Survey study, 2013
Does more physical activity reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes, women who are more physically active have significantly fewer PMS symptoms. The relationship is very clear and statistically significant (p<0.001).
What they did
Researchers measured physical activity levels with a questionnaire in 71 university students and asked them to track PMS symptoms daily in a diary for two complete menstrual cycles.
What they found
Physical activity was significantly correlated with lower PMS symptoms (r=-0.506, p<0.001). Women with PMS diagnosis had lower activity scores (6.63) compared to healthy women (7.96, p<0.001).
What it means for you
More physical activity is linked with fewer PMS symptoms. However, the study was cross-sectional and only observed at one time, so we cannot prove activity prevents PMS. It could also be that women with PMS avoid activity because they feel worse.
71
University students studied
r=-0.506
Correlation of activity with PMS score (p<0.001)
6.63 vs 7.96
Activity score in PMS vs healthy group
About the study
- Original title
- [Relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome incidence]
- Authors
- Teixeira AL, Oliveira ÉC, Dias MR
- Journal
- Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- None; observational comparison of activity levels
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1590/s0100-72032013000500004
Topics
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