Is exercise associated with primary dysmenorrhoea in young women?

Anecdotal beliefs that exercise is an effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea have prevailed for many years although evidence is contradictory. Previous studies have also contained a number of methodological inadequacies. A questionnaire that assessed menstrual pain and levels of exercise was administered to 654 university students. Attempts were made to blind the purpose of the study. A response rate of 91.3% (597/654) was obtained. Analyses showed no association between participation in exercise and primary dysmenorrhoea. Prospective studies would be useful in further research.