Comparison of Core Stabilization and Dynamic Stretching Exercises in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is a Greek term which means difficult flow and the term describe painful periods. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen but sometimes it may radiate in thighs and to the back. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of gynecological disorder among females worldwide. Some females may feel some associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting diarrhea, headache, dizziness and in severe conditions syncope. All of these symptoms occur usually in females with normal pelvic anatomy and symptoms occur just before menses. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs 6-12 months after the onset of ovulation cycle. Primary dysmenorrhea can be distinguished from secondary dysmenorrhea on the basis of symptoms and other pelvic or reproductive organ disorders. Endometriosis is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, in secondary dysmenorrhea pain starts few days before the onset of menstrual cycles and may last longer than the cycle. The chances of secondary dysmenorrhea are more prevalent in females above the age of 20. A complete pelvic examination should be performed in females who are sexually active and have dysmenorrhea and those who are suspected to have endometriosis. In general population the prevalence of Primary dysmenorrhea is about 47-80%. Seventy five to eighty five percent of female have said to report that the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea are mild. Primary dysmenorrhea is not life threatening and does not cause any disabilities but some researches have said that most young girls are reported to be absent from school/college and not being able to perform any activity due to the severity of pain. Some evidence shows the link between dysmenorrhea and prostaglandin, the level of prostaglandin is said to be increased and leads to uterine contraction and ischemia. The release of prostaglandin leads to excessive uterine contraction and the constriction of small endometrial blood vessels leads to ischemia and thus pain. The level of prostaglandin is said to be increased during premenstrual phase in which progesterone level decreases and the level of prostaglandin increases in endometrial cells by the action of membrane phospholipids. The action of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors plays an important role in pain relief. Another interesting factor shows the link between physical activity and dysmenorrhea.

Females who perform physical activities like exercise for the purpose of developing or maintaining fitness have reported to be going through less pain and behavioral changes.

Physical activities and exercises are believed to have reduced the level of stress and stress related symptoms. When we do exercise endorphins hormones are released from brain which increases the pain threshold and have said to improve the mood of the person performing exercise. It has also been observed that performing isometric exercises for 8 weeks has reduced the intensity and duration of pain but has no effects on the amount of bleeding. Performing stretching exercises for 8 weeks has also reduced the severity and length of pain in young girls and they have reported to be taking less medicine. The purpose of this research is to provide the information that which exercises i-e stretching or strengthening are more effective in reducing the intensity, frequency, duration and severity of pain in primary dysmenorrhea.