The Effect of Exercise On Menstrual Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background Menstrual symptoms are a prevalent and frequently encountered women's health condition. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of exercise on menstrual symptoms, sleep quality, fatigue, and physical activity levels. Methods The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial conducted between September 2023 and December 2023. The study included 54 women aged 19 to 45 years. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group and an exercise group. All participants were evaluated with the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ) before and after treatment. The control group did not receive an exercise program. The exercise group received an exercise program including strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises. A moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and walking program was implemented at least three days per week. The study spanned three menstrual cycles for each woman and lasted an average of 12 weeks. Results Within-group analysis showed a significant decrease in MSQ, MDQ (menstrual), FSS, and PSQI scores after exercise. In contrast, the IPAQ score increased significantly in the exercise group. In the control group, a significant decrease was observed only in the MDQ (intermenstrual) score. A comparison of the pre-treatment and post-treatment changes in the exercise and control groups revealed a significant decrease in MSQ, MDQ (menstrual), and PSQI scores and an increase in IPAQ scores in the exercise group compared to the control group. However, the decrease in MDQ (pre-menstrual and intermenstrual) and FSS scores were not statistically different between the groups. Conclusions In conclusion, exercise had a positive effect on the severity of menstrual symptoms, sleep quality, and fatigue in women with menstrual symptoms. Women who exercised had a decrease in menstrual symptoms and an increase in sleep quality. Exercise can be employed as a non-pharmacological method to help women manage their symptoms. Trial registration: The protocol is registered with http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (17/August/2023, Clinical Trial, NCT06006507).