Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common cyclic pelvic pain and is also the most common gynecological problem worldwide and affects quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of isometric exercises on intensity and duration of pain and level of anxiety in the students with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 68 students living in dormitories of Shiraz University with primary dysmenorrhea  were randomly assigned to isometric exercises and control groups. The intervention group performed isometric exercises since the third day of the menstrual cycle for 8 weeks. Pain intensity was measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, the anxiety level was assessed using Spielberger questionnaire. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni Post hoc test at the end of the second and third months of the study. Besides, P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Pain intensity and duration of pain was significantly reduced in exercises group (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups concerning the mean anxiety levels. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among young women. Isometric exercises seem to be an easy, non-pharmacological method for reducing primary dysmenorrheal.

Highlights

  • Dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent periodical pelvic pain [1]

  • This study was conducted on 80 female students. 68 students among 80 individuals (34 students in experimental group and 34 students in control group) completed the study. 12 students were excluded (6 students in exercise group and 6 students in control group) because of high pain intensity and poor response to exercise treatment or for not properly doing isometric exercises or unwillingness to continue one’s cooperation

  • No significant difference was observed between these two groups concerning the mean of pain intensity and pain duration

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent periodical pelvic pain [1]. Approximately, 20-90% of women suffer from this problem during their reproductive age [2]. Isometric Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea non-pharmacological methods. Positive effect of isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea has been observed in some, but not all, studies [15,18,19]. This study was designed to investigate the effects of isometric exercises on intensity and duration of pain and level of anxiety among students with primary dysmenorrhea. The present study is aimed investigating the effect of isometric exercises on intensity and duration of pain and level of anxiety among students with primary dysmenorrhea. No significant difference was found between two groups concerning mean anxiety levels.Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among young women. Isometric exercises seem to be an easy, non-pharmacological method for reducing primary dysmenorrheal. Isometric exercises seem to be an easy, non-pharmacological method for reducing primary dysmenorrheal. [GMJ. 2015;4(1):26-32]

Objectives
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call