Comparison of the Effect of Stretching Exercises and Combination of Massage - Stretching Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea of Female Students of Razi University of Kermanshah

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is chronic pain during menstruation without the presence of a pelvic pathologic complication. Objectives: The aim this research was comparison of the effect of stretching exercises and combination of massage - stretching exercises on primary dysmenorrhea of female students of Razi University of Kermanshah. Methods: This semi-experimental study was statistical population all female students of Razi University of Kermanshah. 90 students were selected through purposive and convenient sampling method. After obtaining consent and justification of the subjects from the research stages, they were randomly divided into three groups of 30 to practice the protocol. The research instrument consisted of two primary dysmenorrhea and McGill pain questionnaires as well as stretching exercise and massage protocol. The validity of the questionnaires was obtained formally using Cronbach’s test. Exercise program for groups was performed in 8 sessions for 3 weeks. Data were analyzed by dependent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, to check the normality of the data distribution. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences between the three methods of exercise (stretching, massage and massage- stretching movements) on pain severity (P = 0.938), duration of pain (P = 0.095) and the nature of pain (P = 0.664) There was no significant difference. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, massage and stretching exercise and massage-stretching combinations are almost as effective and effective as noninvasive methods in reducing the symptoms of sensory pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea. Assistance to girls with dysmenorrhea Selection and application of one of these methods will depend on the individual’s abilities and circumstances.