Exploring the exercise dose to induce symptomatic and biomarker change in endometriosis: A protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Exercise may be an effective tool to improve symptoms and quality of life in those with endometriosis. However, the optimal dose to elicit such changes is unknown. This study will explore the critical threshold of exercise dose required to elicit symptomatic and biomarker changes in women with endometriosis, particularly for those who may be disadvantaged through spatial and aspatial factors. Fifty women with clinically confirmed endometriosis will be randomly allocated into one of four groups: a passive control, active control (yoga), short duration walking and yoga, long duration walking and yoga. Participants in the three active groups will complete 12 weeks of exercise. Symptom severity (chronic) and biomarkers will be assessed pre-post intervention; adherence, and symptom impact (acute) will be assessed each week.