Comparison of spine posture and lumbopelvic structure in women with and without primary dysmenorrhea

In this study was aimed to compare the spine posture and lumbopelvic structure in women with and without primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Seventy-seven subjects (PD group, n: 38, age: 21 (18–28), body mass index (BMI): 20.70 (17.31–28.73)); asymptomatic group, n: 39, age: 20 (19–23), BMI: 20.83 (17.31–27.10)) were included in the study. Physical and demographic characteristics and menstrual patterns were questioned. The severity of menstrual pain with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and spinal postures with Valedo®Shape device and New York Posture Evaluation Test (NYPET) were evaluated. Stability, mobility and muscles morphology of lumbopelvic structure were assessed with Mcgill trunk muscle endurance tests, Valedo®Shape device and ultrasonographic (US) imaging, respectively. Physical and demographic characteristics of the groups were similar (p> 0.05). In the PD group, the lumbar angle was higher in the frontal plane (p: 0.05) and NYPDT scores were lower (p<0.001) than in the asymptomatic group. Trunk flexor, extensor, right and left lateral flexor muscle endurance test's scores were determined to be lower in PD group compared to asymptomatic group (p <0.001). The PD group was detected to be lower sagittal sacrum-hip mobility (p <0.001) and frontal lumbar mobility than the asymptomatic group (p: 0.002). Transverse abdominus, external and internal oblique, lumbar multifudus and diaphragm muscles's thickness were found to be lower in the PD group than the asymptomatic group (p<0.001). In the study, it was seen that women with PD had poorer posture, higher frontal lumbar angle and less lumbopelvic stability, sacrum-hip and lumbar mobility, abdominal, lumbar multifidus and diaphragm muscle thickness compared to asymptomatic women. It may be helpful to consider these results in treatment approaches of women with PD.