A Study on Effects of Aerobic Exercises on Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea in Bangalore

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most frequently encountered gynecological disorders in women of reproductive ages. The Primary type of dysmenorrhea (PD) occurs when there is no identifiable pelvic disease, leading to absenteeism and affecting the quality of life. It is associated with restriction of activity and absence from school or work.

Objective: To determine the effects of aerobic exercises on quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea.

Materials and methods: Comparative two group controlled study conducted on 60 female students aged 18 – 25 years with Primary dysmenorrhea. They were selected through convenience sampling techniques and were randomly assigned to intervention group A (n=30) and control group B (n=30).  Participants in the intervention group participated in a 45-minute per session, 4 times per week for a 12 weeks aerobic exercise training program, while the control group did not participate in the exercise program.  The pain intensity and menstrual severity were assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) and Verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMSS); quality of life was assessed with Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short form (Q-LES-Q-SF); and VO2 max for exercise intensity was assessed with 3-minute step test. These scales and questionnaires were used to assess both groups at the initial assessment (O- week), after the first menstrual cycle (4-week), after the second cycle (8-week), and after the third cycle (12-week). Data collected, analyzed, and level of significance was kept at 5%.

Result: Pre and post-test results of both groups were analyzed by parametric tests; independent t-test and Non-parametric tests; Mann-Whitney U test to determine the study significance between the two groups.  With an analog independent t-test, a significant difference was observed between Group A compared to GROUP B with changes in VO2 max from pre-test to post-test 3 (t=11.1387, p=0.0001) as p<0.05.  With the Mann-Whitney U test, there was a significant difference in VAS improvement in GROUP A concerning pre-test to post-test 3 (Z= -6.6530, p=0.0001) as p<0.05, and VMSS (Z=-5.8990, p=0.0001) as p<0.05.  The pre-test to post-test 3 Q-LES-Q-SF scores were compared between both groups using an independent t-test. A Significant and higher improvement was observed in GROUP A compared to GROUP B (t=13.0001, p=0.0001) as p<0.05,

Conclusion: 45-minute, 4-session per week for 12 weeks aerobic exercise training programs are effective not only to reduce pain but to improve quality of life in females with primary dysmenorrhea.