Comparison Between Pilates Exercises and Aerobic Exercises in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Rana Salem Abdelghany Ali

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Primary Dysmenorrhea

Treatments: Behavioral: Aerobic exercises; Behavioral: Pilates exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07308119

KFSIRB200-608

Details and patient eligibility

About

Comparison between Pilates exercises and aerobic exercises in primary dysmenorrhea

Full description

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition among young women and is characterized by painful menstrual cramps that may interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly therapeutic exercises, have been recommended as safe and effective approaches for managing menstrual pain. Among these interventions, Pilates exercises and aerobic exercises are widely used; however, comparative evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains limited.

This study is designed as a comparative interventional trial to evaluate and compare the effects of Pilates exercises versus aerobic exercises on pain severity and quality of life in females with primary dysmenorrhea. Eligible participants will be allocated into two intervention groups.

Participants in Group A will undergo a structured Pilates exercise program conducted three sessions per week for eight weeks. Each session will include controlled movements focusing on core stability, flexibility, breathing control, and muscle strengthening, with a total session duration of approximately 30 minutes.

Participants in Group B will receive a supervised aerobic exercise program performed three sessions per week for eight weeks. The aerobic sessions will consist of rhythmic and continuous movements designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Both interventions will be delivered under standardized conditions, and participants will be instructed to maintain their usual daily activities throughout the study period. Assessments will be conducted before the start of the intervention and after completion of the eight-week exercise program to evaluate changes in menstrual pain severity and quality of life.

The findings of this study aim to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of Pilates and aerobic exercises in the management of primary dysmenorrhea and to support the selection of appropriate exercise-based interventions for improving pain and quality of life in affected women.

Enrollment: 32 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Females diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea
• Age between 18 and 25 years
• Regular menstrual cycle (28-35 days)
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any acute or chronic pelvic pathology
• History of regular exercise participation (≥3 days per week, average 30-45 minutes per day)
• Participation in structured physical activities such as swimming, running, or fitness center training
• Inability to perform exercise
• Unwillingness to participate in the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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32 participants in 2 patient groups

Pilates exercises

Experimental group

Description:

Patients will receive Pilates exercise, the exercise program was repeated 3 times 8 weeks 30 minute for each leg in session. Focused on core strengthening, flexibility, and breathing exercises to alleviate menstrual pain."

Treatment:

Behavioral: Pilates exercises

Aerobic exercises

Active Comparator group

Description:

Patients will receive aerobic exercise, the exercise program was repeated 3 times 8 weeks 40minute for each session. Including walk-ing and treadmill

Treatment:

Behavioral: Aerobic exercises