BACKGROUND: Physical activity is the most important factor in treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also the best way to decrease stress and balance brain chemicals. This study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise on symptoms of PMS in non-athlete girls. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 non-athlete female students of Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch (Isfahan, Iran). They aged 18 to 25 years old and had been diagnosed with PMS. After collecting personal and medical information, the participants were allocated to two experimental groups (Pilates and aerobic exercise) and a control group. The experimental groups attended three 60-minute sessions of training for eight weeks. Symptoms of PMS were recorded using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, and a menstrual diary. Assessments were performed during the first-third menstrual periods (pre-test, midtest, and post-test, respectively). One way and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. FINDINGS: In both experimental groups, the mean scores of PMS and physical and psychological symptoms decreased after four and eight weeks of training (p < 0.001). The mean percentages of reductions in scores of physical symptoms were similar in the two experimental groups. However, Pilates decreased the mean percentages psychological symptoms more effectively than aerobic training. Both types of training resulted in reductions compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, eight weeks of Pilates and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce the symptoms of PMS.

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