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.
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
Topics
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