Date of Award
2021
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether aerobic exercise is effective at improving bloating symptoms in females with premenstrual syndrome.
STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one quasi-experimental trial (analyzed as a case series) published in English after 2010.
DATA SOURCES: All articles were obtained from peer reviewed databases and journals via PubMed, AMED, Cochrane Library.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured was reduction in bloating symptoms after an aerobic exercise regimen using the questionnaires of temporary determination of PMS for Dehnavi et al, premenstrual distress questionnaire and daily symptom report for Maged et al., and Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire for Vishnupriya and Rajarajeswarm.
RESULTS: In the RCT conducted by Dehnavi et al (BMC Womens Health. 2018: 18 (1):80.doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0565-5), there was an improvement in bloating with a mean change from baseline of -0.54 which was determined to be statistically significant with a p value of 0.01. In the RCT conducted by Maged et al (Arch Gynecol Obstet.2018;297(4):951-959. doi:10.1007/s00404-018-4664-1), there was improvement in bloating with a mean change from baseline of -55.05, which was determined to be statistically significant with a p value of 0.0001. In the case series analysis from the study conducted by Vishnupriya and Rajarajeswarma (J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2011;61(6):675-685. doi:10.1007/s13224-011-0117-5), there was improvement in bloating noted with a mean change of -2.65 which with a p value of 0.000 was found to be statistically insignificant.
CONCLUSION: While a reduction in bloating symptoms was found by all three studies based on a decrease in mean change from baseline, the statistical significance was variable across the studies. Due to high variability and limitations across all three studies, further research is needed to better evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise on reduction of bloating symptoms in individuals with PMS.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Kelley N., "Does Aerobic Exercise Decrease Bloating Symptoms in Females with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome?" (2021). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 582.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/582