Preprint / Version 1

Impact of physical activity delivered by videoconference on the management of endometriosis symptoms

a pilot study

##article.authors##

  • Marie-Anne Jean Université de Haute Alsace
  • Lionel Lenôtre
  • Charles-André Philip
  • Emilie Faller
  • Ulysse Herbach
  • Sophie Warembourg
  • Patricia Branche
  • Tracy Milane
  • Géraldine Escriva-Boulley

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51224/SRXIV.454

Keywords:

adapted physical activity, pelvic pain, wellbeing, Fatigue, interval training, Stretching, psychological variables

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis symptoms are pervasive and affect all areas of life. Thus, instead of or complementary to the medical treatments, patients currently use self-management strategies such as physical activity (PA) or exercise to deal with their symptoms. Results from several studies which have investigated the effect of PA in endometriosis context showed improvement in symptoms, however these results are inconsistent. Despite the potential benefit of PA, women with endometriosis generally adopt more sedentary behaviours and have difficulties to engage in or maintain PA because of their symptoms.

Objectives: The first aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the effect of an adapted PA program delivered via videoconferencing on perceived pain and fatigue and well-being. The second aim was to identify the most effective types of PA.

Methods: Ten volunteers who suffer from endometriosis were recruited for a 3-month PA program delivered by videoconference consisting of 1 up to 2 hours per week. The PA proposed could be grouped by type: (1) mobility and stretching sessions, (2) muscle-strengthening sessions, (3) interval cardio training sessions, and (4) mixed muscle-strengthening and cardio sessions. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire measuring perceived pain, perceived fatigue and perceived well-being were measured using the visual analogue scale (0-10) before and after each session. They completed another pre- and post-program questionnaire allowing the measurement of socio-demographic variables, global mean pain during a week and crisis, quality of life (EHP-30), level of PA (IPAQ), motivational variables related to physical activity (EMAPS) and self-concept. Chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests and autocorrelations were performed to determine the effects of PA sessions on the variables, and to study the cumulative effect of sessions on these parameters over time, respectively.

Results: Six volunteers participated in the PA sessions and only 4 responded to the post-intervention questionnaire. Our results showed a significant difference in the delta pain score before and after the sessions (p < .01) and autocorrelation of delta pain scores indicated that there are no additional effects on pain during the intervention, or that more time is needed to see an effect. These results showed that the intervention had an immediate effect on perceived pain. Differences in delta fatigue and delta well-being were not significant for most participants, the evidence is not sufficient to conclude on the effectiveness of the intervention on perceived fatigue and well-being. The graphical representation of the delta scores showed that stretching, mixed and vigorous sessions tend to have more positive effects on pain and well-being while the mixed and vigorous sessions tend to have more effect on fatigue. Post-intervention data were not analysed because of the small sample size but were presented.

Conclusion: Stretching, mobility, mixed and vigorous perceived sessions, seemed relevant for reducing pain and fatigue. The results from the first pilot study which investigated the impact of PA on the most important symptoms of endometriosis, distinguishing different types of PA are discussed.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

ACSM. (2017). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (10e éd., p. 363). Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Alappattu, M. J., George, S. Z., Robinson, M. E., Fillingim, R. B., Moawad, N., LeBrun, E. W., & Bishop, M. D. (2015). Painful Intercourse Is Significantly Associated with Evoked Pain Perception and Cognitive Aspects of Pain in Women with Pelvic Pain. Sexual Medicine, 3(1), 14‑23. https://doi.org/10.1002/sm2.52

Appleyard, C. B., Cruz, M. L., Velazquez-Cruz, J., Rivera-Mendez, R. M., Jimenez-Garcia, J. G., Rivera, L. A., Mendez-Casillas, M. D. M., Flores, I., Al-Nakkash, L., & Chompre, G. (2021). Voluntary Wheel Running Reduces Vesicle Development in an Endometriosis Animal Model Through Modulation of Immune Parameters. Frontiers in reproductive health, 3(Query date: 2023-10-11 13:56:48). https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2021.826541

Armour, M., Sinclair, J., Chalmers, K. J., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-management strategies amongst Australian women with endometriosis : A national online survey. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2431-x

Artacho-Cordón, F., Salinas-Asensio, M. D. M., Galiano-Castillo, N., Ocón-Hernández, O., Peinado, F. M., Mundo-López, A., Lozano-Lozano, M., Álvarez-Salvago, F., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-Lao, C., & Cantarero-Villanueva, I. (2023). Effect of a Multimodal Supervised Therapeutic Exercise Program on Quality of Life, Pain, and Lumbopelvic Impairments in Women With Endometriosis Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Query date: 2023-10-11 13:56:10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.06.020

Awad, E., Ahmed, H. A. H., Yousef, A., & Abbas, R. (2017). Efficacy of exercise on pelvic pain and posture associated with endometriosis : Within subject design. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(12), 2112‑2115. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.2112

Bennell, K. L., Lawford, B. J., Keating, C., Brown, C., Kasza, J., Mackenzie, D., Metcalf, B., Kimp, A. J., Egerton, T., Spiers, L., Proietto, J., Sumithran, P., Harris, A., Quicke, J. G., & Hinman, R. S. (2022). Comparing Video-Based, Telehealth-Delivered Exercise and Weight Loss Programs With Online Education on Outcomes of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 175(2), 198‑209. https://doi.org/10.7326/M21-2388

Bergström, I., Freyschuss, B., Jacobsson, H., & Landgren, B.-M. (2005). The effect of physical training on bone mineral density in women with endometriosis treated with GnRH analogs : A pilot study. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 84(4), 380‑383. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0001-6349.2005.00558.x

Boiché, J., Gourlan, M., Trouilloud, D., & Sarrazin, P. (2019). Development and validation of the ‘Echelle de Motivation envers l’Activité Physique en contexte de Santé’ : A motivation scale towards health-oriented physical activity in French. Journal of Health Psychology, 24(3), 386‑396. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316676626

Bonocher, C. M., Montenegro, M. L., Silva, J. C. R. E., Ferriani, R. A., & Meola, J. (2014). Endometriosis and physical exercises : A systematic review. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 12(Query date: 2023-10-11 13:56:10), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-12-4

Borg, G. a. V. (1982). Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 14(5), 377. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/abstract/1982/05000/psychophysical_bases_of_perceived_exertion.12.aspx

Borisovskaya, A., Chmelik, E., & Karnik, A. (2020). Exercise and Chronic Pain. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1228, 233‑253. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_16

Carpenter, S. E., Tjaden, B., Rock, J. A., & Kimball, A. (1995). The effect of regular exercise on women receiving danazol for treatment of endometriosis. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 49(3), 299‑304. https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(95)02359-k

Chauvet, P., Auclair, C., Mourgues, C., Canis, M., Gerbaud, L., & Bourdel, N. (2017). Psychometric properties of the French version of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30, a health-related quality of life instrument. Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction, 46(3), 235‑242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.02.004

Couto, N., Monteiro, D., Cid, L., & Bento, T. (2022). Effect of different types of exercise in adult subjects with fibromyalgia : A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Scientific Reports, 12, 10391. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14213-x

Craig, C. L., Marshall, A. L., Sjöström, M., Bauman, A. E., Booth, M. L., Ainsworth, B. E., Pratt, M., Ekelund, U., Yngve, A., Sallis, J. F., & Oja, P. (2003). International Physical Activity Questionnaire : 12-Country Reliability and Validity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(8), 1381. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB

Ensari, I., Lipsky-Gorman, S., Horan, E. N., Bakken, S., & Elhadad, N. (2022). Associations between physical exercise patterns and pain symptoms in individuals with endometriosis : A cross-sectional mHealth-based investigation. BMJ open, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059280

European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, & Youth, Sport and Culture. (2022). Sport and physical activity – Full report. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/356346

Evans, S., Fernandez, S., Olive, L., Payne, L. A., & Mikocka-Walus, A. (2019). Psychological and mind-body interventions for endometriosis : A systematic review. Journal of psychosomatic research, 124(Query date: 2023-10-11 14:10:41), 109756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109756

Ferreira-Valente, M. A., Pais-Ribeiro, J. L., & Jensen, M. P. (2011). Validity of four pain intensity rating scales. Pain, 152(10), 2399‑2404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2011.07.005

Fourquet, J., Báez, L., Figueroa, M., Iriarte, R. I., & Flores, I. (2011). Quantification of the impact of endometriosis symptoms on health-related quality of life and work productivity. Fertility and sterility, 96(1), 107‑112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.095

Galiano-Castillo, N., Cantarero-Villanueva, I., Fernández-Lao, C., Ariza-García, A., Díaz-Rodríguez, L., Del-Moral-Ávila, R., & Arroyo-Morales, M. (2016). Telehealth system : A randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of an internet-based exercise intervention on quality of life, pain, muscle strength, and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Cancer, 122(20), 3166‑3174. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.30172

Gambadauro, P., Carli, V., & Hadlaczky, G. (2019). Depressive symptoms among women with endometriosis : A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 220(3), 230‑241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2018.11.123

Gonçalves, A. V., Barros, N. F., & Bahamondes, L. (2017). The Practice of Hatha Yoga for the Treatment of Pain Associated with Endometriosis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 23(1), 45‑52. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0343

Gonçalves, A. V., Makuch, M. Y., Setubal, M. S., Barros, N. F., & Bahamondes, L. (2016). A Qualitative Study on the Practice of Yoga for Women with Pain-Associated Endometriosis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 22(12), 977‑982. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0021

Guérin, F., Marsh, H. W., & Famose, J.-P. (2003). Construct validation of the Self-Description Questionnaire II with a French sample. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 19(2), 142‑150. https://doi.org/10.1027/1015-5759.19.2.142

Hansen, S., Sverrisdóttir, U. Á., & Rudnicki, M. (2021). Impact of exercise on pain perception in women with endometriosis : A systematic review. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 100(9), 1595‑1601. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14169

Hernandez, S., Cruz, M. L., Torres-Reveron, A., & Appleyard, C. B. (2015). Impact of physical activity on pain perception in an animal model of endometriosis. Journal of endometriosis and pelvic pain disorders, 7(3), 89‑114. https://doi.org/10.5301/je.5000231

Jörg, M., & CRÉDOC. (2023). Baromètre national des pratiques sportives 2022—INJEP (Rapports d’étude). INJEP. https://injep.fr/publication/barometre-national-des-pratiques-sportives-2022/

Koppan, A., Hamori, J., Vranics, I., Garai, J., Kriszbacher, I., Bodis, J., Rebek-Nagy, G., & Koppan, M. (2010). Pelvic pain in endometriosis : Painkillers or sport to alleviate symptoms? Acta physiologica Hungarica, 97(2), 234‑239. https://doi.org/10.1556/APhysiol.97.2010.2.10

Larsson, A., Palstam, A., Löfgren, M., Ernberg, M., Bjersing, J., Bileviciute-Ljungar, I., Gerdle, B., Kosek, E., & Mannerkorpi, K. (2015). Resistance exercise improves muscle strength, health status and pain intensity in fibromyalgia—A randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 17(1), 161. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-015-0679-1

Lutfi, M., Dalleck, L. C., Drummond, C., Drummond, M., Paparella, L., Keith, C. E., Kirton, M., Falconer, L., Gebremichael, L., Phelan, C., Barry, C., Roscio, K., Lange, B., & Ramos, J. S. (2023). A Single Session of a Digital Health Tool-Delivered Exercise Intervention May Provide Immediate Relief from Pelvic Pain in Women with Endometriosis : A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031665

Mardon, A. K., Leake, H. B., Hayles, C., Henry, M. L., Neumann, P. B., Moseley, G. L., & Chalmers, K. J. (2023). The Efficacy of Self-Management Strategies for Females with Endometriosis : A Systematic Review. Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 30(2), 390‑407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-022-00952-9

Mastrangelo, M., & Turnbull, D. (2022). The impact of surgically diagnosed symptomatic endometriosis on women’s social lives, work and education : An inductive classical content analysis. The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 62(2), 274‑279. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13447

Méndez‐Casillas, M., Cruz, M., Velazquez, J., & ... (2022). Exercise modulates estrogen receptors in a rat animal model of endometriosis. The FASEB …, Query date: 2023-10-11 14:17:07. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R3409

Mendez-Casillas, M. D. M., Cruz, M., & ... (2020). Exercise Decreases Estrogen Receptor β and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Mesenteric Fat of an Endometriosis Rat Model. The FASEB …, Query date: 2023-10-11 14:17:07. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03945

Mikocka-Walus, A., Druitt, M., O’Shea, M., Skvarc, D., Watts, J. J., Esterman, A., Tsaltas, J., Knowles, S., Harris, J., Dowding, C., Parigi, E., & Evans, S. (2021). Yoga, cognitive-behavioural therapy versus education to improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs in people with endometriosis : A randomised controlled trial. BMJ open, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046603

Mińko, A., Turoń-Skrzypińska, A., Rył, A., Bargiel, P., Hilicka, Z., Michalczyk, K., Łukowska, P., Rotter, I., & Cymbaluk-Płoska, A. (2021). Endometriosis-A Multifaceted Problem of a Modern Woman. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158177

Mira, T. A. A., Buen, M. M., Borges, M. G., Yela, D. A., & Benetti-Pinto, C. L. (2018). Systematic review and meta-analysis of complementary treatments for women with symptomatic endometriosis. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 143(1), 2‑9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12576

Montenegro, M. L., Bonocher, C. M., Meola, J., Portella, R. L., Ribeiro-Silva, A., Brunaldi, M. O., Ferriani, R. A., & Rosa-E-Silva, J. C. (2019). Effect of Physical Exercise on Endometriosis Experimentally Induced in Rats. Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 26(6), 785‑793. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719118799205

Naugle, K. M., Fillingim, R. B., & Riley, J. L. (2012). A Meta-Analytic Review of the Hypoalgesic Effects of Exercise. The Journal of Pain, 13(12), 1139‑1150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2012.09.006

Norton, K., Norton, L., & Sadgrove, D. (2010). Position statement on physical activity and exercise intensity terminology. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13(5), 496‑502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.09.008

Peterson, B., Mikocka-Walus, A., & Evans, S. (2023). ’It just stops me from living’ : A qualitative study of losses experienced by women with self-reported endometriosis. Journal of advanced nursing, 79(10), 3888‑3898. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15745

Petrelluzzi, K. F. S., Garcia, M. C., Petta, C. A., Ribeiro, D. A., Monteiro, N. R. de O., Céspedes, I. C., & Spadari, R. C. (2012). Physical therapy and psychological intervention normalize cortisol levels and improve vitality in women with endometriosis. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, 33(4), 191‑198. https://doi.org/10.3109/0167482X.2012.729625

Phelps, C. E., Navratilova, E., & Porreca, F. (2021). Cognition in the Chronic Pain Experience : Preclinical Insights. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 25(5), 365‑376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.01.001

Poli-Neto, O. B., Oliveira, A. M. Z., Salata, M. C., Rosa-E-Silva, J. C., Machado, D. R. L., Candido-Dos-Reis, F. J., & Nogueira, A. A. (2020). Strength Exercise Has Different Effects on Pressure Pain Thresholds in Women with Endometriosis-Related Symptoms and Healthy Controls : A Quasi-experimental Study. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 21(10), 2280‑2287. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz310

Ravins, I., Joseph, G., & Tene, L. (2023). The Effect of Practicing « Endometriosis Yoga » on Stress and Quality of Life for Women with Endometriosis : AB Design Pilot Study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 29(3), 8‑14.

Sachs, M. K., Dedes, I., El-Hadad, S., Haufe, A., Rueff, D., Schwartz, A. S. K., Haeberlin, F., Orelli, S. von, Eberhard, M., & Leeners, B. (2023). Physical Activity in Women with Endometriosis : Less or More Compared with a Healthy Control? International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20176659

Salinas-Asensio, M. D. M., Ocón-Hernández, O., Mundo-López, A., Fernández-Lao, C., Peinado, F. M., Padilla-Vinuesa, C., Álvarez-Salvago, F., Postigo-Martín, P., Lozano-Lozano, M., Lara-Ramos, A., Arroyo-Morales, M., Cantarero-Villanueva, I., & Artacho-Cordón, F. (2022). « Physio-EndEA » Study : A Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supervised and Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Program to Improve Quality of Life in Symptomatic Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031738

Samami, E., Shahhosseini, Z., Khani, S., & Elyasi, F. (2023). Pain-focused psychological interventions in women with endometriosis : A systematic review. Neuropsychopharmacology reports, 43(3), 310‑319. https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12348

Senba, E., & Kami, K. (2023). Exercise therapy for chronic pain : How does exercise change the limbic brain function? Neurobiology of Pain, 14, 100143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100143

Shafrir, A. L., Farland, L. V., Shah, D. K., Harris, H. R., Kvaskoff, M., Zondervan, K., & Missmer, S. A. (2018). Risk for and consequences of endometriosis : A critical epidemiologic review. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 51, 1‑15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.001

Sjöström, M., Ainsworth, B. E., Bauman, A. E., Bull, F., Craig, C., & Sallis, J. F. (2005). Guidelines for Data Processing and Analysis of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Soliman, A. M., Coyne, K. S., Zaiser, E., Castelli-Haley, J., & Fuldeore, M. J. (2017). The burden of endometriosis symptoms on health-related quality of life in women in the United States : A cross-sectional study. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 38(4), 238‑248. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2017.1289512

Tennfjord, M. K., Gabrielsen, R., & Tellum, T. (2021). Effect of physical activity and exercise on endometriosis-associated symptoms : A systematic review. BMC women’s health, 21(1), 355. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01500-4

Tomschi, F., Schmidt, A., Soffner, M., & Hilberg, T. (2024). Hypoalgesia after aerobic exercise in healthy subjects : A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42(7), 574‑588. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2352682

Tourny, C., Zouita, A., Kababi, S. E., Feuillet, L., Saeidi, A., Laher, I., Weiss, K., Knechtle, B., & Zouhal, H. (2023). Endometriosis and physical activity : A narrative review. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Query date: 2023-10-11 13:56:48. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.14898

Turk, D. C., & Okifuji, A. (2002). Psychological factors in chronic pain : Evolution and revolution. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 678‑690. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.3.678

Volker, C., & Mills, J. (2022). Endometriosis and body image : Comparing people with and without endometriosis and exploring the relationship with pelvic pain. Body Image, 43, 518‑522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.014

Wewege, M. A., & Jones, M. D. (2021). Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Healthy Individuals and People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Pain, 22(1), 21‑31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2020.04.003

Yang, Y., Li, S., Cai, Y., Zhang, Q., Ge, P., Shang, S., & Han, H. (2023). Effectiveness of telehealth-based exercise interventions on pain, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis : A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(11‑12), 2505‑2520. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16388

Zhao, L., Wu, H., Zhou, X., Wang, Q., Zhu, W., & Chen, J. (2012). Effects of progressive muscular relaxation training on anxiety, depression and quality of life of endometriosis patients under gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist therapy. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 162(2), 211‑215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.02.029

Posted

2024-09-19