The Effect of Aerobic and Walking Exercise on Physical and Psychological Symptoms and Pain of Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome may have disabling effects on the person’s performance in the family and community. To relief from the symptoms of this syndrome، different methods such as safe exercise have been recommended. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a three –month regular aerobic and walking exercise on physical and psychological symptoms and pain of premenstrual syndrome. this Quasi-Experimental study was conducted on 7 0 volunteer 18-32 years old female students with at least 40% PMS symptoms. The Participants were randomly assigned into 3 groups of aerobic، walking and control. Aerobic group exercise 7 types of practice for 30 minutes daily for 3 months. The walking group practiced fast walking 30 minutes daily for 3 months. All of Participants completed the standard questionnaire of “Jack. Tips” for 3 times (before، 1 and 3 months after intervention). Data were analyzed using SPSS win (v. 16) using one-way ANOVA. Significance level was considered as less than 0. 05. Pain reduction was significant at the end of first and third month of intervention (p=0. 008، p=0. 047). A significant difference was observed for physical symptoms after one menstruation cycle (p=0. 001) although it was not significant after three menstruation cycles. No significant differences were observed in psychological symptoms after 1 and 3 cycles. Repeated measurement showed significant difference in physical symptoms of the 3 (P = 0. 034). Three months of walking and aerobic exercise are very effective in reducing pain and Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Although aerobic exercise is more effective in reducing pain، but it does not create a significant improvement in psychological symptoms. Performing these two exercises are recommended to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.