Moving online: Implementation of virtual sessions of physical activity and movement training as a therapeutic approach to premenstrual symptoms

Abstract

Background: Aerobic exercise and movement training improve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. However, the data is still preliminary, and online-based training has not been evaluated yet. Thus, this pilot study aims to assess the workability and usefulness of an online protocol based on aerobic exercise and movement training as an intervention for premenstrual symptoms. Methods: A sample of 30 women from the general population was enrolled in this study, with an average age of 28.27 ± 9.35, and an average BMI of 23.47 ± 3.42 kg/m2. A total of 29 women completed an eight-week online protocol consisting of 30-min aerobic exercises twice a week, as well as a weekly 30-min movement training protocol. A psychological evaluation was conducted at the baseline and after completing the training via the patients’ health questionnaire, the body weight image and self-esteem questionnaire, and the premenstrual symptoms screening tool, looking for changes in well-being and specific symptoms related to menses. Results: Significant improvements in PMS (p = .015) and mood (p = .011) were recorded, with specific mood effects related to PMS symptomatology. The patients provided positive feedback on the protocol, and adherence was optimal. Conclusion: The effectiveness of a combination of aerobic and isometric exercises was confirmed as a valuable tool in improving women's well-being and reducing premenstrual symptomatology, even if the protocol is delivered online, which tends to be more affordable for the participants than in-presence sessions. Future studies might assess the difference between online programs and face-to-face interventions.

Keywords

• Premenstrual syndrome
• Yoga
• Aerobic exercise
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Online training