The Effect of Isometric Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v4i1.168Keywords:
Dysmenorrhea, Isometric exercises, Anxiety, students, IranAbstract
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.
References
Latthe Pm, Champaneria R, Khan Ks. Dysmenorrhoea. Clinical Evidence. 2011;2011: 0813.
French L. Dysmenorrhea In Adolescents. Pediatric Drugs. 2008;10(1):1-7.
Mcphee Sj, Papadakis Ma, Rabow Mw. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010: Mcgraw-Hill Medical; 2010.
Yusoff Dawood M. Primary Dysmenorrhea, Advances in Pathogenesis and Management. Obstet Gynecol 2006;108:428–41
Diaz A, Laufer M, Breech L. Menstruation In Girls And Adolescents: Using The Menstrual Cycle As A Vital Sign. Pediatrics. 2006;118(5):2245-50.
Novak E, Berek Js. Berek And Novak's Gynecology: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007.
Han S-H, Hur M-H, Buckle J, Choi J, Lee Ms. Effect Of Aromatherapy On Symptoms Of Dysmenorrhea In College Students: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 2006;12(6):535-41.
Lee Ym. Effects Of Aroma-Foot-Reflexology On Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea And Lower Abdominal Skin Temperature Of Nursing Students. Korean Journal Of Adult Nursing. 2011;23(5):472-81.
Mirbagher-Ajorpaz N, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mosaebi F. The Effects Of Acupressure On Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Complementary Therapies In Clinical Practice. 2011;17(1):33-6.
Chen Y, Shang G, Fu G. Effect Of Massage On Hemodynamics Parameters Of Uterine Artery And Serum Prostaglandin In Treating Patients With Primary Dysmenorrhea]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi= Chinese Journal Of Integrated Traditional And Western Medicine/Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Hui, Zhongguo Zhong Yi Yan Jiu Yuan Zhu Ban. 2011;31(10):1355-58.
Onur O, Gumus I, Derbent A, Kaygusuz I, Simavli S, Urun E, Et Al. Impact Of Home-Based Exercise On Quality Of Life Of Women With Primary Dysmenorrhoea. South African Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology. 2012;18(1):15-8.
Yaghmaei M, Mirteymouri M, Mokhtari M, Mohammadi M. The Comparison Of The Therapeutic Effect Of Mefenamic Acid And Mefenamic Acid Plus Vitamin E On Severity Of Pain In Primary Dysmenorrhea. Reproduction And Infertility. 2005; 6(2):187-93.
Brown J, Brown S. Exercise For Dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004142.pub2.
Harlow Sd, Park M. A Longitudinal Study Of Risk Factors For The Occurrence, Duration And Severity Of Menstrual Cramps In A Cohort Of College Women. Bjog: An International Journal Of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 1996;103(11):1134-42.
kubo k, kanehisa h, fukunaga t. influences of repetitive drop jump and isometric leg press exercises on tendon properties in knee extensors. the journal of strength & conditioning research. 2005;19(4):864-70.
Shavandi N, Taghian F, Soltani V. The Effect Of Isometric Exercise On Primary Dismenorrhea. Arak Medical University Journal. 2010;13(1):71-7.
Mirbod SM, Sarami H, Mortazi Fatemeh Z. Effects Of Isometric ExerciseOn The Alleviation Of Lumbar And Pelvic Pain In Pregnant Women Resident In Isfahan. Journal Of Research In Rehabilitation Sciences. 2011;7(5):621-32.
Gallagher EJ, Liebman M, Bijur PE. Prospective Validation Of Clinically Important Changes In Pain Severity Measured On A Visual Analog Scale. Annals Of Emergency Medicine. 2001;38(6):633-8.
.Aghamohammadi Kalkhora M, Karimollahi M. Religiousness and preoperative anxiety: a correlational study. Annual of General Psychiatry 2008;69(4):1195-200.
Noorbakhsh M, Alijani E , Kohandel M , Mehdizadeh Toorzani Z, Mirfaizi M, Hojat S. The Effect Of Physical Activity On Primary Dysmenorrhea Of Female University Students. World Applied Sciences Journal. 2012;17(10):1246-52.
Shahrjerdi S, Shaych Hosaini R. The Effect Of 8 Weeks Stretching Exercise On Primary Dysmenorrhea In 15-17 Aged High School Student Girls In Arak. Journal Of Shahrekord University Of Medical Sciences. 2010;11(4):84-91.
Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Health Benefits Of PhysicalActivity: The Evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2006;174(6):801-9.
Lindwall M, Lindgren EC. The Effects Of A 6-Month Exercise Intervention Programme On Physical Self-Perceptions And Social Physique Anxiety In Non-Physically Active Adolescent Swedish Girls. Psychology Of Sport And Exercise. 2005;6(6):643-58.
Nasyrova R. Mental Disorders In Dysmenorrhea. European Psychiatry. 2010;25,supplementary 1:1405.
Mastrangelo MA, Galantino Ml, House L. Effects Of Yoga On Quality Of Life And Flexibility In Menopausal Women: A Case Series. Explore: The Journal Of Science And Healing. 2007;3(1):42-5.
Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, Medina L, Delgado J, Hernandez A. Yoga And Massage Therapy Reduce Prenatal Depression And Prematurity. Journal OfBodywork And Movement Therapies. 2012;16(2):204-9.
Broman-Fulks JJ, Berman ME, Rabian BA, Webster MJ. Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Anxiety Sensitivity. Behaviour Research And Therapy. 2004;42(2):125-36.
Israel RG, Sutton M, O'brien KF. Effects Of Aerobic Training On Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptomatology In College Females. Journal Of American College Health. 1985;33(6):241-4.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2015 Galen Medical Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
