Effect of Massage and Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea
Keywords
Abstract
Description
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is described as suprapubic pelvis pains with cramps that begin a couple hours before menstrual bleeding or after menstrual bleeding or last 12-72 hours and occur repeatedly without organic pathology. According to De Sanctis et al. (2015), PD prevalence varies between 16% and 93%. PD is generally seen with sweating, fatigue, gastrointestinal system signs and central nerve system signs. These symptoms occurring just before or just after menstrual bleeding may prevent these women from attending school and work and joining social activities.
In literature, there are studies that state that PD can be cured using such complementary therapies as essential oil acids, vitamins, acupuncture, herbal medicines, aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure, massage, sport and exercise. In PD management, it is estimated that giving massage together with progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) will be beneficial. Massage intensifies blood flow in the site where it is applied and reduces muscle strain. Besides, it also elevates endorphin secretion and increases pain threshold. Relaxation exercises produce a decline in sympathetic activity, a rise in parasympathetic activity and as a result, a reduce in heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, oxygen requirement, dilatation in peripheral veins, a rise of blood flow in blood arteries and a reduction in muscle strain, pain or pain perception and a better sleep quality. In addition, thanks to deep breathing techniques performed with PRE sympathetic nerve system activity reduces; as a result of which pain, anxiety and depressive symptoms decrease, too.
In literature, there are no studies where massage and PRE have been used together in PD management. In this sense, the study was planned to examine the effect of massage and PRE used together with massage upon pain intensity and menstrual symptoms in the management of PD.
Dates
| Last Verified: | 03/31/2020 |
| First Submitted: | 04/15/2020 |
| Estimated Enrollment Submitted: | 04/17/2020 |
| First Posted: | 04/21/2020 |
| Last Update Submitted: | 04/24/2020 |
| Last Update Posted: | 04/27/2020 |
| Actual Study Start Date: | 04/30/2017 |
| Estimated Primary Completion Date: | 12/30/2017 |
| Estimated Study Completion Date: | 12/30/2017 |
Condition or disease
Intervention/treatment
Other: experimental group
Phase
Arm Groups
| Arm | Intervention/treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: experimental group Students in the experimental group were taught about massage and progressive relaxation exercises (PRE). The phases of the massage and PRE trainings were first explained by being demonstrated by the author on herself. In the meantime, the trainings were video-taped and uploaded to the mobile phones of the students. After the author, each student was made to perform massage and PRE. Both the exercises and massage techniques were daily performed 3 times a day after pain had started and relaxation exercises lasted 30 minutes whereas massage was performed for 15 minutes consecutively | Other: experimental group Progressive relaxation exercises included 30 minute rhythmic breathing and muscle relaxation exercises were demonstrated in the second part of the CD with river sounds and verbal instructions. Massage techniques were performed on the site between upper symphysis pubis and umbilicus with 15 minute effleurage demonstrated in the third part of the CD with nature sound. |
| No Intervention: control group The students in the control group continued their routines during the study. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Ages Eligible for Study | 18 Years To 18 Years |
| Sexes Eligible for Study | Female |
| Accepts Healthy Volunteers | Yes |
| Criteria | Inclusion Criteria: - To be older than 18 years, - To have a dysmenorrhoea pain intensity score ≥4 according to Visual Analog Scale (VAS), - To have no previous pregnancy experience, - To have no disease that leads to dysmenorrhoea (endometriosis, ovarian cysts/tumors, pelvic infection disease, myoma/uterus tumor, uterus polyp, asherman syndrome, infection), - Not to use hormonal contraception and intrauterine devices, - To present a menstruation period that lasts 3-8 days and menstrual cycle of 21-35 days, - Not to have a systemic and chronic disease (diabetes, heart diseases, vein diseases, circulatory disorders, varicosis, blood diseases, etc.), - Not to have any physical/mental health problems that prevent/restrict massaging and exercising, - To be voluntary to join the study, Exclusion Criteria: - To be under the age of 18 - To have a dysmenorrhoea pain intensity score ≤ 4 according to Visual Analog Scale (VAS), - To have previous pregnancy experience, - To have disease that leads to dysmenorrhoea (endometriosis, ovarian cysts/tumors, pelvic infection disease, myoma/uterus tumor, uterus polyp, asherman syndrome, infection), - Using hormonal contraception and intrauterine devices, - Not to present a menstruation period that lasts 3-8 days and menstrual cycle of 21-35 days, - To have a systemic and chronic disease (diabetes, heart diseases, vein diseases, circulatory disorders, varicosis, blood diseases, etc.), - To have any physical/mental health problems that prevent/restrict massaging and exercising, - Not to be voluntary to join the study. |
Outcome
Primary Outcome Measures
1. Students' individual and menstruation-related characteristics as assessed by "The Personal Information Form". [1 day]
Secondary Outcome Measures
1. Students' Menstruation Period Pain as assessed by The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. [28 day]
2. Students' Menstruation Period Menstrual Symptoms as assessed by Daily Symptom Rating Scale. [28 day]
