Study, 2018
Does a relaxation exercise help reduce physical stress responses in women with PMS?
Yes, women who did 61-point relaxation exercises showed clear reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension, with increased skin temperature. These changes appeared after three menstrual cycles of practice.
What they did
40 women aged 18 to 40 with PMS were divided into two groups. Group A (20 women) had no treatment. Group B (20 women) did 61-point relaxation exercises starting 7 days before their period was due, continuing for 3 menstrual cycles. Physical measurements were taken at the start and end: blood pressure, heart rate, skin conductance, muscle tension, breathing rate, and skin temperature.
What they found
By the third menstrual cycle, Group B showed clear decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing rate. Skin temperature increased. Group B showed greater relaxation response compared to Group A.
What it means for you
Relaxation exercises may help reduce physical stress responses in women with PMS. Results showed effects after three months of regular practice. The study did not measure whether the relaxation exercises also improved PMS symptoms themselves, and it was a small study, so larger studies are needed to confirm benefits.
40
women with PMS
3 cycles
duration of relaxation practice
7 days
timing before menstruation when exercises started
About the study
- Original title
- Study of the effect of 61-point relaxation therapy in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Bhawana Sharma, Rajeev Sharma, Tanu Agarwal et al.
- Journal
- National Journal of Physiology Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- 61-point relaxation therapy, done for 7 days before menstruation for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2019.9.1134212122018
Topics
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