Core Muscle Strength in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Derya Azim54 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is to compare core muscle strength, core muscle activations, and pelvic tilt angles in women with and without Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD).

The study included 27 women with PD and 27 healthy women without primary dysmenorrhea. Demographic and menstrual information of the participants was recorded. The "Sport-Specific Core Muscle Strength \& Stability Plank Test" protocol was applied to evaluate the core muscle strength of the participants. Pelvic floor, transversus abdominis, and multifidus muscle activations were assessed using the NeuroTrac® MyoPlus 2 dual-channel EMG ETS device. Pelvic tilt measurement was performed using the Apecs-AI Posture Assessment and Correction System®. Menstrual pain and symptoms were evaluated using the Menstrual Symptom Scale. This study found that women with PD had higher muscle activations, lower pelvic tilt angles, and more severe menstrual symptoms. We believe these results may contribute to the etiology of PD.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness Dysmenorrhea Posture

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must meet the following criteria to be included in the study: Age between 18 and 35 years Diagnosed with Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) according to the PD consensus criteria, which include: Presence of menstrual pain within the first few years after menarche A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 4 or higher in the last six months No pelvic pathology Having a regular menstrual cycle (21-35 days) No uterine disorders Exclusion Criteria: The sample size for the study was determined using the G\*Power software (latest version 3.1.9.7; Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). Since our study consists of two groups (participants with and without Primary Dysmenorrhea), the power analysis was conducted using the "Means: Difference between two independent means (two groups)" method. Based on similar studies, an effect size of d = 0.726 was used for the calculation. With a statistical power of 80% and a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), the minimum required sample size was determined to be at least 25 participants per group, totaling 50 participants.Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy Active sexual life History of childbirth Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) History of surgery involving the abdomen, spine, or pelvic region within the last year Diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher

Locations (1)

Derya

Bandırma, Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

One of the most commonly used methods for determining pain intensity is the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition to assessing the severity of pain, VAS also provides information about how badly the patient feels due to pain. VAS consists of a 10 cm long line drawn either on a vertical or horizontal axis. At one end of the line, the phrase "no pain" is written, while at the other end, "unbearable pain" is indicated. Patients are asked to mark the point on the line that corresponds to the intensity of their pain. The distance from the "no pain" point to the patient's mark is then measured. This measurement provides a numerical value for the patient's pain intensity: 0-2 cm: No pain 3-4 cm: Mild pain 5-6 cm: Moderate pain 7-8 cm: Severe pain 9-10 cm: Unbearable pain

Time frame: 10 minutes

Menstrual Symptom Scale

Developed by Chesney and Tasto (1975) to assess menstrual pain and symptoms, this scale was validated and tested for reliability by Güvenç et al. (2014). The scale consists of 22 items and is structured as a five-point Likert-type measure. Items 1-13 belong to the "Negative Effects/Somatic Complaints" subscale. Items 14-19 belong to the "Menstrual Pain Symptoms" subscale. Items 20-22 belong to the "Coping Methods" subscale. The Menstrual Symptom Scale score is calculated by taking the average total score of the items. Participants are asked to rate their menstrual symptoms by selecting a number between 1 (Never) and 5 (Always). A higher average score indicates greater severity of menstrual symptoms. Each subscale score is calculated by taking the average of the items within that subscale, and an increase in the subscale score reflects an increase in the severity of menstrual symptoms related to that specific subscale. The Cronbach's Alpha value of the scale is 0.86, indicating a hi

Time frame: 15 minutes

Core Strength Test

To assess participants' core muscle strength, the "Sport-Specific Core Muscle Strength \& Stability Plank Test" protocol will be applied. This test was developed by Brian Mackenzie and its validity and reliability were studied by Tong et al. (2013) (95%, 0.94-0.99). The test consists of 8 steps and is performed against time, with a total duration of 3 minutes. Test Procedure: Step 1: The athlete assumes the plank position, and the test starts using a stopwatch. The athlete must hold this position for 60 seconds. Step 2: While maintaining the plank position, the athlete extends their right arm forward and holds it for 15 seconds. Step 3: The athlete extends their left arm forward and holds it for 15 seconds. Step 4: The athlete lifts their right foot 30 cm off the ground and holds it for 15 seconds. Step 5: The athlete lifts their left foot 30 cm off the ground and holds it for 15 seconds. Step 6: The athlete lifts their right arm and left foot simultaneously and holds them for 15 seco

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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