Effects of yoga on pain, sleep quality, and aerobic endurance in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial
Health Care Women Int. 2026 Jun 5:1-16. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2026.2682319. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:42246696 | DOI:10.1080/07399332.2026.2682319