Effects of yoga on pain, sleep quality, and aerobic endurance in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Bicici Ulusahin S., Celik C., Abut C. Z., Balci H., Gercek H.

HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/07399332.2026.2682319
  • Dergi Adı: HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a prevalent condition in young women, characterized by menstrual pain, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical activity. Yoga has been suggested as a non-pharmacological intervention. We examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on menstrual pain, sleep quality, and cardiorespiratory endurance in 36 women aged 18-25 years with PD. Participants were allocated to yoga (n = 18) or control (n = 18) groups. Menstrual pain decreased in both groups (yoga: p < .001; control: p = .041), with no significant between-group difference (p > .05). Sleep parameters showed no intergroup differences in efficiency, latency, or duration, yet the yoga group exhibited reduced wake after sleep onset (p = .032), indicating improved sleep continuity (control: p = .813). Cardiorespiratory endurance (Incremental and Endurance Shuttle Walk Tests) showed no significant changes (p > .05). A 12-week yoga intervention may reduce menstrual pain and improve sleep continuity within groups; however, no significant improvements in aerobic endurance were observed. Longer or more intensive programs may be needed for physiological adaptations.