Exercise Enhances Mental Well-Being in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain, Mount Sinai Study Finds
A groundbreaking study by Mount Sinai researchers provides strong evidence that regular physical activity can significantly improve the mental well-being of millions of women suffering from chronic pelvic pain disorders (CPPDs), such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the study found that engaging in activities like brisk walking or aerobic exercise led to noticeable improvements in mental health, irrespective of pain levels or past experiences with anxiety or depression. The research was published in the February 26 online edition of the Journal of Pain Research.
CPPDs affect millions of women worldwide, contributing to rising healthcare costs, decreased quality of life, and a heightened risk of mental health issues. However, effective management strategies remain scarce. This study highlights physical activity as a practical and accessible method to enhance psychological well-being.
“Chronic pelvic pain disorders are complex and burdensome, and current treatment options are limited,” said Dr. Ipek Ensari, lead author and Assistant Professor in the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai. “Our findings suggest that physical activity can serve as a valuable tool for improving mental health in these patients, empowering them with an active way to enhance their well-being.”
Wearable Technology and AI in Chronic Pain Research
The study followed 76 women with CPPDs over 14 weeks, collecting more than 4,200 days of health data using mobile technology. Participants self-reported their mental health, physical condition, and pain levels weekly via an app called ehive, while Fitbit devices tracked their daily physical activity. Researchers then applied advanced statistical modeling to assess the link between movement and mental health improvements over time.
A key takeaway was that the mental health benefits of exercise accumulated gradually rather than providing immediate relief. “We were particularly interested to see that the positive effects of physical activity appeared to have a delayed impact, with benefits building up over several days,” Dr. Ensari noted. “This underscores the need for consistency in exercise routines for sustained mental well-being.”
Beyond patient care, the study also showcases the expanding role of artificial intelligence and wearable technology in chronic disease management.
“This research highlights how AI-driven analysis and real-time wearable data can offer critical insights into health behaviors,” said Dr. Girish N. Nadkarni, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai. “By leveraging innovative data modeling, we can better understand how lifestyle choices like physical activity interact with chronic conditions, paving the way for more personalized treatment approaches.”
A Complementary Approach to Treatment
While the findings are promising, researchers caution that exercise should be viewed as a supportive strategy rather than a standalone treatment for CPPDs. Future studies will investigate how different types and intensities of exercise impact mental health, pain management, and fatigue. The ultimate goal is to develop tailored interventions using wearable technology and mobile applications.
The study, titled “Trajectories of mHealth-tracked mental health and their predictors in female chronic pelvic pain disorders,” represents a step forward in understanding how physical activity can be integrated into holistic treatment plans for women with chronic pelvic pain.
