Exercise Programming for Women with Endometriosis: A Narrative Review of Training Modalities and Dose Parameters
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Background: Endometriosis causes pelvic pain and fatigue, impairing physical fitness and sports participation. While physical activity helps manage symptoms, precise exercise programming guidance remains limited. Aim: This narrative review evaluates sports science and clinical evidence relevant to individualized exercise programming for women with endometriosis. Material and methods: PubMed was the principal database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Scopus. The search covered publications from 2016–2026, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, interventional studies, and guidelines. Evidence was classified as direct, component (multimodal), or extrapolated. Results: A favourable signal arises from progressive multimodal physical activity programmes, though evidence certainty is low and active components cannot be isolated. Yoga and assessment-guided pelvic floor training have direct, population-specific support. No validated endometriosis-specific FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) training protocol is established. Modality selection should reflect dominant symptoms, pelvic floor findings, and responses to physical loading. Conclusions: Targeted physical activity is a valuable management component, but a universal training prescription is currently unjustified. A symptom-responsive framework is offered to guide exercise professionals; comparative dose-finding sports science trials are required before firm recommendations can be made.
Source: Quality in Sport
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221309723