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Non-randomised trial, 2013

Does 8 weeks of aerobic exercise reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, 8 weeks of aerobic exercise three times weekly significantly reduced PMS symptoms and both physical and psychological symptoms compared to a control group (p≤0.001).

Early or limited evidence 40 non-athlete women aged 18-25 with PMS in Iran

What they did

40 non-athlete women aged 18-25 with PMS did aerobic exercise 3 times per week for 60 minutes per session for 8 weeks. Researchers measured their PMS symptoms, physical symptoms, and psychological symptoms at the start, midpoint, and end.

What they found

After 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, mean PMS scores and symptom scores decreased significantly. Differences in PMS scores, physical symptoms, and psychological symptoms were significantly different compared to controls (P ≤ 0.001).

What it means for you

Regular aerobic exercise may be an effective way to reduce PMS symptoms. This was a small study at one Iranian university and the control group comparison was not fully described, so more research is needed to be certain.

40

women studied

8 weeks

exercise duration

<0.001

p-value for improvement

About the study

Original title
The effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in non-athlete girls
Authors
Samadi Z, Taghian F, Valiani M
Journal
Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research
Year
2013
Study design
Non-randomised trial
What was tested
Aerobic exercise 3 times per week for 60 minutes, for 8 weeks
Open access
Yes

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