Comparison between the Effect of Rocking, Stretching, and Kegel Exercises on Pain Intensity of Primary Dysmenorrhea among University Female Students

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea impacts the quality of life of girls by impeding their ability to concentrate, causing disruptions in their regular physical activity, and having negative effects on their psychosocial well-being. Multiple studies have demonstrated that exercise may alleviate dysmenorrhea. Aim: compare between the effect of Rocking, Stretching, and Kegel exercises on pain intensity of primary dysmenorrhea among university female students. Method: A quasi-experimental design was employed (pretestposttest). Sitting: Study was done at Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University. Sample: The study included a purposive sample of 369 female nursing students. Four instruments were utilized; first is a self-administered questionnaire; the second was menstrual cycle assessment sheet; the third was instrument pain intensity assessment sheet, and fourth was dysmenorrhea assessment sheet. Results: Kegel exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain score between pre intervention assessment and 4 weeks’ assessment. Kegel exercises had a positive effect on reducing the dysmenorrhea pain intensity among the female students with primary dysmenorrhea more than pelvic rocking exercises and stretching exercises. Pelvic rocking exercise showed a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain score between pre intervention assessment and 4 weeks’ assessment. Regarding Stretching exercises, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain score between pre intervention assessment and 4 weeks’ assessment Conclusion: Kegel exercises, pelvic rocking exercises, and stretching exercises are effective, and inexpensive non-pharmacological nursing interventions that relive primary dysmenorrhea. Recommendation Kegel exercise should be incorporated into nursing curriculum and practice as a method of relieving primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent female students.