The Impact of Physical Activity on Quality of Life for individuals Living Endometriosis. A Systematic Review

Rationale for the review

Endometriosis is a long-term health condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body.

This can cause physical and mental symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog that can be severe and

unpredictable, often disrupting everyday life activities and significantly impact quality of life.

Although NHS recommends regular physical activity (PA) for good health, people with endometriosis may find it

difficult to stay active due to symptom flare-ups. Over time, this may lead to reduced wellbeing and increase health

risks. Endometriosis is a condition that falls under women's health, an area of research that has historically been

neglected. There is limited research on endometriosis affects physical activity engagement and it's impact generally

and synthesised. Efforts to close knowledge gaps predominantly focused on pharmacological and surgical

interventions. However, it is still considered a lifelong and incurable condition, therefore, there is value in

understanding lifestyle implications on endometriosis and overall wellbeing throughout their life course. Research

needs to close gaps regarding holistic, person centered approaches to managing quality of life and wellbeing living

with endometriosis co-currently with supporting protective health behaviors for health longevity.

Findings will improve understanding of how and what physical activity interventions impact the quality of life for

those living with endometriosis, imperative to informing future intervention designs that are effective and

appropriately adapted for those with endometriosis beyond pharmacological approaches.

Review objectives

How effective are physical activity interventions for improving quality of life for those living with endometriosis?

What physical activity interventions are most effective for improving quality of life within endometriosis populations?

What key interventions components differences between intervention types, intensity, and length differ across

quality of life outcomes within endometriosis populations?