Research Information System
European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, vol.317, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common gynecological problem among women, frequently accompanied by pain, systemic symptoms, anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and a diminished quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) and yoga training (YT) on menstrual pain severity, uterine artery blood flow, functional capacity, menstrual distress, depression-anxiety-stress levels, and quality of life in individuals with PD. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups (AE and YT). A total of 44 women underwent AE or YT three times per week for two menstrual cycles under a physiotherapist’s supervision and were assessed at baseline and after the interventions during the following two menstrual cycles. The primary outcome measure was menstrual pain severity as assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). The use of analgesics for menstrual pain during the last menstrual period, functional capacity, uterine artery blood flow, menstrual distress, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and perceived change with interventions were assessed as secondary outcome measures. Results: In both groups, menstrual pain severity, menstrual distress, and depression-anxiety-stress levels decreased over time, while functional capacity, uterine artery blood flow, and quality of life increased (p < 0.05). Functional capacity increased more in the AE group, (p < 0.05), there was no difference between the groups in any of the other outcome measures (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While AE improves functional capacity more than YT, both seem equally effective short-term for PD management. Further studies are needed to explore long-term or combined exercise effects.