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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Physical therapy and psychological intervention normalize cortisol levels and improve vitality in women with endometriosis

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Author(s):
Sebe Petrelluzzi, Karina Friggi [1] ; Garcia, Marcia Carvalho [1] ; Petta, Carlos Alberto [2] ; Ribeiro, Daniel Araki [1] ; de Oliveira Monteiro, Nancy Ramacciotti [3] ; Cespedes, Isabel Cristina [1] ; Spadari, Regina Celia [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Fed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Biosci, BR-0930240 Santos - Brazil
[2] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Fed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Educ Hlth & Soc, Santos - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY; v. 33, n. 4, p. 191-198, DEC 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 12
Abstract

There is as yet no effective treatment for endometriosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of submitting women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain to a therapeutic protocol involving physical and psychological therapy. Twenty-six female volunteers were submitted to a treatment protocol consisting of 2.5-h sessions, once a week for 10 weeks. We applied a Visual Analogue Scale, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Morning, afternoon, and evening levels of cortisol were determined in saliva samples. The PSQ scores were significantly lower after treatment, whereas the scores for the SF-36 vitality and physical functioning domains were significantly higher. Salivary cortisol levels were higher after treatment in the samples collected in the morning, but not in those collected in the afternoon or evening. The post-treatment cortisol levels were similar to those reported for healthy women. There were positive correlations between vitality, role emotional, social functioning, and mental health, and negative correlations to perceived stress. In conclusion, the physical and psychological intervention protocol applied in this study to women suffering of endometriosis was effective in reducing perceived stress, normalizing cortisol levels, increasing vitality and improving physical functioning. (AU)