The effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in non‑athlete girls

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical, psychological, or behavioral changes in the late secretary phase of menstrual cycle and interferes with interpersonal relationships or activities.The purpose was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on PMS in non-athlete girls.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 non-athlete girl students aged 18-25 years at Khorasgan Azad University, with a diagnosis of PMS. The instruments included personal information and a medical questionnaire, a form of premenstrual symptoms DSM-IV, the GHQ 28 questionnaire, and the Beck Depression and Anxiety questionnaire, and also, daily symptoms were recorded for 4 months (two courses before the training period and two during training). Individuals in the experimental group practiced aerobic exercise for 8 weeks, three sessions per week for 60 min. The subjects were evaluated during the first (the pre‑test), second (the mid‑test), and third menstrual period (the post‑test).Statistical analysis used in this study is t‑test and repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: Results showed that the mean scores of PMS and symptoms declined after 8 weeks of training in the experimental group. The comparison of the two groups showed that the mean scores of PMS, for symptoms during and after exercise, were significantly different (P ≤ 0.001) and the percentages of scores PMS changes, physical, and psychological symptoms of experimental and control groups had a significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) after 8 weeks of training.

Conclusions: Overall, the findings showed that 8 weeks of aerobic exercise is effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS and can be used as a treatment.

Key words: Aerobic exercise, Iran, non-athlete girls, premenstrual syndrome