Comparison of Core and Pelvic Floor Strengthening versus Yoga Poses for Primary Dysmenorrhea among Young Adult Females: A Comparative Experimental Study

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological condition in women of reproductive age. Primary Dysmenorrhea involves pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, with potential radiation to the inner thighs and legs, occurring without identifiable pelvic pathology. Additional symptoms may include stress, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue, primarily due to excess prostaglandin hormone production. Aim: To compare the effects of physiotherapeutic pelvic floor and core strengthening exercises against yoga poses on primary dysmenorrhea in young adult females. Materials and Methods: This comparative experimental study was carried out at the Department of Physiotherapy, Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh, India from September to December 2023. Total 60 female subjects between the ages 18-25 years with clinically diagnosed primary dysmenorrhea with regular menstrual cycles were included. Participants were randomised to two groups (n=30 in each group). Group A engaged in core and pelvic floor strengthening exercises, and Group B practiced some specific yoga postures. Both interventions were implemented three times per week over eight weeks. Pre and post intervention measurements were made using the WaLIDD scale (Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain, Dysmenorrhea) and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire to gauge the effect of pain and quality of life. Demographic data such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and menstrual history were observed. Statistics were conducted with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 IBM USA, using paired and independent t-tests. The p-value <0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant. Results: The study results suggested a significant difference between the pre and post assessment of the WaLIDD and EQ-5D-5L scale in Group A (p<0.05) and similarly in Group B (p<0.05). But no significant difference was reported when group A and group B were compared. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the physiotherapeutic pelvic floor and core strengthening exercises and yoga poses are significantly efficient at easing the signs and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in young adult females. Physiotherapeutic pelvic floor and core strengthening and yoga pose both can be used as non-pharmacological treatment for primary dysmenorrhea without any side-effects.