The Influence of Running and Dancing on the Occurrence and Progression of Premenstrual Disorders

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of both physical activity, such as running and dancing, and the personal characteristics of the studied women on the occurrence and progression of premenstrual disorder (PMD). Methods: We surveyed 414 women aged 22–48 who were experiencing the menstrual cycle but not using hormonal contraception. There were two physically active groups, runners (N = 215) and Argentine tango dancers (N = 94), and there was one group not undertaking any physical activity—the control group (N = 104). The research was conducted using the researchers’ own questionnaire. Results: The number of days of PMD symptoms in the tango vs. runner vs. control groups are as follows: pre-bleeding (mean: 4.14 vs. 4.86 vs. 4.85; p = 0.024), after the onset of bleeding (mean: 1.76 vs. 2.39 vs. 2.16; p = 0.001), and in total (mean: 5.94 vs. 7.25 vs. 7.01; p < 0.001). The regression analysis results without grouping results are as follows: the number of days of symptoms before bleeding and menarche (B: −0.16; 95% CIs: from −0.29 to −0.04; p = 0.011), the total duration of symptoms and menarche (B: −0.17; 95% CIs: from −0.32 to −0.01; p = 0.036), lower abdominal pain and age (B: −0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92–0.98; p = 0.002), diarrhoea (B: −0.08; 95% CIs: 0.88–0.97; p < 0.001), tearfulness, depressive states and age (B: −0.06; 95% CIs: 0.91–0.97; p < 0.001), skin problems and age (B: −0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92–0.98; p = 0.004), joint pain and age (B: −0.09; 95% CIs: 0.86–0.96; p = 0.001), pain in the lumbar spine (B: −0.06, 95% CIs: 0.91–0.98; p = 0.001), water retention and BMI (B: 0.09; 95% CIs: 0.92–0.98; p = 0.007), and water retention and menarche (B: −0.19; 95% CIs: 0.73–0.94; p = 0.003). Information: generally there is one regression model, we have several here, we have a bit the description. Conclusions: Physical activity such as dancing (tango) shortens the duration of PMD symptoms but does not completely eliminate them. Running does not have as beneficial an effect on symptom relief as dancing. Current age, age when menstruation began (menarche), and BMI were revealed to be important factors influencing the symptoms of premenstrual disorders.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Exercise: A Narrative Review

“…There are a vast number of documented symptoms of PMS that cover physical, psychoemotional, and behavioral domains. The most common physical symptoms include abdominal cramps, abdominal bloating, tenderness and pain in the breasts, pain (back, head, muscle, joints), swelling of hands and feet, weight fluctuations, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue [1,2,[6][7][8]. Psycho-emotional symptoms include depressed mood, tendency to cry, irritability, emotional lability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, anger, and mood swings [2,[6][7][8].…”

“…The most common physical symptoms include abdominal cramps, abdominal bloating, tenderness and pain in the breasts, pain (back, head, muscle, joints), swelling of hands and feet, weight fluctuations, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue [1,2,[6][7][8]. Psycho-emotional symptoms include depressed mood, tendency to cry, irritability, emotional lability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, anger, and mood swings [2,[6][7][8]. Behavioral symptoms can stem from the consequences of physical and psych-emotional symptoms and/or stem from being PMS symptoms themselves.…”

“…Behavioral symptoms can stem from the consequences of physical and psych-emotional symptoms and/or stem from being PMS symptoms themselves. They can include changes in libido and in sexual desire, social withdrawal including from partner, family and friends, sensitivity, increased appetite, decreased interest in activities, restlessness, social phobia, and increased interpersonal conflict [1,2,6,9].…”

“…The effects permeate every aspect of a woman's life. Compared to women without PMS, those with PMS have been reported to have more absent days from work and more days in which they struggle to complete work and school tasks which translates to lowered productivity [2,16]. Some women with PMS even report a poorer perception of their overall quality of life [17], as well as their work-related quality of life and decreased job career satisfaction levels [18].…”

“…This narrative review will provide a comprehensive understanding of PMS through exploring its etiology, manifestation, and impact as well as synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment option. There is no singular treatment for PMS as there are over 150 documented symptoms [1,2], and wide variability in its prevalence, expression, and impact. Treatments have varied from pharmacological agents and psychological therapy to the use of herbs and supplements with only brief mention of lifestyle factors such as physical activity and structured exercise behaviors.…”