The Effect of Spinal Stabilization Training in Women With Dysmenorrhea

Summary

The study, designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial, was conducted at Tonya Vocational School. Institutional approval was obtained to carry out the study at Tonya Vocational School (Appendix-). Participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate were required to sign an informed consent form prior to the initiation of the study. Following the acquisition of informed consent, 50 women with dysmenorrhea, identified based on the WaLIDD score, were randomly allocated into two groups using a simple randomization method (sealed envelope): 25 participants in the experimental group and 25 in the control group.Baseline assessments were performed by the same researcher within the first week immediately following the most recent menstrual period, prior to the commencement of the intervention. Participants' demographic characteristics and menstrual cycle information were recorded using a data collection form before the exercise intervention.

Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); menstrual symptom severity using the Menstrual Symptom Scale; body awareness using the Body Awareness Questionnaire; muscle endurance using the McGill trunk endurance tests; lumbopelvic mobility using the Modified Schober test; activities of daily living using the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale; problem-solving skills using the Problem Solving Inventory; decision-making styles using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire; quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire; and physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). All measurements were conducted within the first week immediately following the most recent menstrual period, both before (baseline assessment) and after (post-intervention assessment) the exercise program.

Conditions

• Dysmenorrhea
• Spinal Stabilization
• Menstrual Symptoms
• Exercise Training

Interventions

OTHER

Spinal stabilization exercise group

In addition to relaxation exercises and lifestyle recommendations, the experimental group received spinal stabilization training . Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, spinal stabilization exercises were performed twice weekly for eight weeks, with session durations of 30 minutes in the initial weeks and 45-55 minutes in the subsequent weeks. Each session consisted of a 5-minute warm-up (walking and stretching exercises), 30-40 minutes of spinal stabilization exercises in the early weeks and 45-55 minutes in the later weeks, and a 5-minute cool-down period (stretching exercises) (12).The progression of the exercises was individualized according to each patient's ability, fatigue level, and pain response. The level of exertion was determined using the Borg Scale (6-20), and the exercise intensity was increased when participants reached a Borg score of 11-14 (13).

OTHER

Relaxation exercise group

The control group will be provided with relaxation exercises and lifestyle recommendations. After the relaxation exercises are explained by a physiotherapist, lifestyle recommendations for participants will include avoidance of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; reduction or cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption; limitation of caffeine, sugar, cold foods and beverages, and foods with high salt content; use of loose and cotton clothing; warm standing showers; and adequate and good-quality sleep (at least 6-8 hours) (9,10). To facilitate adherence and support the follow-up of relaxation training, a brochure was prepared and provided to the participants. Participants will perform relaxation exercises once per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes (1).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sevtap Günay

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-04-01

Primary Completion

2024-08-30

Completion

2025-12-30

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations