Effect of yoga asanas and swiss ball exercises in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea is cyclical lower abdominal or pelvic pain which may also radiate to the back and thighs. It occurs before or during menstruation or both. Cramps and pain are experience in the lower abdominal after regular ovulation is establish. It began soon after menarche. It is the common gynecological complaint among adolescent reporting the prevalence range between 50 to 87.8% in India. Further, dysmenorrhea is critical global health issue in reproductive age women, as it causes school absences, poor academic performance which has a significantly negative effect on daily activities. AIM: To study and compare the effect of yoga asana and swiss ball exercises in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

In this study, 40 subjects were evaluated or assessed for dysmenorrhea using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and VMS (Verbal Multidimensional Scoring system) scale. Also the patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A- received Yoga Asana (Ustrasana [camel pose], Janusirsasana [head-to-knee forward bend] &Dhanurasana [bow pose]) single session / 1 min (or as per tolerance} / 5 repetitions/ 20 sec rest, without holding breath/ 6 weeks. Group B- received Swiss ball exercises (Knee tucks, hamstring curls and back extension exercises) each exercise was given for 10 times/set /5 sec hold / single session/day /6 weeks both the groups were evaluated and compared for the presence of Dysmenorrhea.

Results

Group B shows significance difference (p<0.05) in VMS and VAS when compared to Group A.

Conclusion

Six weeks swiss ball exercises had decrease the level of menstrual pain among female with primary dysmenorrhea when compared to yoga asanas.