Empowering Women Through Movement: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Strengthening Exercises and Tai Chi on Menstrual Symptoms, Pain, and Psychological Outcomes in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Key Points

• To compare the effects of strengthening exercises and tai chi on menstrual symptoms and psychological outcomes in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
• Randomized controlled trial registered with CTRI: CTRI/2022/06/043223.
• Participants were women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea assigned to either strengthening exercises or tai chi.
• Outcomes assessed included menstrual symptoms, pain levels, and psychological well-being related to dysmenorrhea.
• Both interventions significantly reduced menstrual pain and improved psychological outcomes compared to baseline.
• Strengthening exercises led to a greater reduction in pain severity, showing an effect size of 0.8 (95% CI: 0.5-1.1, p=0.01).
• Tai chi improved psychological well-being scores more than strengthening exercises, with a reported mean difference of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.5-3.5, p=0.03).