Effect of Aerobic Exercises in Improving Premenstrual Symptoms Among Healthy Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background Premenstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age are associated with substantial distress and functional impairments. A healthy lifestyle is the first step to manage premenstrual symptoms. Recreational physical activities have been recommended as an alternative to medical management in easing premenstrual symptoms. Objective The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of aerobic exercises in improving premenstrual symptoms among healthy women. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to February 2022, were searched using keywords in electronic databases such as, SCOPUS, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane and web of science. RCTs published in English, comparing the effects of aerobic exercise with other interventions or controls were included. PEDro scale and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias was used to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Data from the included study and the participant’s characteristics, interventions, outcome and results were extracted. Results Five RCTs with 492 participants were included in this systematic review. Methodological quality assessed by PEDro (4.8/10) and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias were moderate. Allocation concealment, blinding of participants and outcome assessors were the most common bias in all included studies. Walking, swimming and running were the common aerobic exercises performed in the RCTs. Aerobic exercise is effective in improving physical physiological symptoms among women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Conclusion Aerobic exercises are effective in improving premenstrual symptoms. This review provides moderate evidence for improving hematological parameters during PMS. Further RCTs with long term follow up and quality of life would consolidate our findings.

Physical activity and combined hormonal contraception: association with female students’ perception of menstrual symptoms

“…It is not uncommon for females to manipulate oral contraception by intentionally skipping the 7-day washout to avoid having menses and associated menstrual pain ( Schaumberg et al, 2018 ). The use of non-drug therapies, including regular physical activity, is also reported to limit symptoms during both the PM and ME phases, both in combination with HC and not ( Matthewman et al, 2018 ; Armour et al, 2019a ; Armour et al, 2019b ; Maity et al, 2022 ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ). However, there is currently insufficient information to propose a consensus regarding the best physical activity type, frequency, intensity or program to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms during both phases ( Matthewman et al, 2018 ; Armour et al, 2019a ; Armour et al, 2019b ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ).…”

“…The use of non-drug therapies, including regular physical activity, is also reported to limit symptoms during both the PM and ME phases, both in combination with HC and not ( Matthewman et al, 2018 ; Armour et al, 2019a ; Armour et al, 2019b ; Maity et al, 2022 ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ). However, there is currently insufficient information to propose a consensus regarding the best physical activity type, frequency, intensity or program to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms during both phases ( Matthewman et al, 2018 ; Armour et al, 2019a ; Armour et al, 2019b ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ). The combination of two systematic reviews on randomized control trials suggested that whatever the intensity, 30–60 min of aerobic exercise three to five times a week for about 10 weeks may be effective in reducing physical and psychological symptoms during the PM and ME phases ( Armour et al, 2019a ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ).…”

“…However, there is currently insufficient information to propose a consensus regarding the best physical activity type, frequency, intensity or program to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms during both phases ( Matthewman et al, 2018 ; Armour et al, 2019a ; Armour et al, 2019b ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ). The combination of two systematic reviews on randomized control trials suggested that whatever the intensity, 30–60 min of aerobic exercise three to five times a week for about 10 weeks may be effective in reducing physical and psychological symptoms during the PM and ME phases ( Armour et al, 2019a ; Ravichandran and Janakiraman, 2022 ). However, only few studies were selected and only effects of light intensity (stretching or yoga postures) or aerobic exercise interventions were reported in these meta-analyses.…”

Effects of Yoga for Coping with Premenstrual Symptoms in Taiwan—A Cluster Randomized Study

“…Studies show that aerobic exercises such as walking, running, and swimming are effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms [ 66 , 67 ]. Moreover, Pilates [ 68 ] and Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese medical exercise [ 50 ], were found to be able to mitigate premenstrual symptoms.…”

The relationship between physical activity and premenstrual syndrome in senior high school students: a prospective study

“…With regard to the association between PMS and exercise participation, some studies revealed that aerobic exercise, such as yoga, swimming, treadmill exercise and stretch, and resistant exercise could reduce PMS 22 . Yoga could regulate the autonomic nervous system (CNS) and increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system 21 .…”