Relationship between Nutrition (REAP), Exercise (VSAQ), and Stress on Premenstrual Syndrome Severity (PSST): Correlation, Cross-Section, Purposive Sample of 75 Females Ages 18-55

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if specific factors of exercise (type, intensity, frequency, and duration), nutritional intake, or perceived stress were able to predict the PMS symptom severity. This was a prospective, correlation, cross-sectional study, purposive sample of healthy females (N=75), ages 18-55 years of age. This study was approved by Andrews University IRB and voluntary informed consent was given prior to data collection. Factors of exercise were examined using the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). Nutrition was examined using the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP). PMS symptoms were measured using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) on 75 women (N=75) (Mean=22.7 years). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze predictive ability of exercise intensity and nutrition on the severity of PMS symptom severity. No significant predictive relationship between VSAQ (exercise intensity) or nutritional intake scores and PMS severity was found. However, a significant relationship between perceived stress and PMS symptoms was reported for the sample (r=0.324, n=75, p<0.005). In conclusion, perceived stress levels were found to have a direct, significant correlation to PMS symptom severity. However, factors related to exercise and nutrition were not significant predictors of PMS symptom severity according to this research study. Future studies should focus on prospective, experimental studies to examine specific exercise and nutritional prescription, with sampling of cortisol levels during the menstrual cycle