Dose-Response Effects of a 6-Week Progressive Resistance Training Program on Premenstrual Syndrome in Adolescent Girls

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT07754149

Riphah International University32 enrolled

Overview

This study examines the dose-response effects of a 6-week progressive resistance training program on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in adolescent girls. PMS is a common condition that affects physical, psychological, and social well-being. While exercise is known to reduce symptoms, the optimal intensity of resistance training remains unclear. Using a randomized controlled trial design, participants are assigned to progressive or low-intensity training groups. PMS symptoms and quality of life are assessed over time. The study aims to determine whether higher exercise intensity leads to greater symptom reduction and improved overall well-being.

This study focuses on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common cyclical condition experienced by adolescent girls that includes physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms such as pain, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and reduced concentration. These symptoms can negatively affect academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Exercise has been shown to improve hormonal balance, reduce stress, and enhance mood through the release of endorphins and serotonin. However, most existing research has focused on aerobic exercise, with limited attention given to resistance training. Resistance training, which involves strengthening muscles through weights or bodyweight exercises, may offer additional benefits, but its optimal intensity and effectiveness for PMS management remain unclear. This study addresses this gap by examining the dose-response relationship of resistance training.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

Progressive Resistance TrainingOTHER

A supervised progressive resistance training program delivered three sessions per week for six weeks. Exercise intensity is gradually increased using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. A warm up session will be done before resistance training exercise and Cool down for 5-10 minutes will be done exercise. Participants will follow the FITT prescription for their resistance exercises. Week 1-2 (DOSE 1) Intensity: Low. Bodyweight or dumbbells (RPE 7-11/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 25-30 reps. Volume: High. Focus on mastering technique. Week 3-4 (DOSE 2) Intensity: moderate. Bodyweight or dumbbells (RPE 12-14/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 20-25 repetitions. Volume: Moderate. Focus on mastering technique. Week 5-6(DOSE 3) Intensity: high. Dumbbells (RPE 15-16/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 15-20 repetitions. Volume: Low.

Low-Intensity Resistance TrainingOTHER

Participants of this group will receive the same standardized exercises as the experimental group. Exercise intensity remains constant at low intensity throughout the intervention period without progressive increase. Before exercise the participants will perform warm up and after exercise they will perform cool down, same as the experimental group. The FITT protocol for this group is as following: Week 1-2 (DOSE1) Intensity: low Body weight. or Dumbbells (RPE 7-11/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 15repetitions. Volume: Low. Focus on mastering technique. Week 3-4 (DOSE 2) Intensity: low. Bodyweight or dumbbells (RPE 7-11/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 20 repetitions. Volume: Moderate. Focus on mastering technique Week 5-6(DOSE 3) Intensity: Low. Bodyweight or dumbbells (RPE 7-11/20). Sets \& Reps: 2 sets of 25 reps. Volume: High. Focus on mastering technique.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 11 YearsMax age: 19 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) based on PSST screening tool. 2. Not currently engaged in any structured resistance or exercise training program. 3. Medically cleared to participate in moderate-intensity resistance training. 4. Provided written informed consent for participation. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current use of hormonal therapy or oral contraceptives. 2. History of endocrine disorders (e.g., PCOS, thyroid dysfunction). 3. Any musculoskeletal or cardiovascular condition limiting exercise participation. 4. Ongoing psychiatric medication or diagnosed depression/anxiety disorder. 5. Participation in a structured exercise or resistance training program within the last 3 months. 6. Use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory, or hormonal medications during the study period.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST)

The primary outcome of this study is the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, measured using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). The PSST is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms related to PMS, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, and difficulty concentrating. It also evaluates how these symptoms affect daily activities, school performance, and social relationships. Each item is scored on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from "none" to "severe." Higher scores indicate greater PMS severity..

Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6, and at 3-month follow-up

Secondary Outcomes

Quality of Life (QoL)

Quality of life will be assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). This questionnaire contains 26 items and evaluates four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental well-being. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores representing better quality of life. The WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable and valid tool commonly used in clinical and research settings to assess overall well-being.

Time frame: Quality of life will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and at 3-month follow-up using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.