Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 28 May, 2025 1:33 PM | Updated On: 02 Jun, 2025 10:52 PM

Evaluating the Role of Pilates in Reducing Premenstrual Symptoms among Teenage Girls

Adolescent girls often experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), characterized by physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, affecting daily activities, academic performance, and social interactions. 

A study published in Bioinformation evaluated the effectiveness of Pilates exercises in reducing PMS symptoms among adolescent girls, offering support for its use as a non-pharmacological intervention.

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used in selected schools in North Gujarat. A total of 231 adolescent girls were selected using stratified random sampling. All participants received the same intervention—a six-week Pilates exercise program, including warm-up, core exercises, and cool-down sessions, conducted five times per week by a certified instructor. PMS symptoms were measured using a demographic survey and the Modified PMS Scale.

Most participants were 15 years old, followed a vegetarian diet (53.68%), and were Hindu (46.32%). Around 31.6% reported a family history of PMS. After the intervention, mild PMS cases increased from 50 to 164, moderate cases decreased from 148 to 52, and severe cases reduced from 22 to 10. Very severe cases dropped from 11 to 5.

The study found significant associations between PMS severity, age, family history, and menstrual characteristics. Menstrual cycle frequency and flow duration were strongly linked to PMS severity. Pilates exercises appeared to regulate hormonal changes during the luteal phase, easing both physical and psychological symptoms.

The findings support Pilates as an effective and holistic method to reduce PMS symptoms in adolescents, particularly those with a family history of PMS.

(Source: Bioinformation. 2025 Feb 28;21(2):127–131. doi: 10.6026/973206300210127)