A Randomized Control Trial To Assess And Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Pelvic Rocking Exercises In Reducing Dysmenorrhea Among Girls Of Selected Colleges Of Nursing In New Delhi

Abstract

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women indicating her capability for procreation. However this normal phenomenon is not an easy one. It is often associated with some degree of sufferings and embarrassment. The prevalence of menstrual disorders has been recorded as high as 87%(1). Among the menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea is the most common one being reported in half of the women of child bearing age and of these 10% experience incapacitating pain for 1-3 days, every month(2). In 60-90% of adolescent girls in India, dysmenorrhea is a major cause for absenteeism from school or restriction of activities of daily living or social interaction(3). Exercise today is an integral part of normal life for many women. It is clear that there are many health benefits for women who exercise regularly and in moderation. Exercise improves cardiovascular status, increases bone mineral content; improves dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome symptoms(4,5,6). Dysmenorrhoea is by far the most common & arguably the least understood & addressed complaint. A systematic review of studies in developing countries reported that 25% to 50% of adult women and 75% of adolescents experienced dysmenorrhoea and that participation in usual activities was adversely affected in 5% to 20% of these women(7). In one study, 98% of adolescents used non-pharmacological methods such as heat, rest, or distraction with a perceived effectiveness of 40% or less. There is increasing evidence that exercising at home may help reduce the pain and discomfort felt during menstrual cycle. Exercise is an accessible and convenient form of pain relief for women with primary dysmenorrhea, or pain during periods(8).