Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term used to describe a number of symptoms affecting women approximately two weeks prior to menstruation, and ceasing with the onset of menstrual flow. The general physiological and psychological adaptations to training suggest that physical activity could lessen some PMS symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to compare the number of PMS symptoms of intercollegiate athletes with those of sedentary college age women, and 2) to determine if training reduced the severity of PMS symptoms in a group of previously sedentary women.In study #1, a PMS questionnaire was distributed to female athletes representing six teams (n=92), and sedentary female athletes (n=47) at Ball State University. A one-way analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference (p>.05) in occurance of symptoms between the athletes and the sedentary females.In study #2, 13 sedentary women (X age= 34.6 + 1.9) suffering from PMS, participated in a four month study to determine if training would reduce the severity of their PMS symptoms. Eight women comprised the training group, and participated in 30-40 minutes of aerobic exercise four times per week. The control group consisted of five women who remained inactive. A correlated t-test revealed a significant increase (p<.Ol) in maximal oxygen uptake and a significant decrease (p<.Ol) in PMS symptoms after four months of activity in the experimental treatment group. The control group showed no significant changes (p>.05) in maximal oxygen uptake or PMS symptoms during the four months of the investigation. Based on the data from this study, it was concluded that women with PMS have significant decreases in mood swings, appetite, cravings for sweets, breast tenderness, anxiety and depression after training.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/183186 |
| Date | 03 June 2011 |
| Creators | Reardon, Constance R. |
| Contributors | Snyder, Ann C. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 51 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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