The effect of relaxation and stretching exercises on pain and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea

The study aims to examine the effect of stretching and relaxation exercises on pain and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). This randomized study included 20 volunteers divided into the Experimental Group (n=10) and Control Group (n=10). Although all participants did stretching exercises three days a week for four weeks, the Experimental Group also did relaxation exercises daily. Pain thresholds of all participants were measured with an Algometer before and after the intervention. Moreover, they filled Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), and Short Form 12v2 Health Survey (SF-12v2) before and after interventions. The study's results showed that while the pain experienced by the participants during their menstrual period decreased significantly in both groups, the decrease was more pronounced in the Experimental Group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the MSQ scores decreased in both groups, but the Experimental Group saw a more significant decrease (p<0.05). Quality of life (QoL) assessment using the SF-12v2 revealed a statistically significant improvement in both groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, we could not obtain a meaningful result from the measurements taken with the algometer device (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was found in the study that stretching exercises had positive effects on pain, menstrual symptoms, and quality of life in women with PD. Still, these effects were more effective in combining stretching and relaxation exercises. We can suggest combining stretching and relaxation exercises to improve quality of life, reduce pain, and alleviate symptoms experienced during the menstrual period.