Kübra USLU, Osman ÇOBAN
Medical Records - 2026;8(1):1818745-1818745
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 and quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Material 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 resulted in statistically significant within-group improvements in premenstrual symptom severity, pain intensity, sleep quality, and quality of life (p < 0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the Pilates and Pilates + PFMT groups for any of the assessed outcomes (p > 0.05). The observed changes reflect improvements over time within each group rather than differential effects between interventions. Conclusion: Pilates-based exercise programs were associated with meaningful improvements in pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in women with PMS. Within the parameters of the present study, the addition of pelvic floor muscle training did not result in statistically detectable between-group differences. Pelvic floor-focused exercises may represent a complementary component of exercise programs aimed at supporting physical and psychological well-being in women with PMS.
