Characterization of coping with Primary Dysmenorrhea in Women according to their level of Physical Activity: a cross-sectional observational study.

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) is one of the most common gynaecological pathologies in women. The aim is to determine the existence of differences in coping with PD in women who practice high-intensity sport, compared to women who are less physically active. This was a cross-sectional observational study Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: A total of 476 women were recruited and administered a Google Form multiple-choice questionnaire divided into six sections. The following scales were used: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Menstruation-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL-22), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Borg scale. Results The 389 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups according to their score in Borg test: high-intensity Physical Activity Group (n=178), moderate-intensity Physical Activity Group (n=101) and low-intensity Physical Activity Group (n=110) for those scoring under 4. ANOVA analysis showed statistical significance only for PCS (p= 0.024). Tukey group per group comparison determined differences between High-intensity Physical Activity Group and Low-intensity Physical Activity Group regarding to PCS (p=0.018). Spearman correlation analysis showed a high relation between PCS and NPRS (r= 0.664) and between MQOL-22 and NPRS (r= -0.562). Limitations The study does not offer a common exercise protocol for all participants, thus physical activity levels in each participant varies in terms of time, intensity, and frequency, which could be crucial when analyzing the results Conclusions According our data, the intensity of the exercise training does not influence in PD-related pain perception nor kinesiophobia. High intensity exercise reduces catastrophizing when compared with sedentary or low intensity exercise. Level of catastrophizing is highly related with perceived pain and quality of life in menstruation in these PD patients. Based on the above, high intensity Physical Exercise could be recommended to reduce the level of catastrophizing in women with Primary Dysmenorrhea.