The Role of Physical Activity in Reducing Endometriosis Pain

In: Quality in Sport · 2025 · vol. 37 , pp. 56929 · doi:10.12775/qs.2025.37.56929 · W4406589308
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This study analyzed evidence showing that regular physical activity, particularly yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercises, can reduce endometriosis pain by decreasing inflammation, improving blood flow, and modulating hormonal systems.

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The paper reviews available scientific evidence on how physical activity may reduce pain associated with endometriosis, focusing on mechanisms and summarizing findings across exercise modalities and intensities. It reports that regular exercise—ranging in intensity—may help by lowering inflammation, improving pelvic blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and modulating pain-related hormonal systems such as endorphins and the endocannabinoid system; yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercise are highlighted as commonly beneficial, with frequency and duration emphasized as key factors. A major limitation stated is the need for further research to develop personalized recommendations that account for individual disease severity and health status. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it focuses on the role of physical activity in alleviating endometriosis-associated pain.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This leads to pain, inflammatory states, and disruptions in the functioning of pelvic organs, including infertility. Physical activity influences the symptoms of endometriosis associated with the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in the body. This study analyzes available scientific evidence regarding the role of physical activity in alleviating pain caused by endometriosis. Research findings indicate that regular physical exercise of varying intensity can provide benefits by reducing inflammation, improving pelvic blood flow, and reducing muscle tension. The impact of physical activity on the hormonal system, including the modulation of endorphin levels and the endocannabinoid system, may contribute to pain relief. The effectiveness of exercise in endometriosis therapy depends on the type of exertion, its intensity and frequency, as well as individual factors such as the severity of the disease and the patient's health status. Studies point to yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercises as the most beneficial forms of activity. Regardless of the type of activity studied, the most crucial factor is the frequency and duration of the exercise. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to develop personalized recommendations for physical activity for patients with endometriosis. In conclusion, physical activity can provide valuable support in the treatment of endometriosis, contributing to an improvement in the quality of life of patients through pain reduction and overall well-being.
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The Role of Physical Activity in Reducing Endometriosis Pain DOI: https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.37.56929Keywords endometriosis, endometriosis and lifestyle, endometriosis and physical activityAbstract Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This leads to pain, inflammatory states, and disruptions in the functioning of pelvic organs, including infertility. Physical activity influences the symptoms of endometriosis associated with the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in the body. This study analyzes available scientific evidence regarding the role of physical activity in alleviating pain caused by endometriosis. Research findings indicate that regular physical exercise of varying intensity can provide benefits by reducing inflammation, improving pelvic blood flow, and reducing muscle tension. The impact of physical activity on the hormonal system, including the modulation of endorphin levels and the endocannabinoid system, may contribute to pain relief. The effectiveness of exercise in endometriosis therapy depends on the type of exertion, its intensity and frequency, as well as individual factors such as the severity of the disease and the patient's health status. Studies point to yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercises as the most beneficial forms of activity. Regardless of the type of activity studied, the most crucial factor is the frequency and duration of the exercise. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to develop personalized recommendations for physical activity for patients with endometriosis. In conclusion, physical activity can provide valuable support in the treatment of endometriosis, contributing to an improvement in the quality of life of patients through pain reduction and overall well-being. References Barcena de Arellano, M. 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Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. DOI: 3389/FNBEH.2015.00019. Downloads Published How to Cite Issue Section License Copyright (c) 2025 Emilia Bąk, Daria Michałka, Natalie Papachristoforou, Zuzanna Gałuszka, Monika Makar, Tomasz Bartuś, Żaneta Góra, Justyna Głowacka, Aleksandra Kocjan, Radosław Chmiel This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Stats Number of views and downloads: 1693 Number of citations: 0

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