BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSE TO CORE STABILITY EXERCISES IN PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA

Research Abstract

Background & aim: Dysmenorrhea, identified as pain during menstruation, is the most prevalent gynecological disorder in females. It may be worsen by poor pelvic posture. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of core stability and aerobic exercises programs on pelvic biomechanics and menstrual distress questionnaire in primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and methods: Forty females were randomized into two groups (A & B). Group (A) included 20 females; each female received core stability exercises. Group (B) included 20 females; each female received aerobic exercises. Both groups started exercises from the 7th day of menstruation, for 40 minutes/day, day after day up to 8 weeks for two successive menstrual cycles. Measuring pelvic rotation, pelvic inclination and pelvic tilt angles using formetric raster stereography and calculating menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) score were done at baseline in the 7th day of menstruation and after the next two menstrual cycles after the intervention. Results: Comparing both groups post treatment revealed non-significant differences regarding pelvic rotation, pelvic inclination and pelvic tilt angles (p>0.05). However, they showed clinical differences and high percent of improvement in group (A). The MDQ score showed a statistically significant reduction post treatment in favour of group (A) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both core stability exercises and aerobic exercises have a clinical improvement in MDQ score with high percent of decrease in favour of core stability exercise group. Key words: Dysmenorrhea, core stability exercise, aerobic exercises, pelvic rotation, pelvic inclination, pelvic tilt, menstrual distress questionnaire.

Research Keywords

primary dysmenorrea