Survey study, 1997
Does exercise reduce mood problems during the menstrual cycle?
Exercise did not reduce negative moods like tension and depression before menstruation. However, exercise improved mood (vigor) during the mid-cycle phase and produced better overall mood stability.
What they did
Cross-sectional study comparing regularly exercising women to non-exercising women. Mood was assessed at two phases: premenstrual (2-3 days before menstruation) and mid-cycle (14 days after start of menstrual flow) using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire.
What they found
Non-exercising women had significant mood variations between premenstrual and mid-cycle: increased tension (p<0.001), depression (p<0.05), reduced vigor (p<0.05), and increased total mood disturbance (p<0.01). Exercising women had more stable overall mood, but exercise did not reduce tension and depression during the premenstrual phase. Exercise improved vigor in mid-cycle for exercisers.
What it means for you
Exercise may help overall mood stability across your cycle but doesn't specifically reduce premenstrual tension or depression. The reasons why are unclear, and the exact sample size was not specified.
2
cycle phases measured
6
mood factors in questionnaire
About the study
- Original title
- An exercise effect on mood during the menstrual cycle: A preliminary Investigation
- Authors
- Craig A. Mahoney, Lisa Michelle Smith
- Journal
- The Irish Journal of Psychology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Regular exercise
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/03033910.1997.1010558159
Topics
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