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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Premenstrual Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Progressive Resistance Training; Other: Low-Intensity Resistance Training

Detailed Description

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
• Enrollment (Estimated): 32
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Dr.Rida Zafar, MSWHPT; Phone Number: 03368753273; Email: rida.zafar@riphah.edu.pk
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Dr Summra Andleeb, MS-OMPT; Phone Number: 0345-0617872; Email: sammra.andleeb@riphah.edu.pk

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Federal
    • Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan, 051
      • Recruiting
      • Kens college model town humak and community model town
      • Contact: Dr.Rida Zafar; Phone Number: 03368753273; Email: rida.zafar@riphah.edu.pk
    • Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan, 051
      • Recruiting
      • Kid city high school
      • Contact: Dr.Rida Zafar; Phone Number: 03368753273; Email: rida.zafar@riphah.edu.pk
      • Principal Investigator: Amina Rizwan, MSPT(WH)

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Progressive Resistance Training Group; Participants allocated to this arm will receive a supervised 6-week progressive resistance training program performed three times per week on non-consecutive days. Each session will last 45-60 minutes.	Other: Progressive Resistance Training; 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.
Active Comparator: Low-Intensity Resistance Training Group; Participants allocated to this arm will receive a supervised low-intensity resistance training program for six weeks. Sessions will be conducted three times per week, lasting 45-60 minutes each. Participants will perform the same standardized resistance exercises as the experimental group; however, exercise intensity will remain low throughout the intervention without progressive overload.	Other: Low-Intensity Resistance Training; 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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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..	Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6, and at 3-month follow-up

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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.	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.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Rida Zafar, WHPT, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: August 5, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 5, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): August 10, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): August 12, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 10, 2026
• Last Verified: August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome, Resistance Training, Dose-Response, Adolescent Girls, Exercise Therapy, Quality of Life, Randomized Controlled Trial
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Menstruation Disturbances; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Premenstrual Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: Amina Rizwan

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: IPD will not be shared to ensure participant confidentiality and data protection, particularly because the study involves adolescent girls, and data was collected for specific research purposes only."

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No