Effect of Biodex Balance Training on Postural Stability in Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women, estimates of the prevalence of dysmenorrhea range widely from 16.8 % to 81%, with high rates as 90% have been recorded. It has a negative impact on the quality of life of affected females, leading to activity restrictions. Pelvic stability decreases in women with dysmenorrhea, leading to lumbar pelvic imbalance, resulting in impaired balance control. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Biodex balance (BBS) training on pain, postural stability and functional activities during dysmenorrhea. Methods: Thirty participants suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with a regular menstrual cycle were randomly assigned to experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). The experimental group received sessions in BBS training combined with traditional core stability exercises while the control group received only traditional core stability exercises for 4 weeks (three sessions per week). The BBS was used to assess postural stability and limit of stability, while the Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity and Patient specific functional scale (PSFS) to assess the ability to perform activities. All measurements were obtained before, during the menstrual cycle, and after receiving the treatment. Results: The mean values of all variables showed no significant difference in the pre, mid menstrual cycle an d post-treatment assessments, p values were insignificant (P>0.05) between the 2 groups except for post-post treatment assessment for limit of stability (p<0.05). However, both groups showed improvement in all variables when comparing pre and post balance assessments. Conclusion: Balance training with BBS has a positive effect on dysmenorrhea patients by improving postural stability, functional activities, and decreasing pain intensity