To Compare the Effectiveness of Pilates and Chair Aerobics on Menstrual Symptoms in Females with Primary Dysmenorrhea - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation which categorized into 2 types – primary and secondary. Generally primary dysmenorrhea characterized by the abdominal pain, lower back pain and presence of other menstrual symptoms, and without underlying cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs due to the presence of some underlying pelvic pathology. Primary dysmenorrhea is common in adolescent female and affects the physical as well as mental health in individual. It is moderate intensity aerobic exercise and performed in sitting position. Pilates exercise which is focus on core muscles activation and also strengthen the core. Exercise only which may be useful in clinical practice. Objective: To compare the effect of pilates and chair aerobics on menstrual symptoms by using NPRS for intensity of pain, Menstrual symptom questionnaire for menstrual symptom, for quality-of-life SF 36 in females with primary dysmenorrhea. Methodology: 24 females were included in this study as per inclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups i.e. group A [pilates] and group B [chair aerobic]. Intervention was given for 4 days/week for 8 week. Result: Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 t – test [paired and unpaired] were applied. Statistically significant improvements were observed in both groups but more pronounced in group B[NPRS – P value 0.0022, MSQ – P value 0.0031, SF 36 – P value 0.001] compare to group A. Conclusion: Chair aerobics is more effective in reducing pain, menstrual symptom and improves quality of life in female with primary dysmenorrheal. Key words: Pilates, Chair aerobics, Primary dysmenorrhea, Menstrual symptom.