Effect of Gym Ball Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea and Pulse Wave Velocity of Lower Limbs in Young Women

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Gym Ball can be used as an exercise therapy program for prevention of low abdominal pain. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gym ball on primary dysmenorrhea pain and arterial pulse wave velocity of lower limbs in young women. Methods/Statistical analysis: The subjects are 16 (age 19.81 ± 0.83years, height 161.48 ± 1.69cm, weight 56.33 ± 3.27kg, menarche 15.49 ± 0.28years) college female students. Gym Ball exercise was performed with a frequency of three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), by 50 minutes at a time for 10 weeks. Comparison of related variables before and after gym ball exercise was verified by paired t-test. Findings: The present study shows that left PWV and right PWV of lower limbs were significantly decreased after gym ball exercise. Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume were significantly increased after gym ball exercise. In addition, dysmenorrhea pain index such as VAS and VRS were each showed a significant decrease. Application/Improvements: In conclusion, gym ball exercise represents that it improves blood flow circulations of the lower limbs and reduce the pain of the lower abdomen during menstrual period. Therefore, gym ball exercise program can be used in the prevention of primary dysmenorrhea.