To compare the effect of stretching and core strengthening exercises on Primary Dysmenohrrea in Young females

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as difficulty in menstrual flow in the absence of any pelvic pathology. It is the most common gynaecological problem among adolescent females. Incidence of primary dysmenorrhea was reported to be between 50% and 90% in different societies. Several studies have shown that the reduction of dysmenorrhea in women, who regularly exercise may be due to effects of hormonal changes on uterine epithelial tissues or an increase in endorphin levels. It appears that exercise has analgesic effects that act in a non-specific way. Study aim: To compare the effect of stretching and core strengthening exercises on primary dysmenorrhea. Material and Methods: The present experimental study included 105 girls of age 19-25 years with primary dysmenorrhea were selected from lovely professional university and government college, Phagwara.The students were non Athlete and Volunteered for the study, the participants were randomly divided into 3 groups,2 Experimental gp (1 st exp gp n=35,2 nd exp gp,n=35) and control gp (n=35). In the Intervention group the subjects were requested to complete active stretching and core strengthening protocol for 8 weeks (4 days per week, 2 times a day,10 min) at home. In the Pre-test & post test all the subjects were examined for pain intensity (NPRS), pain duration and use of sedatives tablets during menstruation cycle and side bridge test. Results:. Pain intensity is decreased significantly in both experimental groups that is in Gp1 (p=.0001) and Gp2 (p=.0001) with NPRS and PDQ in Gp 1(p=.0001) and in Gp2 (p=.0001) after post readings of 4 weeks (p1) and of 8 weeks (p2) but the results of control group is non significant Conclusion: The present result suggested that active stretching and core strengthening both can be safely used as an alternative therapy for pain relief in dysmenorrhoea and this action is not mediated through progesterone. Because we are dealing with a functional problem that is not a disease state, so can truly focus on a holistic approach.