In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of kegel exercise on menstruation symptoms, severity of dysmenorrheic symptoms and quality of life in nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea. The study was conducted as a single-blind randomized controlled trial.
The study was conducted in a single-blind randomized controlled trial with 89 nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea. The experimental group was given kegel exercise training online, and after the training, a message was sent to remind them to do kegel exercises three times a day during the follow-up. No intervention was made in the control group. Hypotheses of the Research 1. VAS total scores in interventions involving kegel exercise training and regular kegel exercise are lower than control interval rates (H1). 2. The total score of the Menstruation Symptom Scale within the participants who participated in kegel exercise training and regular kegel exercise was recorded, at lower rates than the distribution of control intervals (H1). 3. The Severity of Dysmenorrheic Symptoms in participants who participated in kegel exercise training and regular kegel exercise interventions were lower than the distribution of control intervals (H1). 4. The total scores of the Quality of Life Scale among those who participated in kegel exercise training and regular kegel exercises were higher than the proportions of the controlled rankings (H1).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
89
* Before teaching Kegel exercises, it was recommended that the person empty his bladder and wear comfortable clothing. * It was said that the person should extend his legs straight while exercising and not to contract his leg, hip and abdominal muscles and not to hold his breath while the pelvic floor muscles contract. * The relevant muscles were told to contract for 10 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds. The person was also asked to do the exercises during daily activities. * Exercise was implemented regularly 3 times a day (minimum 30-45 exercises) in the morning, noon and evening.
Gümüşhane University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing
Gümüşhane, Turkey (Türkiye)
Personal Information Form
It was prepared in line with the literature. The form consists of a total of 25 questions, including information about socio-demographic information, pain during menstrual period, vaginal discharge characteristics, and practices regarding menstrual quantity.
Time frame: one week
Visual Analogue Scale
It was used to evaluate the pain intensity of individuals during their menstrual period. Individuals were asked to mark their pain level on a 10-centimeter (cm) horizontal line, meaning "0 (no pain)" and "10 (most severe pain)." Individuals responded by thinking about the pain they experienced during the first 3 days of their first, second, and third menstrual cycles.
Time frame: one week
The Menstrual Symptom Scale
The scale consists of 22 items and is a five-point Likert type. Items 1-13 belong to "Negative effects/somatic complaints" sub-dimension, items 14-19 belong to "Menstrual pain symptoms" sub-dimension and items 20-22 belong to "Coping methods" sub-dimension. The Menstrual Symptom Scale score is calculated by averaging the total score of the items in the scale. Participants are asked to assign a number between 1 (never) and 5 (always) to the symptoms they experience related to menstruation. An increase in the mean score indicates an increase in the severity of menstrual symptoms. The scale has three sub-dimensions. The score obtained from the sub-dimensions is calculated by averaging the total score of the items in the sub-dimensions. An increase in the mean score for the sub-dimensions indicates an increase in the severity of menstrual symptoms related to that sub-dimension. Cronbach's Alpha value of the scale is 0.86
Time frame: Three months
The Severity of Dysmenorrheic Symptoms
The presence and magnitude of dysmenorrhoeic symptoms were assessed using this Likert-type scale (none = 0; mild = 1; moderate = 2; and severe = 3). The dimensions assessed by the scale are: Colicky pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, irritability, depression pain or tenderness in the breasts, back pain, gastrointestinal disorders headache, leg oedema
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Three months
The Quality of Life Scale
Item-total score correlations were calculated between 0.47-0.88. It is not possible to obtain a total score for the Short Form-36 quality of life scale. Instead, summary scores can be obtained for the physical and mental components of health in the Short Form-36 scale. Physical health components are physical function, physical role, pain and general health perception subscales, while mental health components are vitality, social function, emotional role and mental health subscales. In the summary scores, the lowest score is "0" and the highest score is "100" and a high score indicates good health status.
Time frame: Three months