Core Stability Exercise on Low Back Ache, Back Endurance and Health Related Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea-A Single Group Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effect of core stabilization exercises on LBA, back endurance, and HRQoL in primary dysmenorrhea. Method: 58 subjects were included in a single group experimental study based on selection criteria from gynecology hospitals and clinics in Bangalore. Subjects underwent 8 weeks of core stability exercise in a 45 min session. The data was analyzed using a paired t test, descriptive analysis, and frequency distribution. Findings: A significant difference was seen in the pre- post test score for low back ache following 4 weeks. A similar reduction in LBA was seen following 8 weeks of treatment, with a p value= .001. A significant improvement was also noted in trunk endurance and HrQoL, with a p value = 0.001. Novelty: This study is one of its kind wherein the effect of core stability exercise focusing on improvement in back endurance and thereby impacting low back ache and health related quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea is studied in a relatively larger group. Conclusion: Core stability exercises improved back endurance and reduced low back ache, as well as improved the HRQoL in primary dysmenorrhea. Keywords: painful period, low back ache, back endurance, health-related quality of life, core stability exercise