NYC Gazette

A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers indicates that physical activity can enhance mental health in women with chronic pelvic pain disorders (CPPDs) such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The study, published in the Journal of Pain Research, suggests that exercises like brisk walking or aerobic activities can improve mental well-being regardless of pain levels or history of anxiety or depressive disorders.

Lead author Ipek Ensari, PhD, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, states, "Chronic pelvic pain disorders are incredibly complex and burdensome for those affected, yet we still have very few effective treatment strategies." She adds that their research shows physical activity could be a vital tool for improving mental health in these patients.

The study monitored 76 women with CPPDs over 14 weeks using mobile health technology. Participants reported their mental health weekly via an app while Fitbit devices tracked their daily physical activity. Advanced statistical modeling was used to analyze how movement patterns influenced mental health outcomes over time.

Dr. Ensari notes a key finding: "We were particularly intrigued to find that the positive effects of exercise seem to lag by a few days, meaning the mental health benefits may build up gradually." This insight highlights the importance of consistency in physical activity for both patients and healthcare providers.

Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai, emphasizes the role of wearable technology and AI-driven analysis in uncovering valuable insights about health and behavior. He states, "By using innovative data modeling techniques, we can better understand how lifestyle factors like physical activity interact with health conditions."

While encouraging results were found, researchers stress that physical activity should complement medical treatment rather than replace it. Future research will explore different types and intensities of exercise on mental health and other symptoms.

The paper is titled “Trajectories of mHealth-tracked mental health and their predictors in female chronic pelvic pain disorders.” Other authors include Emily L. Leventhal; Nivedita Nukavarapu; Noemie Elhadad from Columbia University Irving Medical Center; Suzanne R. Bakken from Columbia University School of Nursing; Michal A. Elovitz; Robert P. Hirten; Jovita Rodrigues; Matteo Danieletto; and Kyle Landell.

This study received support from a grant award by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (R01HD108263) along with T32 grant 5T32GM146636.