Research Publications on Pilates for Menstrual Health

Studies indicate that Pilates exercises significantly reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among women, offering a non-pharmacological treatment option. The findings from a quasi-experimental study and a randomized control trial both highlight the effectiveness of Pilates, with additional benefits observed when combined with vitamin E consumption, in alleviating both mood and physical symptoms associated with PMS, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic intervention.

Effect of pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a quasi-experimental study; Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2021; Link

This study explored the impact of Pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms among midwifery students at Istanbul University Faculty of Health Sciences. It employed a quasi-experimental design with a sample of 50 students, divided equally into an experimental group, which practiced Pilates exercises for three months, and a control group, which did not alter their routine habits. The severity of PMS symptoms was assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), where higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. Results showed no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. However, by the study's conclusion, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in PMSS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001), indicating a substantial decrease in PMS symptoms. The control group's PMSS scores remained unchanged. These findings suggest that Pilates exercises can significantly alleviate PMS symptoms, highlighting their potential as a non-pharmacological treatment option for managing PMS.

Effects of Pilates and Vitamin E on Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome; Journal of Research Development in Nursing & Midwifery, 2016; Link

This study aimed to assess the impact of Pilates exercise and vitamin E consumption on the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) among non-athletic female students diagnosed with moderate to severe PMS at the University of Ayatollah Boroujerdi. The 40 participants were randomly divided into four groups: Pilates, Pilates with vitamin E, vitamin E alone, and a control group with no intervention. The Pilates groups engaged in workouts three times a week for four weeks, and the vitamin E groups consumed one vitamin E tablet daily. The severity of PMS symptoms was evaluated using a screening questionnaire both before and after the intervention. The study found that both the Pilates group and the vitamin E group experienced significant reductions in the intensity of mood and physical symptoms, as well as the impact of these symptoms on their daily lives, compared to their baseline levels and the control group. These results suggest that engaging in Pilates exercises and/or consuming vitamin E can effectively improve PMS symptoms.