V˙O2max and Endometriosis: Does Better Fitness Mean Better Days? A Cross-Sectional Study

Samantha Coquinos, Charbel Khater, Alexandre Obœuf, Damien Vitiello
In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal · 2025 · vol. 33(1) · doi:10.1123/wspaj.2025-0083 · W4416374956
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In women with endometriosis, objectively measured maximal oxygen uptake was not associated with pain severity or quality of life, although pain predicted self-image impairment.

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Abstract

Introduction : Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder strongly associated with pelvic pain, fatigue, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Physical activity is recommended as a complementary strategy to manage symptoms, but no studies have explored whether objectively measured aerobic fitness is related to clinical outcomes in women with endometriosis. Methodology : In this cross-sectional analysis, 47 women diagnosed with endometriosis underwent a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to assess maximal oxygen uptake ( ) with gas exchange analysis. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale and QoL using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30. Results/Discussion : Mean was 28.9 ml·kg· −1 min −1 . Despite high pain (visual analog scale = 8.04/10) and moderate QoL impairment (Endometriosis Health Profile-30 = 63.7), was not correlated with pain (ρ = −.078, p = .611) or QoL (ρ = −.075, p = .618). Pain was tendentially associated with self-image (ρ = .269, p = .074). Group comparisons across tertiles showed no significant differences in pain or QoL scores. In regression analysis, pain, but not , tended to predict self-image impairment. Conclusions : Aerobic fitness was not associated with pain severity or QoL, while pain remained a key determinant of psychosocial impairment. These findings highlight the complexity of symptom management in endometriosis and suggest that improving aerobic capacity alone may not alleviate symptoms. Future studies should assess whether targeted exercise programs can improve pain and QoL through mechanisms beyond aerobic fitness.

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Outcome instruments

EHP-30

Condition tags

endometriosis

Citation neighborhood

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