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Research Paper | Physiotherapy | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023
A Pilot Study on the Effect of Acupressure Therapy in Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea
Dr Ashish Mathur | Yesha Ghadiali | Anita Purohit
Abstract: Background: In young women, there is an 88% prevalence of Primary Dysmenorrhea with painful uterine menstruation without any pelvic pathologies, which affects the physical activities of daily living, and leads to absence in school or workplaces due to pain. About 20 - 25% of women have no pain relief even after using the NSAIDs, leading to other side effects. In our study, we used acupressure using hands, fingers and thumb. Acupressure is another non - invasive technique used in traditional Chinese medicines, stimulates endorphin hormones and blocks the pain receptors in the brain to enhance the relaxation in the body with a natural reduction of pain. Aim of the study: Aim is to compare the effect of Acupressure Therapy and Core Strengthening exercises in the management of Primary Dysmenorrhea. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of acupressure for pain relief, to reduce the severity and improve the quality of life in Primary Dysmenorrhea which would be safe and cost - effective treatment without any side effects. Methodology: A Pilot study with a randomized single blinded controlled trial was done on the females suffering from Primary Dysmenorrhea with the age group of 18 - 25 years old in which 20 samples were selected and after providing the consent form were recruited into two groups in which 10 participants were selected for acupressure therapy (Group A) intervention applied 5 to 7 days prior to menstruation while 10 participants were selected for Core Strengthening exercises (Group B) for 3 days/week. Both interventions were followed for three successful menstrual cycles. No intervention was applied during the menstruation cycle and each participant has to fill VAS, WaLIDD and SF - 12 scales during 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycles. Data was statistically analysed by paired t - test. Besides, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: With a significant difference (p<0.05). The experimental group and control group are both significant within the group analysis for the improvement of VAS, WALIDD, and SF12 (QOL) in primary dysmenorrhea conditions except PCS - 12 because of the small sample size. Conclusion: In our study, we concluded that acupressure therapy is a significantly effective method in reducing pain and improvingthe Quality of Life in primary dysmenorrhea without causing any side effects.
Keywords: Primary Dysmenorrhea, Acupressure Therapy, Core Strengthening Exercise, Pain, Quality of Life
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,
Pages: 2336 - 2342