Efficacy of Core Muscle Strengthening in Women with Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and it is one of the most common complaints seen in women of reproductive age during menstruation. In Primary dysmenorrhea, the abdominal pain is not associated with any underlying pathology of the uterus and secondary dysmenorrhea is caused due to any pathology inside or outside the uterus. It can also lead to nausea, headache, fatigue and diarrhea. The aim of the study is to find the efficacy of core muscle strengthening in women with dysmenorrhea. Method: The samples were selected according to the inclusion criteria and sectioned into groups with convenience sampling technique. Group A (n=30) was prescribed with heating pad and lower abdominal massage in circular motions and Group B (n=30) with core muscle strengthening exercises. The exercise regimen should be followed for a period of 3 months, 4 days a week (except for the first two days of menstruation). The duration of the exercises was 40 minutes per day, with a brief period of warm up and cool down respectively. Results: Statistical Analysis was done for all collected data using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Paired t-test. The test shows a significant difference (p<0.01) between the Groups A & B. Group B showed improvement compared to Group A. Conclusion: The experimental study showed that strengthening abdominal muscles helps in reduction in intensity of pain or no pain at all and also improved the quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea. KEY WORDS: Core muscle, Dysmenorrhea, Exercises, Menstrual pain, Physiotherapy.