Effect of swimming exercise on premenstrual syndrome

Relationships between Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Diet Composition, Dietary Patterns and Eating Behaviors

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a disorder between gynecology and psychiatry which includes cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms from mild to severe. The most severe form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and it is considered a form of depressive disorder. An association between diet composition and the occurrence of PMS and its severity have been suggested. As such, this manuscript discusses the relationships between diet composition, dietary patterns and eating behaviors, and PMS. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for related studies up to 18 January 2024. A text search with the following keywords singly or in combination was conducted: "Premenstrual syndrome", "Nutrition", "Diet composition", "Dietary patterns", and "Eating behaviors". Studies published so far showed that low intake of simple carbohydrates, fats, salt, and alcohol, and high of fresh, unprocessed foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of PMS and reduce the severity of its symptoms. However, further studies are needed to formulate definitive recommendations for the use of vitamins, micronutrients and other dietary ingredients supplementation in women with PMS to improve functioning, overall well-being, and physical health. Large, randomized, double-blind clinical trials across diverse populations are necessary to formulate clear recommendations for supplementation in women with PMS.

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Exercises for Reducing Pain Intensity in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated that exercise can mitigate the intensity of menstrual pain in primary dysmenorrhea, but the most effective type of exercise remains unclear. The objective of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise regimens in reducing pain associated with primary dysmenorrhoea.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials investigating the relationship between menstrual pain and exercise were selected from major electronic databases until February 2, 2024. The primary outcome was the effect of exercise on pain intensity measured by the mean difference on a 10-cm visual analogue scale at 4 and 8 weeks after intervention. The secondary outcome was the difference in risk of dropout at 8 weeks. The study protocol was registered as INPLASY202330050.

RESULTS

This systematic review and network meta-analysis included 29 randomized controlled trials, which involved 1808 participants with primary dysmenorrhea. Exercise interventions included relaxation exercise, strength training, aerobic activity, yoga, mixed exercise, and the Kegel maneuver. Relaxation exercise was the most effective in reducing menstrual pain in 4 weeks (- 3.56; 95% confidence interval: - 5.03 to - 2.08). All exercise interventions were effective in reducing menstrual pain at 8 weeks, with reductions ranging from - 3.87 (95% CI - 5.51 to - 2.22) for relaxation exercise to - 2.75 (95% CI - 4.00 to - 1.51) for yoga, compared to the control group. Relaxation exercises were found to have a significantly lower dropout risk (- 0.11; 95% CI  - 0.20 to 0.02), while none of the exercise types was associated with a higher dropout risk than the control group.

CONCLUSION

All exercise interventions were effective in reducing menstrual pain in primary dysmenorrhea after 8 weeks of intervention. However, relaxation exercise was found to be the most effective intervention at 4 and 8 weeks and had the lowest risk of dropout.

Feasibility Study on Menstrual Cycles With Fitbit Device (FEMFIT): Prospective Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite its importance to women's reproductive health and its impact on women's daily lives, the menstrual cycle, its regulation, and its impact on health remain poorly understood. As conventional clinical trials rely on infrequent in-person assessments, digital studies with wearable devices enable the collection of longitudinal subjective and objective measures.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the technical feasibility of collecting combined wearable and digital questionnaire data and its potential for gaining biological insights into the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted online over 12 weeks. A total of 42 cisgender women were recruited by their local gynecologist in Berlin, Germany, and given a Fitbit Inspire 2 device and access to a study app with digital questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics on user behavior and retention, as well as a comparative analysis of symptoms from the digital questionnaires with metrics from the sensor devices at different phases of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

The average time spent in the study was 63.3 (SD 33.0) days with 9 of the 42 individuals dropping out within 2 weeks of the start of the study. We collected partial data from 114 ovulatory cycles, encompassing 33 participants, and obtained complete data from a total of 50 cycles. Participants reported a total of 2468 symptoms in the daily questionnaires administered during the luteal phase and menses. Despite difficulties with data completeness, the combined questionnaire and sensor data collection was technically feasible and provided interesting biological insights. We observed an increased heart rate in the mid and end luteal phase compared with menses and participants with severe premenstrual syndrome walked substantially fewer steps (average daily steps 10,283, SD 6277) during the luteal phase and menses compared with participants with no or low premenstrual syndrome (mean 11,694, SD 6458).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the feasibility of using an app-based approach to collect combined wearable device and questionnaire data on menstrual cycles. Dropouts in the early weeks of the study indicated that engagement efforts would need to be improved for larger studies. Despite the challenges of collecting wearable data on consecutive days, the data collected provided valuable biological insights, suggesting that the use of questionnaires in conjunction with wearable data may provide a more complete understanding of the menstrual cycle and its impact on daily life. The biological findings should motivate further research into understanding the relationship between the menstrual cycle and objective physiological measurements from sensor devices.

Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refer to physical, cognitive, or affective symptoms that arise in the late luteal phase and remit with menses. The present work is a clinically focused scoping review of the last twenty years of research on treatment for these disorders. A search of key terms using the PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed, and 194 studies of adult women met initial inclusion criteria for review. Research studies concerning medications, pharmacological and non-pharmacological complementary and alternative medicine treatments, and surgical interventions with the most available evidence were appraised and summarized. The most high-quality evidence can be found for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs), with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and surgical interventions showing efficacy for refractory cases. While there is some evidence of the efficacy of alternative and complementary medicine treatments such as nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and yoga, variability in quality and methods of studies must be taken into account. Reprinted from Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:1783-1801, with permission from Dove Medical Press Ltd. Copyright © 2022.

Perception of benefits-barriers of exercise, physical activity level, and body awareness in women with premenstrual syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The study aims to investigate the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and physical activity, body awareness, and the benefits/barriers to exercise (a), as well as to compare women with and without PMS in relation to these parameters (b).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were administered The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Body Awareness Questionnaire, and The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale.

RESULTS

The age range of the participants included in the study was 19-48, with a mean age of 26.45 ± 7.14. A statistically significant difference was found between the women with and without PMS in terms of PMSS score, exercise benefits subscale score, and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). The results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between PMSS score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between IPAQ score and body awareness questionnaire, exercise benefits subscale score, total score of exercise benefits and barriers of scale (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between IPAQ score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between body awareness questionnaire score and exercise benefits subscale score, total score of exercise benefits and barriers of scale (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between body awareness questionnaire score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provide valuable insights into the relationship between PMS, physical activity, body awareness, and exercise benefits/barriers among women. By addressing the barriers and benefits to exercise and enhancing body awareness, healthcare professionals can potentially improve women's with PMS overall well-being and encourage them to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

The effect of pilates and a WhatsApp-based health intervention program on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): A randomized controlled study

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) reduces the quality of life of young women and negatively affects their mental health and productivity. Regular physical activity and lifestyle changes are effective in alleviating and eliminating PMS symptoms. Accordingly, this randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effect of pilates and a WhatsApp-based support program on reducing PMS symptoms. A support program including pilates exercises and sending text messages was applied for 8 weeks to the students in the intervention group, and no attempt was made to the students in the control group. In this study, it was found that a support program including pilates exercise and Whatsapp text messages significantly reduced PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder's Impact on Quality of Life, and the Role of Physical Activity

Most women who menstruate experience various physical, psychological, and behavioral changes during the period between ovulation and menstruation. This study focuses on defining and diagnosing premenstrual disorders, distinguishing between premenstrual symptoms (PS), PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It highlights the prevalence of these conditions and their impact on women's quality of life, including social, occupational, and psychological aspects. Furthermore, the study examines the role of physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, in managing premenstrual symptoms. Several systematic reviews are cited, suggesting that regular physical activity can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMS. In conclusion, the management of PMS involves a multifaceted approach, with exercises, dietary modifications, stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications all playing roles. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, has been found to be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for alleviating PMS symptoms and improving overall well-being. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal type and dosage of exercise for individual women with PMS.

The Effect of Three Different Ketogenic Diet Protocols on Migraine and Fatigue in Chronic and High-Frequency Episodic Migraine: A Pilot Study

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three different ketogenic diets on migraine and fatigue in chronic and high-frequency episodic migraineurs.

METHODS

76 patients with migraine were treated with the KD for at least three months. Three different KD protocols were used (2:1 KD, LGID, and VLCKD). We evaluated the fatigue severity scale (FSS), migraine frequency, migraine intensity, MIDAS, and HIT-6 at the baseline and 3-month follow-up, and we compared the results. We also correlated the mean FSS reduction with the mean migraine frequency, migraine intensity, BMI, fat mass, free-fat mass, MIDAS, and HIT-6 reduction.

RESULTS

FSS improved from 4.977 ± 1.779 to 3.911 ± 1.779 at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). This improvement was significant in both high-frequency and chronic migraineurs. Moreover, the three KD protocols effectively improved migraine intensity, frequency, MIDAS, and HIT-6. There was a mild correlation between mean FSS reduction (p < 0.001), mean MIDAS (p = 0.001), and HIT-6 (p = 0.002) reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The VLCKD, LGID, and 2:1 KD may improve migraine intensity, frequency, and fatigue in chronic and high-frequency episodic migraineurs.

Neurobiological effects of exercise intervention for premenstrual syndrome

Background

Up to 75%-90% of women have varying degrees of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Exercises are recognized to be beneficial to regulate the negative emotions associated with PMS; however, the effects of exercise on sadness inhibition have not yet been investigated from the neurobiological perspective.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of a single exercise intervention on the neural mechanisms mediating sadness response inhibition at the cortical level using multichannel event-related potential (ERP) recording in women with PMS.

Methods

Participants performed Go/No-go trials while viewing of sad or neutral images before and after exercise intervention, and changes in the No-go-evoked N200 (N2) ERP component were measured by electroencephalography (EEG) at multiple cortical sites. The associations of PMS Inventory scores with N2 amplitude and latency changes were then examined using Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences in N2 latency and response error rate following exercise compared to baseline. However, women with higher PMS Inventory scores (greater symptom severity) demonstrated significantly lengthen N2 latency at the Fz electrode sites during correct sad face No-go trials after exercise (p < 0.05), which was not the case in the pre-exercise baseline. We detected no significant relationship between the PMS score and N2 amplitude, either pre- or post-exercise.

Conclusion

Women with higher PMS severity exhibited longer sad N2 latencies as well as slow down the speed of reaction to negative stimuli by exercise, suggesting that the prefrontal emotion regulation network is involved in PMS symptoms and is sensitive to the beneficial effects of exercise.

Whole-body vibration versus supervised aerobic exercise on hormonal parameters and inflammatory status in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and aerobic exercise on the hormonal profile and inflammatory status in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, pre-post-test, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted in 105 women diagnosed with PMS. They were randomized into three equal groups. All women received magnesium and vitamin B complex supplementation once daily. WBV training was added three times per week to the WBV group. The aerobic exercise group added aerobic exercise three times per week, while the control group received no additional intervention. The Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ) was used to assess PMS symptoms. Blood analysis was performed to measure hormone assays (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisol) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at the start and after the end of the treatment program.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between WBV and aerobic exercise according to PMSQ and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.99 and P = 0.98, respectively), but there was a statistically significant difference between both groups in cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, and estradiol (P = 0.001), with more favor given to the WBV group.

CONCLUSION

WBV and aerobic exercise have positive effects on women with PMS, with more favor given to WBV.

Associations between Diet and Changes in Pain Levels among Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome-A Preliminary Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PMS (premenstrual syndrome)-related pain among young women following a particular type of diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was compared to the period before the pandemic. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether the increase in the intensification of pain was correlated to their age, body weight, height and BMI, and whether there are differences in PMS-related pain between women who differ in their diet. A total of 181 young female Caucasian patients who met the criteria for PMS were involved in the study. Patients were divided according to the kind of diet they had followed during the last 12 months before the first medical evaluation. The rise in pain score was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale before and during the pandemic. Women following a non-vegetarian ("basic") diet had a significantly higher body weight in comparison to those on a vegetarian diet. Furthermore, a significant difference was noted between the level of intensification of pain before and during the pandemic in women applying a basic diet, a vegetarian and an elimination diet. Before the pandemic, women from all groups felt weaker pain than during the pandemic. No significant difference in the intensification of pain during the pandemic was shown between women with various diets, nor was there a correlation between intensification of pain and the girl's age, BMI, their body weight and also height for any of the diets applied.

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

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on female students' self perceptio of their menstrual cycle symptoms. Methods: Healthy French female students (n = 834) completed an online questionnaire to assess their PA level (Group 1: non-active; Group 2: moderate physical activity; Group 3: high physical activity; Group 4: very high physical activity), menstrual status or contraception use, self-reported diet and medication, impact on engagement in some social activities, and self-assessment of perceived mental and physical symptoms during the week prior to menses (PM) for students with a normal menstrual cycle (NMC), and the week of menses (ME) for normal menstrual cycle students and those using combined hormonal contraception. Results: Whatever the conditions (PM and ME, NMC and CHC), fewer self-perceived symptoms and self-reported alteration in fat intake were reported by the students in Group 4, and more analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication use was reported by Group 1. Fewer self-perceived symptoms were also found in CHC vs NMC female students for all physical activity levels, but in a more marked way when associated with very high physical activity. In addition, less university and sports practice absenteeism was observed with high and very high physical activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the perception of menstrual cycle symptoms was lower with very high physical activity, as with combined hormonal contraception. Moreover, female students training more than 5 h/week also reported less university absenteeism and impairment in physical activities. Further studies are necessary to establish the causal link of physical activity and combined hormonal contraception on menstrual symptoms.

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

Reproductive-aged women experience somatic and affective symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which affect their daily life and work, but there are limited tracking data on senior high school-age female students. To investigate the characteristics and incidence of PMS, and to detect the relationship between physical exercise participation and PMS in female students of senior high school. A prospective study was conducted among senior high school female students aged 14-16 years. The participant was asked to finish two questionnaires. One questionnaire collected information about demographic data and PMS symptoms which were recorded on a daily calendar named Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) per day. Another questionnaire was physical exercises participation questionnaire, collecting times of physical education (PE) class participation, exercise times, exercise type participation in morning exercise and recess exercise, times of morning exercise, times of recess exercise per week, recess exercise time, and autonomous exercise participation of students. The data were prospectively recorded for three consecutive months. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was performed for results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis model. A total of 233 participants completed the prospective study, 78 (33.5%) participants experienced PMS. The incidence of the participants with mild PMS was 20.2% while moderate PMS was 11.6% and severe PMS was 1.7%. The most common somatic symptom was fatigue while the most common affective symptom was cannot concentrate. Participants with PE classes less than 2 times per week were 4.43 times (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.18-16.6, p < 0.05) more possible to experience PMS than those with 2 times PE classes per week. PMS is a frequent phenomenon in senior high school female students. Female students with 2 times PE classes per week show a lower incidence of PMS. This study encouraged senior high school-age females to take more physical exercises per week and could be helpful to create a no-pharmacology coping strategy.

Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refer to physical, cognitive, or affective symptoms that arise in the late luteal phase and remit with menses. The present work is a clinically focused scoping review of the last twenty years of research on treatment for these disorders. A search of key terms using the PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed, and 194 studies of adult women met initial inclusion criteria for review. Research studies concerning medications, pharmacological and non-pharmacological complementary and alternative medicine treatments, and surgical interventions with the most available evidence were appraised and summarized. The most high-quality evidence can be found for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs), with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and surgical interventions showing efficacy for refractory cases. While there is some evidence of the efficacy of alternative and complementary medicine treatments such as nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and yoga, variability in quality and methods of studies must be taken into account.

Swimming exercise ameliorates depressive-like behavior by anti-inflammation activity, rebalancing gut Escherichia coli and Lactobacilli

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disease with high morbidity, recurrence and mortality and is a serious global health problem.Aerobic exercise produces beneficial effects on depression and associated comorbidities.Swimming exercise with high motor complexity may be particularly beneficial for patients with depression.We hypothesized that swimming exercise improves various types of depression-like behaviors and these effects are related to improved immune and inflammatory response by regulating microbiota-gut-brain axis.We established the Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mice model of depression. The forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used as predictive animal models of antidepressant-like activity.Swimming exercise significantly decreased the duration of immobility in FST and TST.We found that swimming exercise could significantly decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS). Shifts in the composition of the gut microbiota were significant in depression model induced by LPS/CUS, notably as decreases in lactobacilli and increases in escherichia coli (E. coli), which were reversed byswimming exercise. Current study indicated that swimming exercise has huge potential for antidepressant therapy, and gut microbiotaplays an important role inregulating inflammation. We are pleased that current can study reveal a potentially promising method with less adverse reaction for combating depression and open up an important new area for future research.

The Impact of Competitive Swimming on Menstrual Cycle Disorders and Subsequent Sports Injuries as Related to the Female Athlete Triad and on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Background: An athlete's menstrual cycle may be seriously disturbed when she undertakes a physical activity that exceeds the body's adaptive capacity and/or applies dietary restrictions. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of swimming training undertaken by participants of sport clubs on disorders of the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

The study involved 64 female athletes. The questionnaire utilized in this study was composed by the authors, however some of the questions were based on Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q).

RESULTS

31.26% of swimmers reported that the menstrual cycle was stopped for more than 3 months, of which 21.88% had a menstrual absence for more than 6 months and 9.38% between 3 months and 6 months. Years of training were a positive predictor of the 'more profuse bleeding'. There was a negative correlation between the disorders of the menstrual cycle, the body weight of the female participants (p < 0.05) and the body mass index (p < 0.01). It was found that with the severity of the degree of disorder in the menstrual cycle, the number of injuries among the surveyed swimmers increased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The correct body weight of the participants was a positive predictor of the absence of the menstrual cycle disorders among the majority of women practicing swimming. Disorders in the menstrual cycle occurring in a certain percentage of the swimmers positively correlated with the number of injuries recorded among these swimmers. Swimming has been shown to alleviate some of the premenstrual symptoms.

The relationship between high physical activity and premenstrual syndrome in Japanese female college students

BACKGROUND

In recent years, moderate physical activity has attracted the attention of experts and women as a way to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies investigated the effects of exercise on PMS, but only a few reports focused on the relationship between physical activity, which included not only exercise but also routine bodily movements, and PMS. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the amount of physical activity and PMS symptoms among sexually mature female students.

METHODS

A total of 381 female university students in Japan were surveyed using a paper or web-based questionnaire with the same content. The questionnaire consisted of basic information, PMS symptoms, and physical activity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were divided into two groups (≥ 3000 The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes/week and < 3000 MET-minutes/week) based on their total physical activity as calculated using the IPAQ guidelines. The two groups were then compared in terms of the severity of their PMS physical and psychological symptoms as calculated based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' PMS diagnostic criteria. The Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for statistical analyses. We then divided the participants based on the presence or absence of each symptom and used the chi-square test to compare the intergroup differences in ratios. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Those with total physical activity of ≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week had lower total PMS symptom scores (p < 0.01), physical symptom scores (p = 0.01), and psychological symptom scores (p = 0.01) compared with those with total physical activity of < 3000 MET-minutes/week.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that young women with high physical activity (≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week) have milder symptoms of PMS.

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

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.

Aquatic exercise and mental health: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this review were to 1) summarise the breadth and types of research regarding the impact of aquatic exercise on mental health completed to date, 2) provide a clear indication of the intervention type, volume, measurement tools used, and populations best served in relation to this activity and its effectiveness and 3) to identify domains within the literature that can be developed so recommendations can be made for future investigations.

METHOD

A scoping review was performed under the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of Pubmed, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Studies observing the effect of aquatic exercises on mental health and related parameters were considered for inclusion. The data from the selected studies were then extracted and analysed methodically.

PRIMARY CONDITIONS MEASURED

Depression, anxiety, mood, self-esteem, and psychological well-being were the primary mental states for which findings could be clearly extracted.

RESULTS

Of the 1635 articles that resulted from the search, 23 articles met all inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 were randomised controlled trials. Cumulatively, the findings of this review trend towards aquatic exercise being effective in generating positive changes in mental health.

CONCLUSION

Aquatic exercise, specifically winter swimming, leisure swimming, competitive swimming and aquatic aerobics, can be a promising conservative therapy for mental health management. However, it is recommended that further research be conducted to solidify these findings and establish the long-term effects of this intervention on mental health.

Freshwater Wild Swimming, Health and Well-Being: Understanding the Importance of Place and Risk

Spending time in or around bodies of water or ‘blue spaces’ can benefit human health and well-being. A growing body of evidence suggests immersion in blue space, e.g., participating in ‘wild’ swimming, can be particularly beneficial for both physical and mental health. To date, wild swimming and health research has primarily focused on the experience of individuals who swim in the sea. Empirical studies of the health-promoting potential of swimming in freshwater environments, such as lochs and lakes, are lacking, despite the popularity of this practice in many countries and the vastly different physical and hydrological properties of freshwater and coastal environments. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between loch (lake) swimming and health and well-being for adults living in Scotland and determine the importance of perceptions of place and risk in this relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve wild swimmers who regularly swim in lochs in Scotland. Interview data were analysed thematically using Nvivo. The findings suggest loch swimming has a variety of health and well-being benefits that can be categorised over three domains of health: physical, mental and social. Of these domains, mental health benefits e.g., mindfulness promotion, resilience building and increasing one’s ability to listen to their body, were particularly prominent. Our findings also highlight important physical and hydrological characteristics of loch environments, e.g., calm water conditions (relative to the sea), which contribute to positive wild swimming experiences. Finally, the perceived risks of loch swimming and mitigation strategies for these risks are established. Collectively, our findings further support the notion that wild swimming is a unique health-promoting practice. Our findings also highlight differences (in terms of experience and perceived risk) between swimming in freshwater and coastal environments, which can inform public health and water management policy.

The Influence of Running and Dancing on the Occurrence and Progression of Premenstrual Disorders

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of both physical activity, such as running and dancing, and the personal characteristics of the studied women on the occurrence and progression of premenstrual disorder (PMD). Methods: We surveyed 414 women aged 22-48 who were experiencing the menstrual cycle but not using hormonal contraception. There were two physically active groups, runners (N = 215) and Argentine tango dancers (N = 94), and there was one group not undertaking any physical activity-the control group (N = 104). The research was conducted using the researchers' own questionnaire. Results: The number of days of PMD symptoms in the tango vs. runner vs. control groups are as follows: pre-bleeding (mean: 4.14 vs. 4.86 vs. 4.85; p = 0.024), after the onset of bleeding (mean: 1.76 vs. 2.39 vs. 2.16; p = 0.001), and in total (mean: 5.94 vs. 7.25 vs. 7.01; p < 0.001). The regression analysis results without grouping results are as follows: the number of days of symptoms before bleeding and menarche (B: -0.16; 95% CIs: from -0.29 to -0.04; p = 0.011), the total duration of symptoms and menarche (B: -0.17; 95% CIs: from -0.32 to -0.01; p = 0.036), lower abdominal pain and age (B: -0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; p = 0.002), diarrhoea (B: -0.08; 95% CIs: 0.88-0.97; p < 0.001), tearfulness, depressive states and age (B: -0.06; 95% CIs: 0.91-0.97; p < 0.001), skin problems and age (B: -0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; p = 0.004), joint pain and age (B: -0.09; 95% CIs: 0.86-0.96; p = 0.001), pain in the lumbar spine (B: -0.06, 95% CIs: 0.91-0.98; p = 0.001), water retention and BMI (B: 0.09; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; p = 0.007), and water retention and menarche (B: -0.19; 95% CIs: 0.73-0.94; p = 0.003). Information: generally there is one regression model, we have several here, we have a bit the description. Conclusions: Physical activity such as dancing (tango) shortens the duration of PMD symptoms but does not completely eliminate them. Running does not have as beneficial an effect on symptom relief as dancing. Current age, age when menstruation began (menarche), and BMI were revealed to be important factors influencing the symptoms of premenstrual disorders.

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its psychological effects among university students who participate and do not participate in resistance training

ABSTRACT The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) on the psychological factors of university students who do and do not participate in resistance training. The initial sample consisted of 81 participants, and the prevalence of PMS was 64.2%. Forty women diagnosed with PMS were divided into two groups: women who participated in (GP) and did not participate in (GNP) resistance training. The intergroup comparison showed significant differences (with higher scores in the GNP) in the items: difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, and feeling under pressure, and they reported a greater influence of the symptoms on their family relationships. It is concluded that women who participate in resistance training have reduced indicators of some psychological symptoms of PMS.

Effect of pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to identify the effect of pilates exercises on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

DESIGN

A quasi experimental was conducted on university student with premenstrual syndrome.

METHODS

Population of the study included midwifery students with premenstrual syndrome at Istanbul University Faculty of Health Sciences (N = 286) and 50 of them became the sample (25 in experimental group and 25 in control group). Non-probablistic sampling method was used. While the students in experimental group were asked to practice the pilates exercises for three months, the students in control group were told to maintain their routine habits. At the end of the three months, premenstrual syndrome problem of experimental and control group was diagnosed and the effect of pilates on premenstrual syndrome was evaluated. Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms were evaluated through Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The high score received from PMSS shows that the symptoms are intensive.

RESULTS

It was seen that the students in the experimental and control group were similar in terms of their aspects which were individual, health and could affect premenstrual syndrome (p > 005). A statistical significant difference was not found between total scores and sub-dimension scores of PMSS in experimental and control group (p < 0.05). It was seen that PMSS total score of experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group (p < 0.001). When in-group comparisons were examined, it was identified that PMSS scores of control group did not change at the beginning and end of exercise, but PMSS score of experimental group at the end of exercise was lower than their score received at the beginning of exercise and, the difference was statistically significant to the highest degree (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It was seen that the pilates exercises, which were practiced in this research, decreased the PMS symptoms considerably. In this regard, the pilates exercises have an important role in healing the PMS symptoms.

Beneficial Effects of Exercise on Depression and Anxiety During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

First reported in Dec 2019, the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The isolation and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic limited the physical and social activities of the population, which contributed to the increased prevalence of mental disorder. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses conferring a serious impact on individuals' life quality. This review summarizes the mental health consequences of COVID-19, especially for depression and anxiety. Exercise as an intervention for anxiety and depression has been demonstrated in both of the animal studies and human clinical trials. The underlying mechanism including the regulation on the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), D-β-hydroxybutyrate, synaptic transmission, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, tryptophan hydroxylase, GSK3β/β-catenin pathway, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and PGC-1α1-PPAR axis. In addition, we summarized the exercise strategies to fight against anxiety and depression according to the information from American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), World Health Organization and recent literatures about physical exercise during COVID-19.

Effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms.

METHODS

In this systematic review, international databases (EBSCO Host, ScienceDirect PubMed, Google Scholar) were searched from the start of databases to 30 April 2018. Keywords used included "premenstrual syndrome" and "exercise". For the keywords, "Medical Subject Headings" were used. Articles were screened by the two authors independently, and in case of disagreements, items were discussed until consensus was reached. All studies evaluating the effect of exercise on premenstrual symptoms were extracted from included studies without limiting the type of exercise.

RESULTS

A total of 361 studies on the subject were examined, and 17 publications in accordance with the inclusion criteria were included in the study and evaluated. It can be said that exercise is effective in improving physical symptoms such as pain, constipation, breast sensitivity, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and anger. However, although there is no clarity regarding other symptoms, exercise has a symptom-reducing effect.

CONCLUSION

Exercise is an effective intervention for alleviating premenstrual symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome.

The effect of 8 weeks aerobic exercise on severity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: a clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder among women of reproductive age. Nearly 40% of women report problems with their menstrual cycles. Exercise is one of the recommended treatments to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The present study was conducted to determine the effect of 8 weeks aerobic exercise on severity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

METHODS

This study was a randomized clinical trial (IRCT2015021721116N1) that was performed on 65 students living in student dormitories of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2016, Iran. Samples were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The intervention group engaged in 8 weeks of aerobic exercises, three times a week, and 20 min for each session. The tools were research unit selection questionnaire, midwifery and personal particulars, temporary determination of premenstrual syndrome, Beck Depression, recorded daily symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and Borg scale. We analyzed the data using SPSS software and Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman test.

RESULTS

At the beginning of the study, both control and intervention groups were homogeneous. The results of independent t-test showed that among the physical symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome in the intervention group compared to the control group, at the end of the study, headache (p = 0.001), nausea, constipation diarrhea (p = 0.01), swollen (p = 0/001) had a significant reduction. Also, the comparison of the difference between the mean of the signs at the beginning and the end of the study, bloating (p = 0.01), Vomiting (p = 0.002), hot flashes (p = 0.04), increase in appetite (p = 0.008) were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise as one of the ways to treat premenstrual syndrome can reduce the physical symptoms of the syndrome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Name of registry: Zahra Mohebbi Dehnavi. IRCT registration number: IRCT 2015021721116 N1. Registration date: 2015 - 08-28. Registration timing: retrospective.