Effects of Exercise on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhoea and Blood Flow of Genital Tract

Subject of the study:

Examination of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea treatment results with Aviva exercise intervention.

Method of the study:

Prospective observational trial with the participation of volunteers.

Questionnaires:

• PRISM calendar: Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Menstrual Symptoms (Reid, 1995). The participants have to fill out this every day,
• The Body Awareness Questionnaire Shields, S. A., Mallory, M.E., & Simon, A. (1989). The Body Awareness Questionnaire: Reliability and validity. Journal of Personality Assessment, 53(4), 802-815
• Examination to measure the intensity of menstrual pain: Numeric Rating Scale
• Heart rate monitoring and documentation before and after the exercises; completion of the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion to measure exercise intensity;
• Questionnaire of life style
• Beck depression questionnaire

Ultrasound examination:

Doing the Aviva exercises, ultrasound measurements are performed in Robert Hospital (Budapest) on the patients participating in the study. The first measurement is performed for each person before starting the exercises. When the first subject has finished the exercise, a control ultrasound measurement will be carried out.

In the control group there is also twice ultrasound examination for the individuals.

Measured parameters: PI (pulsatility index) of uterine artery transvaginal ultrasound measurement followed by statistical evaluation of the results.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI 17-35
• regular menstrual cycles (cycles of 21-35 days)
• no endocrinological disease
• no endometriosis
• no experience in Aviva aerob exercises
• symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
• symptoms of dysmenorrhoea
• Score below 40 from Beck depression questionnaire

Exclusion criteria

• pregnancy
• pelvic inflamatory disease (PID), secondary dysmenorrhoea
• gynecological operation
• failure to complete the questionnaire (3 consecutive days and 5 days interrupted)
• dissatisfaction with the continuation of the research
• the incidence of adverse life events in the last 3 months
• use of medication (e.g. oral birth control pill,painkiller,antipsychotic tablets)
• participation in other sports programs
• congenital uterine anomalies
• any chronic disease (e.g. neurological, psychological disorders, endocrinological diseases)