Is Pilates exercise or Benson relaxation more effective for PMS?

Objectives: This study was done to identify the effect of Pilates exercises versus Benson relaxation technique on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Design: A quasi experimental was utilized. Subjects: A purposeive sample of 100 girl students were selected from four academic years in the faculty of nursing at Zagazig University. Tools: two tools were used for data collection Tool (I): Basic data structured Interview schedule and tool II Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The high score received from PMS shows that the symptoms were severe. The students in study groups were asked to practice the Pilates exercises and Benson relaxation technique for two months. At the end of the two months, premenstrual syndrome symptoms of experimental groups was diagnosed and the effect of interventions on PMS was evaluated. Results: It was observed that after applying both interventions, a statistically significant difference was detected between the means of total score among the two groups in relation to all physiological, psychological and behavioral symptoms P=<0.001), also the differences between the two groups were statistically significant after applying interventions in relation to severity of PMS in favor of Pilates exercises, where p=<0.001 on 8 weeks. Conclusion: it can be concluded that Pilates exercises were more effective in relieving physical, behavioral and psychological symptoms of PMS than Benson relaxation technique. Recommendation: it can be recommended that The curricula of basic nursing / midwifery education as well as continuing education could be enriched with , correct , relevant evidence – based information about non-pharmacological management of PMS.

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