The Effects of Pelvic Floor Exercises Applied in Addition to Pilates on Premenstrual Symptoms, Pain, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Individuals with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of adding pelvic floor muscle exercises to a Pilates program on premenstrual symptoms, pain intensity, sleep quality, quality of life, and aggression tendencies in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Materials and Methods:A total of 30 women with Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) scores ≥111 were randomly assigned to either a Pilates group (PG, n=15) or a Pilates plus pelvic floor muscle training group (PFMT, n=15). PMS severity, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life were assessed using the PMSS, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12). Both groups completed supervised 50-minute exercise sessions twice weekly for eight weeks.Results:Both interventions led to significant improvements in PMS, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life (p < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The Pilates + PFMT group demonstrated greater improvements across PMS subscales and larger effects on sleep and quality of life, while the Pilates group showed partial but meaningful progress.Conclusion: Both Pilates-based programs were effective in improving pain, sleep, and quality of life in women with PMS. Although intergroup differences were not significant, incorporating pelvic floor exercises enhanced body awareness and may further promote physical and psychological well-being.