The effects of aerobic training and pelvic floor muscle exercise on primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls

Background and aims: Primary dysmenorrhea has an important effect on women's quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and pelvic floor muscle exercise on primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. Methods: In this study that was conducted in semi empirical, 45 adolescent girls suffering from average and severe primary dysmenorrhea were selected voluntarily and were divided in a simple random method into three groups of 15 as aerobic training, kegel training and control groups. The exercise protocol were conducted three sessions a week with intensity of 65% of maximum heart rate during 45 minutes; and in pelvic floor muscle group it was done daily three sessions for 15 minutes. 2 groups had performed the exercises for 8 weeks. The control group had no exercise activity during this period. Primary dysmenorrhea measurement questionnaires were used to collect the data and in order to homogenize the aerobic fitness of the subjects, a test includes running a mile was used. Results: In terms of intensity and duration of pain between pre-test and post-test, a significant difference has been observed (P=0.001). Comparing the experimental data in these 3 groups, significant differences in terms of pain duration among aerobic training and kegel exercise groups with control group were revealed that implies the reduction of pain during in the exercise groups (P=0.026). No significant differences among 2 exercise group in terms of pain duration were found (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of pain intensity between the groups (P=0.200). Conclusion: The results showed that aerobic exercise and Kegel could be caused to improve primary dysmenorrhea. Therefore, such exercises can probably be used in the treatment of primary dismenorrhea.