NCT06785766

Effects of Yoga on Balance, Cognition, Posture, and Body Awareness in Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Investigating the Effects of Yoga-Based Exercises on Balance, Cognitive Function, Posture, and Body Awareness in Young Adults With Premenstrual Syndrome

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Izmir Democracy University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a combination of cognitive, somatic, behavioral, and emotional disorders that occur during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, resolve rapidly after menstruation, and can be severe enough to disrupt daily activities. When reviewing the literature, studies examining the effects of yoga-based exercises on premenstrual syndrome appear to be quite limited. Our aim is to raise awareness among professionals working in this field in our country, contributing to the reduction of symptoms and improvement of the quality of life of individuals with premenstrual syndrome.

Detailed description

Menstruation is a process characterized by symptoms accompanied by emotional, physical, and behavioral changes that occur regularly every month from menarche to menopause, covering an average of 30-35 years of a woman's life. Although menstruation, which constitutes a large period of a woman's life, is a natural physiological cycle, the symptoms that accompany the cycle are among the most common women's health problems.Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is defined as 'a condition characterized by distressing physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms that begin 7-10 days before the menstrual cycle and disappear or significantly decrease with the cessation of menstruation, without being attributed to any underlying psychiatric disorder. Depression, angry outbursts, irritability, anxiety, lack of concentration, and decreased sleep quality are among the most common emotional symptoms of PMS, while physical symptoms include breast tenderness, swelling, fatigue, headache, edema in the extremities, and a feeling of pain or aching. In addition to these frequently seen symptoms in the literature, more than 200 symptoms are defined for PMS. Hormonal fluctuations in women with premenstrual symptoms trigger changes in ligament elasticity, negatively affecting postural balance, coordination and proprioception, and leading to a higher risk of injury. This health issue, which affects many women worldwide, is known to disrupt women's social relationships, increase their tendency to make mistakes or have accidents, reduce work and school performance, and lead to higher rates of sleep problems, substance abuse, criminal behavior, and impaired cognitive functions responsible for memory and emotional control. The etiology of PMS is multifactorial and uncertain, and therefore, there is no definitive treatment method. Although different treatment options are preferred, the aim of the treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Studies have demonstrated that PMS symptoms are more severe in inactive women and that women with severe PMS symptoms are more likely to be inactive. Yoga is one of the oldest methods of personal development, which integrates the body, mind, and spirit, facilitating self-awareness. Yoga increases bodily awareness and cognition as it includes many mind-body exercises such as balancing, stretching, strengthening, physical harmony, breathing and meditation techniques. Studies show that yoga has positive psychological and mental effects on individuals and improves their quality of life. Despite many PMS symptoms negatively impacting a woman's participation in work and social life, there is limited research in the existing literature on specific symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of yoga-based exercises on symptoms in individuals with premenstrual syndrome.

Conditions

• Premenstrual Syndrome-PMS

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Yoga-Based Exercise Program	This intervention is an 8-week yoga-based exercise program conducted with 60-minute sessions twice a week. The program aims to improve flexibility, mobility, and overall well-being. Each session consists of 5 minutes of warm-up, 5 minutes of breathing exercises, 40 minutes of yoga postures, 5 minutes of deep relaxation, and 5 minutes of meditation. The intervention adapts yoga postures based on participants' individual needs, offering a flexible approach. The difficulty of the yoga flows gradually increases over the 8 weeks. When necessary, postures are adapted using props like blocks, straps, blankets, and chairs. A physiotherapist guides participants, demonstrating correct techniques and providing verbal instructions. This program combines yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance physical and mental well-being, promoting long-term health benefits.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-15
• Primary completion: 2026-01-30
• Completion: 2026-06-30
• First posted: 2025-01-21
• Last updated: 2025-01-21

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)