The Effects of Pilates‐Based Tele‐Exercise on Physical and Mental Health in Primary Dysmenorrhea

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates-based tele-exercise (PBTE) on physical and mental health in women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The study included 22 volunteers diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group (PBTE, n = 11) participated in Pilates-based tele-exercises for 6 weeks, twice a week, with 50-min sessions. The control group (CG, n = 11) received no intervention. Menstrual-related symptoms were evaluated using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and the Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale (FEDS). RESULTS: The total MSQ score and all subdimensions in the PBTE group decreased significantly following the intervention (p < 0.05). The MAQ subdimensions, including "menstruation as a bothersome phenomenon" and "menstruation as a natural phenomenon," along with the total MAQ score, showed significant intra-group improvements in the PBTE group (p < 0.05). The FEDS total score also significantly decreased in the PBTE group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that Pilates-based tele-exercises significantly enhance the overall health and well-being of women with primary dysmenorrhea. This is achieved through improved menstrual symptoms and positive changes in attitudes toward menstruation. These results suggest that PBTE could be an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing primary dysmenorrhea.