The effect of diet and aerobic exercise on Premenstrual Syndrome: Randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and diet in female students with Premenstrual Syndrome Scale who were studying at the public university. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public university in 2018. The population of the study was composed of all female first graders (N=426). The female students were followed-up for two cycles, premenstrual syndrome scale was administered to the students and premenstrual syndrome was found in 43.8% (n=187). However, 106 female students were included in the study divided in three groups (diet, aerobic exercise, control). The diet and aerobic exercise were administered during the three months. Results There was no significant difference in premenstrual syndrome scale mean scores between the post-intervention groups. However, the mean premenstrual syndrome score of the diet and aerobic exercise groups decreased significantly after the intervention. There was a significant difference in visual analogue scale score between the groups after intervention. Besides the students in exercise and diet groups experienced less dysmenorrhea intensity than the control group. Conclusion It was found that diet and aerobic exercise were effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea intensity in female students with premenstrual syndrome.

摘要
目的 本研究旨在评估有氧运动与饮食干预对公立高校女大学生经前期综合征（Premenstrual Syndrome）的干预效果。
方法 本研究为随机对照试验，于2018年在某公立高校开展。研究对象为该校全体一年级女学生（总人数N=426）。对该群体随访两个月经周期，采用经前期综合征量表（Premenstrual Syndrome Scale）进行评估，结果显示43.8%（n=187）的学生存在经前期综合征。最终纳入106名符合条件的女学生，将其随机分为三组：饮食干预组、有氧运动组及对照组，干预周期为三个月。
结果 干预后各组间经前期综合征量表平均得分无显著统计学差异。但饮食干预组与有氧运动组的经前期综合征平均得分较干预前显著降低。干预后各组视觉模拟量表（Visual Analogue Scale, VAS）得分存在显著统计学差异；此外，运动组与饮食组学生的痛经程度较对照组更轻。
结论 本研究证实，饮食干预与有氧运动可有效缓解经前期综合征女大学生的相关症状及痛经程度。