EFFICACY OF LASER ACUPUNCTURE WITH MITCHELL'S SIMPLE PHYSIOLOGICAL RELAXATION TECHNIQUE IN ALLEVIATING PREMENSTRUAL TENSION

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition of recurrent physical and psychological symptoms occurring in a cyclic fashion during the 1�2 weeks proceeding a woman's menstrual period, significant enough to cause disruption in family, personal, or occupational function. This study was conducted to determine the effect of laser acupuncture with Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique in alleviating premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS), thirty volunteer females suffering from PMS were selected from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Kaferelsheik University. Their ages ranged from 17 to 22 years and their body mass index was < 30 Kg/m2. Volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups: a control group received vitamin B6 and Ca supplements once daily and a study group received the same medical treatment and participated in treadmill training three times per week for 3 months they were treated by laser acupuncture and Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique for 30 minute/session, 3�times/week during 2 weeks before menstruation for 2 menses. Assessments: Pulse rate, respiratory rate and EMG activity of Rt and Lt trapezius ms were recorded before and after intervention. Results: repeated measure manova revealed that there was significant reduction in EMG activity of (Rt and lt trapezius ms), pulse rate and respiratory rate (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is positive biological evidence to support the empirical evidence for laser acupuncture and Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique in the treatment of premenstrual tension (PMT). They showed highly significant reductions in pulse rate, respiratory rate and EMG muscle activity with its minimal adverse effect profile and ease of application, laser acupuncture should be included in reducing symptom of premenstrual syndrome management strategies.