• More than 350 women have registered expressions of interest for a Charles Sturt study investigating using exercise as treatment for endometriosis symptoms
• According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, endometriosis affects around 1 in 7 Australian women

More than 350 women from across Australia have registered expressions of interest to participate in a groundbreaking Charles Sturt University endometriosis trial.

Researchers from Charles Sturt's School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sport Science are investigating the relationship between exercise and pain relief for women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths are most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel or bladder. Unlike normal uterus lining, this tissue has no way to leave the body during menstruation, which can lead to inflammation, scarring and pain.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, endometriosis affects around one in seven Australian women, with diagnosis taking 6-8 years on average.

Evidence suggests exercise can help improve the lives of women with endometriosis but the optimal type or amount of activity to achieve meaningful improvements in pain, wellbeing and health outcomes remains unknown.

The findings of the study will provide guidance for healthcare and exercise professionals on how to prescribe exercise to safely manage symptoms and pain.

Lead researcher Dr Tegan Hartmann (inset) said the massive interest in participating in the trial highlighted the scale of the issue, particularly among women living in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Many women living with endometriosis are looking for practical strategies they can use alongside medical care to help manage their symptoms,” she said.

“This study aims to help them by determining the amount of exercise needed to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The trial will involve women with medically diagnosed endometriosis aged 18 or older who live in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups undertaking different exercise regimes: usual care, yoga only, yoga with shorter-duration walking, or yoga with longer-duration walking.

The 12-week program will be delivered remotely via telehealth, with activity monitored through technology like Garmins, as well as interviews.

Researchers will assess pain, quality of life, sleep, physical function, depression, anxiety, stress and how closely and well the exercise program has been followed.

Charles Sturt Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Neena Mitter said the project was addressing on of the significant health challenges affecting regional communities.

“Endometriosis can have a devastating impact on quality of life, affecting fertility, relationships, education, employment, sleep and mental health,” Professor Mitter said.

“Research like this has the potential to improve access to practical management strategies and inform future models of care for women, regardless of where they live.”

Dr Hartmann is one of Australia's leading experts on endometriosis and exercise, and has been invited to present on her research for Exercise & Sports Science Australia and the Australian Endometriosis Foundation.

Dr Hartmann is the founder of Charles Sturt’s H.E.R (Health. Exercise. Research) Lab which is researching how physical activity and exercise can support female health from menstruation and reproductive health through fertility, pregnancy and menopause.

The Endometriosis and Exercise project has been made possible through support from the Country Education Foundation and additional community support will help expand the research.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support helping bring this project to life,” Dr Hartmann said.

“Every contribution helps us build the evidence needed to improve quality of life for women living with endometriosis.”

People interested in supporting the research can learn more here.