The goal of this observational study is to examine menstrual characteristics and symptoms in adolescent volleyball athletes compared to non-athlete adolescents. The main question it aims to answer is: How do menstrual symptoms and characteristics differ between adolescent volleyball athletes and non-athletes? The study included 154 adolescents aged 10-19, divided into 77 volleyball athletes (average age 15.09) and 77 non-athletes (average age 14.79). Assessments covered menstruation age, regularity, dysmenorrhea characteristics, and menstrual symptoms using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ).
The goal of this observational study is to investigate menstrual characteristics and symptoms in adolescent volleyball athletes compared to non-athlete adolescents. The main question it aims to answer is: How do menstrual symptoms and characteristics differ between adolescent volleyball athletes and their non-athlete peers? The study included 154 adolescents aged 10-19 who had experienced menarche for at least one year. Participants were divided into two groups: 77 volleyball athletes (average age 15.09±1.33) and 77 non-athletes (average age 14.79±1.27). Assessments included menstruation age, regularity, use of menstruation delay pills, cycle characteristics (length, duration), and dysmenorrhea characteristics (onset, frequency, medication use, school/training absenteeism). The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) evaluated menstrual pain, coping methods, and somatic complaints.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
154
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Menstrual Pain
Menstruation related pain ( pain in the first 3 days of menstruation) intensity will be measured as a primary outcome using the the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). This outcome will measure the level of pain experienced by participants and the results will be reported as a continuous variable. The VAS consists of a 10 cm horizontal line with endpoints labeled "no pain" (0) and "worst pain imaginable" . Participants will mark the point on the line that best represents their pain intensity. The scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with higher scores indicating worse pain.
Time frame: 3 months ( will cover 3 menstrual cyles)
Menstrual symptoms (assessed using the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire)
Menstrual symptoms will be assessed using the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) designed to measure the severity and frequency of physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation (Negative Effects/Somatic Complaints, Menstrual Pain, and Coping Methods). The MSQ consists of 24 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale where 0 indicates no symptoms and 5 indicates the most severe symptoms. The total MSQ score ranges from 0 to 120, with higher scores reflecting worse menstrual symptoms.
Time frame: 3 months. The outcome will be evaluated before starting the study and after 12 weeks. It will be reported as a continuous variable to quantify changes in symptom severity over time.
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