--- title: Are resistive exercises or stretching better for abdominal cramps in PMS? description: Resistive exercises (bridging, crunches, and planks) were more effective than stretching exercises at reducing abdominal cramps in women with PMS. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/comparative-effects-of-resistive-exercises-and-stretching-on-abdominal-cramps-in-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are resistive exercises or stretching better for abdominal cramps in PMS? Randomised trial, 2023 # Are resistive exercises or stretching better for abdominal cramps in PMS? Resistive exercises (bridging, crunches, and planks) were more effective than stretching exercises at reducing abdominal cramps in women with PMS. Moderate study design 40 women with abdominal cramps before their periods in Lahore, Pakistan ## What they did Randomized clinical trial with 40 women with abdominal cramps before their periods. Group A received resistive core exercises (bridging, crunches, planks) and Group B received stretching exercises. Premenstrual syndrome symptoms and pain intensity were measured before and after treatment. The study was conducted over 6 months at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. ## What they found Resistive exercises were found to be more effective than stretching exercises for reducing abdominal cramps in women with premenstrual syndrome. ## What it means for you If you have abdominal cramps with PMS, resistive core exercises like bridging, crunches, and planks may work better than stretching. This study had 40 women and was conducted during COVID lockdown, which made follow-up difficult. The authors note that more research is needed specifically on women who experience pain during their period rather than before. 40 women with abdominal cramps 6 months of data collection 2 exercise types compared ## About the study Original title COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF RESISTIVE EXERCISES AND STRETCHING ON ABDOMINAL CRAMPS IN PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME Authors Ayesha Karim, Saba Rafique, Hafiza Neelam Muneeb et al. Journal Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation Year 2023 Study design Randomised trial Participants 40 What was tested Resistive core exercises (bridging, crunches, planks) vs stretching exercises Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.36283/pjr.zu.12.2/018](https://doi.org/10.36283/pjr.zu.12.2/018) Original abstract Aims Of Study: Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and psychological symptoms; the aim of the study is to compare the effects of resistive exercises and stretching of core abdominal muscles on abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome. Methodology: It was a Randomized Clinical Trial with a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from 40 participants who had abdominal cramps before periods. Data were taken from Asaaf Hospital Johar Town Lahore in 6 months duration. The premenstrual syndrome questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale was used for each participant before and after treatment. Group A received resistive exercises and B received stretching exercises. Results: This study concludes that resistive exercises that are bridging, crunches and planks are more effective than stretching exercises on abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome. Limitations and Future Implications: This study was conducted during the COVID lockdown; it was hard to follow up with the participants. Also more studies should be done on the women who face abdominal pain while menstruating and not before menses. Originality: All the authors mentioned participated in the study and it was originally conducted by them in Lahore. Conclusion: To conclude, resistive exercises are more effective on abdominal muscles in reducing abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome as compared to stretching exercises. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2026 Does yoga reduce PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2026 Does exercise help with mood problems, pain, and fatigue in women with PMS? Lab study, 2026 Do core stability exercises help women with PMDD? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Does video-guided digital menstrual exercise reduce PMS and period pain in adolescent girls? Randomised trial, 2026 Do pelvic floor exercises combined with Pilates help PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Is yoga or aerobic exercise better for reducing PMS symptoms in adolescent girls? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗