Effect of Isometric Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common cyclic pelvic pain and is also the most common gynecological problem worldwide affecting quality of life. The present study is aimed investigating the effect of isometric exercises on intensity and duration of pain and level of anxiety among students with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 68 students living in dormitories of Shiraz University with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to both isometric exercises and control groups. The intervention group performed isometric exercises since the third day of their menstrual cycles for 8 weeks. Pain intensity was measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, anxiety level was assessed using Spielberger questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni Post hoc test at the end of the second and third months of the study. Besides, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Pain intensity and duration of pain was significantly reduced in exercise groups (P <0.001). However, no significant difference was found between two groups concerning mean anxiety levels.Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among young women. Isometric exercises seem to be an easy, non-pharmacological method for reducing primary dysmenorrheal.