Different Exercise Training Programs in University Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea

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.

Conditions

• Exercise
• Primary Dysmenorrhea

Interventions

OTHER

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.

OTHER

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.

OTHER

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasan Kalyoncu University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-25

Primary Completion

2025-10-01

Completion

2025-10-25

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations