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Survey study, 2022

Do stretching exercises and walking reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. After 3 months of stretching exercises and walking done a week before menstruation, women had significantly fewer PMS symptoms and improved physical and mental health.

Early or limited evidence 25 women aged 14 to 30 years diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome

What they did

Before-and-after study of 25 women aged 14 to 30 with diagnosed premenstrual syndrome. They performed stretching exercises and walking for 3 months, starting a week before the onset of their menstrual cycle each month. Participants completed a PMS questionnaire before starting treatment and again after 3 months. Results were analyzed using paired T-test.

What they found

After 3 months of stretching exercises and walking, statistical analysis using paired T-test showed a significant difference in physical and mental health measures.

What it means for you

Stretching exercises and walking, done in the week before your period, may help reduce PMS symptoms and improve both physical and mental health. However, this was a small study with no comparison group to show how much the exercises helped compared to doing nothing. We cannot be fully confident without larger studies.

25

women in the study

3 months

duration of treatment

14-30 years

age range of participants

About the study

Original title
The Effects of stretching exercises and walking in premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Karthika. S. R, Sugasri Sureshkumar
Journal
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
Participants
25
What was tested
Stretching exercises and walking for 3 months, starting a week before menstrual cycle onset each month
Open access
Yes

Topics