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Comparison of the effect of massage therapy and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled clinical trial

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ABSTRACT

In this study, authors want to compare the effect of massage and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea. Based on the present findings, it seems that massage therapy and isometric exercises were effective in reducing some symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

METHODS

  • A randomized controlled trial.

  • Dormitories of Shiraz University.

  • 102 students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.

  • The samples were randomly divided into massage, isometric exercises, and control groups.

  • The first group received two consecutive cycles of effleurage massage with lavender oil.

  • The second group had 8 weeks of isometric exercises.

  • No intervention was performed for the control group.

RESULTS

  • Pain intensity had significantly reduced in massage and exercises groups and the reduction was more significant in the massage group (P<0.001).

  • Moreover, the results revealed a significant difference among the three groups regarding the mean duration of pain after the third cycle (P=0.006).

  • However, no significant difference was found among the three groups concerning the mean level of anxiety.

  • The results of intra–group comparisons only showed a significant reduction of anxiety level in the massage group after the third cycle (P=0.017).

Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2016 Jul-Aug;22(4):205-13. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000255.