New study explores role of exercise in managing endometriosis pain

An Australian trial will test whether yoga and walking can ease endometriosis pain, with more than 350 women already registering interest.

The study will involve women aged 18 and over with medically diagnosed endometriosis who live in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Participants will be randomly assigned to four groups: usual care, yoga alone, yoga with shorter-duration walking, or yoga with longer-duration walking.

Lead researcher Dr Tegan Hartmann said the level of interest highlighted the scale of the issue, particularly among women living in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Many women living with endometriosis are looking for practical strategies they can use alongside medical care to help manage their symptoms,” she said.

“This study aims to help them by determining the amount of exercise needed to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.”

Researchers at Charles Sturt University’s School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sport Science will examine whether different types and amounts of exercise can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

The 12-week programme will take place remotely through telehealth, with participants’ activity monitored using technology such as Garmin devices and through interviews.

Researchers will assess pain, quality of life, sleep, physical function, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as how closely participants follow their assigned exercise programmes.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel or bladder. It can cause inflammation, scarring and pain.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately one in seven Australian women has endometriosis, with diagnosis taking an average of six to eight years.

Evidence suggests exercise may improve the lives of women with the condition, but it remains unclear which types of activity are most effective and how much exercise is needed to reduce pain and improve health outcomes.

The trial aims to address this gap and help healthcare and exercise professionals recommend appropriate physical activity for managing symptoms.

Charles Sturt deputy vice-chancellor for research, Professor Neena Mitter, said endometriosis could affect multiple aspects of women’s lives.

“Endometriosis can have a devastating impact on quality of life, affecting fertility, relationships, education, employment, sleep and mental health,” Professor Mitter said.

“Research like this has the potential to improve access to practical management strategies and inform future models of care for women, regardless of where they live.”

Hartmann founded the university’s H.E.R (Health. Exercise. Research) Lab, which investigates how exercise and physical activity can support women’s health across menstruation, reproductive health, fertility, pregnancy and menopause.

The Endometriosis and Exercise project is supported by the Country Education Foundation, with additional community contributions expected to help expand the research.

Its findings are expected to provide healthcare and exercise professionals with guidance on how to prescribe exercise safely to help women manage endometriosis symptoms and pain.