The Effects of Pilates-Based Tele-Exercise on Physical and Mental Health in Primary Dysmenorrhea

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates-based tele-exercise (PBTE) on physical and mental health in women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea.

The study included 22 volunteers diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group (PBTE, n = 11) participated in Pilates-based tele-exercises for 6 weeks, twice a week, with 50-min sessions. The control group (CG, n = 11) received no intervention. Menstrual-related symptoms were evaluated using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and the Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale (FEDS).

The total MSQ score and all subdimensions in the PBTE group decreased significantly following the intervention (p < 0.05). The MAQ subdimensions, including "menstruation as a bothersome phenomenon" and "menstruation as a natural phenomenon," along with the total MAQ score, showed significant intra-group improvements in the PBTE group (p < 0.05). The FEDS total score also significantly decreased in the PBTE group (p < 0.05).

The findings demonstrate that Pilates-based tele-exercises significantly enhance the overall health and well-being of women with primary dysmenorrhea. This is achieved through improved menstrual symptoms and positive changes in attitudes toward menstruation. These results suggest that PBTE could be an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing primary dysmenorrhea.