Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Aananya Physiotherapy and Nutrition Centre, Surat, Gujarat, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Eighty percent of women during their reproductive age experience some
symptoms attributed to premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
is characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur during late luteal phase
of menstrual cycle and are relieved after the onset of menstruation. Aerobic exercise and yoga are
one of the ways to reduce these symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of
aerobic exercise and yoga on PMS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 participants of PMS, referred for physiotherapy
treatment (mean age 28 years), were enrolled and allocated into two groups (Group A and B) by simple
computerized randomization. Patients in Group A received aerobic exercise and in Group B received
yoga movements for 40 min, 3 times a week for 1 month. The pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale)
and PMS Scale were measured before, at the end of 15 days, and 1 month of treatment program.
RESULTS: Data were analyzed by paired t‑test, unpaired t‑test, and one‑way ANOVA; and the
results showed that both aerobic exercise and yoga movements significantly reduced pain intensity
and PMS symptoms. Significant reduction in PMS symptoms was found in patients treated with
yoga compared to aerobic exercise; however, no significant difference was found in pain intensity
between these two groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that both aerobic exercise and yoga movements are effective in
treating PMS; however, yoga is more effective in relieving the symptoms of PMS than aerobic exercise.
Keywords
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