Investigating flexibility in women with primary Dysmenorrhea: Case-Control study

Background

Stretching exercises have positive effects on pain and symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). However, flexibility has not been investigated in women with PD.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate flexibility in women with and without PD.

Materials and methods

The study included women with (PD group, n = 43) and without PD (control group, n = 42). Physical, demographic and menstrual cycle characteristics were recorded. The intensity of menstrual pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. Flexibility of lumbar extensors, trunk flexors, trunk lateral flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps femoris, hip adductors, gastrocnemius, shoulder girdle and cervical region muscles, and range of motion of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were measured with clinical tests using a tape and a goniometer.

Results

The intensity of menstrual pain of women in the PD group was 7.67 ± 1.70 cm. Flexibility of lumbar extensors, trunk flexors, hamstrings, hip adductors and quadriceps femoris muscles was found to be lower in the PD group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the flexibility of the trunk lateral flexors, gastrocnemius, shoulder girdle, cervical muscles, or the range of motion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (p > 0.05). The effect sizes were small to large for both groups.

Conclusion

It was determined that the flexibility of the lumbar extensors, trunk flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps femoris, and hip adductors was lower in the PD group compared to the control group. Accordingly, it may be important to consider flexibility in the evaluation and treatment of women with PD.