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iCareiMove Partners with University of Exeter to improve lives for menopausal women

A new NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Brain Health-funded study will test a digital approach to support cognitive health, sleep, and mental wellbeing during menopause.

Written by Rachael Butler

iCareiMove announces a new research partnership with the University of Exeter and the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Brain Health and Sustainable Innovation. This collaboration will explore the feasibility of a digital intervention designed to address some of the most significant and under-served health challenges faced by women during menopause: cognitive decline, poor mental health, disrupted sleep, and reduced physical activity.

The Challenge

Menopause-related health challenges are increasingly recognised as public health priorities, yet access to evidence-based, scalable support remains limited. The evidence shows:

  • Menopause represents a major population level health transition with wide reaching implications for public health, healthcare systems, and socioeconomic participation (The Lancet 2024).
  • Around two-thirds of women report cognitive concerns, such as memory loss or difficulties concentrating, during the menopause transition.
  • Between 40% and 56% of menopausal women report difficulty sleeping, one of the most common symptoms of the menopause according to the British Menopause Society.
  • New research from the University of Cambridge links menopause to reductions in grey matter volume in key brain regions, as well as increased levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance.

The Opportunity

  • Evidence suggests that regular physical activity, particularly strength, balance, and functional exercise, can improve physical function, sleep, mobility, confidence, and quality of life in peri- and post-menopausal women (Bondarev and Sipila 2020; Hybholt 2022; Mar et al. 2023).
  • Exercise and movement-based approaches are increasingly recognised as important preventative strategies for supporting healthy ageing and reducing later-life risks such as falls, frailty, and loss of independence (Bondarev and Sipila 2020; Kojima et al. 2022; Mar et al. 2023; Walsh, Delextrat, and Bibbey 2023).
  • However, there is a lack of accessible, preventative, and lifestyle focused menopause support creating an opportunity to develop evidence-based digital interventions that can improve health outcomes at scale.

“Through our training programmes and a support community of almost 3,000 women, iCareiMove has seen first-hand how deeply menopause affects cognitive health, sleep, and mental wellbeing. This collaboration with the University of Exeter gives us the evidence base to turn what we know works into a scalable digital programme, and we are proud to have the support of the NIHR in doing so.” – Helen Tite, Founder, iCareiMove

About the Feasibility Study

The feasibility study will support the development and initial testing of a digital menopause intervention that builds upon iCareiMove’s established falls prevention programme. A 12-week digitally delivered programme integrating three interconnected components:

  • A structured movement and exercise programme focused on mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, and functional confidence.
  • A behavioural support component incorporating self-monitoring, reflection, guidance, and motivational support.
  • A moderated online peer community intended to reduce isolation, normalise menopause experiences, and support ongoing engagement.

The study aims to improve cognitive function, mental health, sleep quality, and physical activity levels among postmenopausal women.

The first stage of the study will focus on four key areas:

  1. Literature review and co-developing a Theory of Change model to underpin the intervention
  2. Setting up the digital platform
  3. Recruiting participants from the PROTECT Study pPlatform for initial testing.
  4. Gathering feedback, via focus groups, on usability and engagement to inform further development

The study is designed to be transparent and robust in its processes, with the rigour of academic partnership ensuring results can credibly inform the wider development of the programme.

Dr Jonathan Huntley, Associate Professor at the University of Exeter and NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health, said: “Women often experience changes in memory, concentration, sleep and mental wellbeing during menopause, yet there is still relatively little evidence about which digital interventions are most effective.

This partnership brings together iCareiMove’s extensive practical experience supporting women through menopause with the University’s expertise in brain health research and intervention evaluation. By recruiting through the PROTECT platform, we can evaluate whether this approach is feasible and engaging for women across the UK. If successful, this work will provide the evidence needed to support larger clinical studies and could ultimately help develop a scalable intervention that improve women’s health and healthy brain ageing”.

The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Brain Health and Sustainable Innovation, are part of the wider national NIHR HealthTech Research Centre Network, which brings together 14 specialist centres across England. The Network supports the development, evaluation and adoption of innovative healthcare technologies, helping to accelerate their journey from research into clinical practice and improve patient care.

To find out more, contact info@icareimove.com.

 

Proudly part of the Future Fit Group, iCareiMove, provide specialist health and wellbeing services designed to enhance quality of life for midlife and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, including trusted partnerships with the NHS, Local Authorities and private sector clients we improve individuals through education, movement, and lifestyle support. We deliver innovative programmes and training that help people thrive through life stages such as menopause, ageing, and beyond. Our expert-led bespoke programmes are dedicated to empowering people with the skills and knowledge they need.

This holistic approach not only improves quality of life but also supports a more efficient, caring environment. Together, we can foster safer, stronger, and more empowered communities.

Partner summary:

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has funded 14 new HealthTech Research Centres across the UK, including the HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Brain Health based at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and the University of Exeter. This Centre aims to expedite the development and integration of emerging technologies in the field of brain health, with a focus on swiftly delivering benefits to patients. The HRC in Brain Health will support new technologies to reduce the impact of dementia on society. The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Sustainable Innovation is a partnership between the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Exeter, focused on accelerating innovation in patient-focused healthcare technologies to improve care and support NHS sustainability.

This project is funded through the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

About NIHR

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

  • Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care.
  • Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services.
  • Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research.
  • Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges.
  • Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system.
  • Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK international development funding from the UK government.