Supporting women, girls and people who menstruate to participate in physical activity – Rapid evidence summary

Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases and has a negative effect on mental health and quality of life. Women, girls and people who menstruate living in Wales are less likely to engage in regular physical activity than boys and men. The aim of this rapid evidence summary is to identify research focusing on physical activity participation (including exercise and sport) of women, girls and people who menstruate in relation to the menstrual cycle, to inform the Welsh Government Period Proud Action Plan. Results 42 reports were identified, including overviews of reviews, systematic reviews, a scoping review, organisational reports, and primary studies. The secondary research evidence was published between 2008 and 2024 with the most recent searches being conducted in September 2023. The primary studies were published between 2020 and 2022. The organisational reports were published between 2018 and 2024. Research Implications and Evidence Gaps There is a need for interventions that could support physical activity participation (including exercise or sport) of women, girls and people who menstruate in relation to the menstrual cycle. These interventions need to consider and address barriers that women, girls and people who menstruate face in relation to their menstrual cycle, and robust evaluations are required to determine effectiveness. Funding statement The Cardiff Evidence Synthesis Collaborative were funded for this work by the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, itself funded by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of Welsh Government.