Methodology After identifying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, adding our search term into 3 databases (PubMed, science open, and Cochrane), 3958 papers were identified. By using EndNote software, we excluded duplicates, unrelated, and non-full text papers. Thus, we included only 26 papers including 7 physiotherapy modalities: exercise, reflexology, footbath, walking, therapeutic and aromatherapy message, craniofacial message, and yoga. Results Most of the included modalities’ results showed a significant improvement in insomnia and depression symptoms in intervention group rather than control group. Conclusion Using non-pharmaceutical interventions such as physiotherapy have an overall positive impact on reducing insomnia and depression in menopause women.