---
title: Does light resistance training reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes. Eight weeks of minimal-dose resistance training reduced both physical and psychological PMS symptoms and functional problems. However, it did not change
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/eight-week-minimal-dose-training-reduces-premenstrual-syndrome-symptoms-but-does-2026/
---

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- Does light resistance training reduce PMS symptoms?

Non-randomised trial, 2026

# Does light resistance training reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. Eight weeks of minimal-dose resistance training reduced both physical and psychological PMS symptoms and functional problems. However, it did not change coping strategies.

 Early or limited evidence

33 university students with PMS

## What they did

Nonrandomized study of 33 university students with PMS. Resistance training group did 8-week minimal-dose training; control group had only physical testing. Both were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks using the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool and Brief COPE.

## What they found

Resistance training group showed significant reduction in physical and psychological PMS symptoms (chi-square = 7.64, df = 2, p = 0.02) and functional impacts like school or work problems (chi-square = 6.37, df = 2, p = 0.04) compared to controls. Coping strategy patterns remained stable with no influence from the training.

## What it means for you

Light exercise can reduce PMS symptoms. The study does not specify exactly what the training involved. Improved symptoms but not coping strategies. Small sample (33 people), not randomly assigned, single university location.

33

students enrolled

8 weeks

duration of training

p = 0.02

significance for symptom reduction

## About the study

Original title Eight-Week Minimal Dose Training Reduces Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms but Does Not Influence Coping Strategies: A Nonrandomized Study Authors Soares EADS, Crisp AH, Fernandes PT et al. Journal Scandinavian journal of psychology Year 2026 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested 8-week minimal-dose resistance training Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/sjop.70125](https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.70125)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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