Investigation of the effects of physical activity on menstrual symptoms and pain level in university students

In this study aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on menstrual symptoms and pain level in university students. The sample of this study consisted of a total of 464 female students between the ages of 18-25 studying at Hitit University in the 2024-2025 academic year. In the study conducted with the screening model, the "Personal Information Form", the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form", the "Menstrual Symptoms Scale (MSS)" and the "Visual Analog Scale (VAS)" were used to determine pain levels. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 program. Chi-square test was used for comparisons between categorical values. Independent sample t test was used to analyze the scale scores in groups with two stages, and Variance analysis was used in groups with three or more stages. Pearson correlation test and Regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between the scales. The significance level was determined as p < 0,05. According to the results obtained in the study; there was no statistically significant difference between the VAS score, total MSQ and sub-dimension scores of physical activity levels (p > 0,05). It was found that the VAS pain scores and total MSQ scores of participants with dysmenorrhea were significantly higher than the group without dysmenorrhea (p < 0,05). It was found that total physical activity levels did not differ significantly according to dysmenorrhea status (p > 0,05). While a positive and strong relationship was found between VAS pain levels and total MSQ scores (r = 0,461, p = 0,01), a positive and weak relationship was found between total physical activity scores (r = 0,11, p = 0,02). While VAS pain scores of smokers were found to be significantly higher (p < 0,05), no significant difference was found in VAS pain scores and total physical activity level of alcohol users (p > 0.05). Total MSQ scores of both smokers and alcohol users were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). As a result, VAS pain scores and total MSQ scores of students with dysmenorrhea were found to be high. Individuals with dysmenorrhea are recommended to perform regular physical activities as an alternative treatment method to alleviate pain level and menstrual symptoms.