Different Exercise Training Programs in University Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Basic Body Awareness Therapy: In TBFT sessions, physiotherapists improve the patient's contact with "self" by focusing on basic movement principles while performing simple daily movements such as lying, sitting, standing, walking, use of sound and massage. Mental awareness, postural balance and free breathing are considered key elements. The patient is invited to explore and integrate flow, rhythm and intentionality in coordinated movements in relation to time, space and energy. TBFT is practiced 2 days a week, 60 minutes, 5-12 weeks, depending on the patient.

High Intensity Interval Training: Tabata exercise protocol is an 8 repetition training program with 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest. Warm-up and cool-down exercises of 5 minutes each should be done to prevent injuries and negativities. Although the application varies according to the patient, YŞİA is applied 2 days a week, 15-30 minutes, in processes ranging between 2-12 weeks.

Classic Exercise and Lifestyle Tips: Classical Exercise (CE) and Lifestyle Recommendations (LSR), Classical exercises used in PD include abdominal, pelvic floor muscles, hip flexors, whole body stretching. Non-pharmaceutical strategies for pain management in LRS include adopting relaxation (rest, warm-up, massage, music, etc.), antalgic positions, and distraction techniques. Common techniques that facilitate relaxation and thus reduce pain include physical rest, hot showers, various heat applications such as thermal seed bags, electric blankets, and drinking hot herbal teas such as chamomile tea.

Study summary

Dysmenorrhea is severe lower abdominal pain in women during menstruation. The pain is usually cramping and can radiate to the thighs or lower spine. Lower abdominal pain may be accompanied by vomiting, headache, back pain, diarrhea, fatigue, etc. Depending on the pathophysiology, dysmenorrhea is classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is menstrual pain associated with normal ovulatory cycles in the absence of pelvic pathology and a clear physiologic etiology and is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. There are numerous studies on PD in the literature, but there is still a lack of studies on which of the non-pharmacologically recommended exercise and other methods is more effective on dysmenorrhea symptoms, sleep and quality of life for individuals with this problem. Different exercise intensities may affect PD symptoms through different mechanisms. Moderate to high intensity exercise may reduce pain by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, whereas less intense exercise, such as yoga, affects pain levels by decreasing cortisol levels. The lack of research on which exercise training is more effective in PD individuals was considered as a limitation. In the light of this information, the aim of the investigators study is to compare the effects of different training techniques on dysmenorrhea symptoms, sleep and quality of life in PD treatment and to present the preferability of these techniques based on evidence.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Sociodemographic information — Two months
  Sociodemographic information, physical and other medical information about the individuals' age, weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2 and general information about menstrual symptoms and cycles were recorded.
• Menstrual Symptom Scale — Two months
  The scale consists of 22 items and is five-point Likert type. Items 1-13 belong to "Negative effects/somatic complaints" subdimension, items 14-19 belong to "Menstrual pain symptoms" sub-dimension and items 20-22 belong to "Coping methods" subdimension. The Menstrual Symptom Scale score is calculated by averaging the total score of the items in the scale. Participants are asked to assign a number between 1 (never) and 5 (always) to the symptoms they experience related to menstruation. An increase in the mean score indicates an increase in the severity of menstrual symptoms. The scale has three subdimensions. The score obtained from the subscales is calculated by averaging the total score of the items in the subscales. An increase in the mean score for the sub-dimensions indicates an increase in the severity of menstruation.
• The Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire — Two months
  The Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire, is in Likert format and is rated on a scale from 1 to 7. The reliability coefficient of the original scale ranges from 0.95 to 0.97. In the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire, higher average scores from the items, subgroups, or the overall scale indicate a "positive" attitude towards menstruation.
• Evaluation of Quality of Life Short Form-12 — Two months
  Evaluation of Quality of Life Short Form-12: This questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life, which includes 12 questions about eight domains: vitality, physical functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, social role functioning, mental health. Scoring uses the RAND system from zero to 100. The score of each domain is obtained by aggregating the question scores in every domain and dividing the resulting number by the number of questions in the same domain. A higher score indicates better quality of life.The validity and reliability of the questionnaire are approved

Trial sites (1)

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