Aerobic exercise, widely practiced by postmenopausal women, is described as effective in reducing some typical symptoms of this period. Urinary complaints, particularly those related to continence, are among the most common complaints in this population.

Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on urinary complaints in postmenopausal women.

This is a clinical trial that included women in the postmenopausal period. All participants followed a 12-week aerobic exercise protocol, which included warm-up, walking, and cooling down three times a week for 50 minutes, with an increase in intensity every 4 weeks. Before and after the 12 weeks, participants were assessed regarding the impact of urinary complaints on quality of life using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The Wilcoxon test was applied to compare the differences between the ICIQ-SF questionnaire scores (questions 3, 4, 5, and total score) before and after the intervention.

Thirty-five women were included in the study (mean age: 57.5 years, SD: 7.05). The results showed a significant difference only for question 3 of the ICIQ-SF, which refers to the frequency of urinary leakage (p = 0.046), suggesting a reduction in the frequency of urinary complaints after the aerobic intervention. No significant differences were found for other variables after the intervention (p > 0.05).

It is concluded that aerobic exercise led to a slight improvement in urinary complaints in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to better understand the impacts of aerobic exercise.

Aerobic exercise (such as walking) is a low-cost intervention widely practiced by this population. The results of this study may influence how postmenopausal women are guided and treated regarding their urinary complaints.