A new study from Mount Sinai offers strong evidence that physical activity can significantly improve the mental well-being of women living with chronic pelvic pain disorders (CPPDs) like endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the study demonstrates that exercises such as brisk walking or aerobic activity can lead to measurable mental health benefits, even in the presence of pain or a history of anxiety and depression.
The findings were published in the Journal of Pain Research under the title “Trajectories of mHealth-tracked mental health and their predictors in female chronic pelvic pain disorders.”
CPPDs affect millions of women worldwide, often leading to higher healthcare costs, diminished quality of life, and a greater likelihood of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, there are limited effective management strategies. The study underscores the potential of physical activity as an accessible and simple tool for improving mental health in these patients.
Lead author Ipek Ensari, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at the Icahn School of Medicine, noted, “Chronic pelvic pain disorders are complex and burdensome, yet treatment options remain limited. Our research suggests that physical activity could play a vital role in enhancing mental health, offering patients a proactive strategy to improve their overall well-being.”
The study tracked 76 women with CPPDs over a 14-week period using mobile health technology, collecting more than 4,200 days of data. Participants reported their mental health, pain levels, and physical functioning weekly via an app (ehive), while Fitbit devices monitored their daily physical activity.
Using advanced statistical modeling, the researchers analyzed how physical movement influenced mental health outcomes over time. One key takeaway was that the mental health benefits of exercise appear to accumulate gradually, rather than providing immediate relief.
Dr. Ensari explained, “The positive effects of exercise seem to take a few days to manifest, suggesting that the benefits build up over time. This is an important insight for both patients and healthcare providers, highlighting the importance of consistent physical activity.”
The study also illustrates the growing role of wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in chronic disease management. Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, remarked, “This study highlights the power of wearable technology and AI-driven analysis to uncover valuable insights about health behaviors in real time. By using innovative data modeling, we can better understand how lifestyle factors, like physical activity, interact with health conditions and pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches.”
Although the study’s results are promising, the researchers stress that physical activity should not replace medical treatment, but rather serve as a complementary strategy. Future research will explore how different types and intensities of exercise impact mental health, pain, and fatigue, with the ultimate goal of developing personalized interventions using wearable technology and mobile apps.
