Survey study, 2015
Does regular running reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Women who ran regularly 3 times a week for 20-45 minutes had much fewer PMS symptoms than women who didn't exercise, including less pain, fewer mood changes, and less bloating.
What they did
The researchers compared 133 female students who exercised regularly by running with those who didn't exercise. They asked the girls about their PMS symptoms.
What they found
Only 6 girls (4.5%) who ran regularly experienced 50% or more PMS symptoms, compared to 125 girls (94%) who didn't exercise. Symptoms that improved with regular running included headaches, back pain, acne, breast tenderness, bloating, stomach cramps, mood swings, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
What it means for you
Regular running may be an effective way to reduce PMS symptoms. The main limit is that this was a small study of students at one school, and we can't be sure whether running actually causes the reduction or whether girls with milder symptoms are more likely to run.
4.5%
active runners with 50%+ PMS symptoms
94%
non-active girls with 50%+ PMS symptoms
3 times weekly
running frequency to reduce symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- PERBANDINGAN GEJALA PMS ANTARA SISWI YANG AKTIF DAN TIDAK AKTIF OLAHRAGA LARI PADA SISWI DI SMP PENANGGUNGAN NGORO-TRAWAS MOJOKERTO
- Authors
- Eka Nonitasari, Ika Khusnia
- Journal
- Hospital Majapahit (JURNAL ILMIAH KESEHATAN POLITEKNIK KESEHATAN MAJAPAHIT MOJOKERTO)
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 133
- What was tested
- Running 3 times per week for 20-45 minutes
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.55316/hm.v4i1.51
Topics
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