Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was conducted to determine the effect of electro-acupuncture versus paced respiration on post-menopausal hot flashes. Thirty post-menopausal women suffering from hot flashes participated in this study. The participants were divided randomly into two groups equal in numbers (A and B); group A (n=15) received electro-acupuncture on the acupuncture point for hot flashes for 15 minutes, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, group B (n=15) received relaxation technique in form of (paced respiration) for 15 minutes /sessions, 3 times/ week for 4 weeks. Assessment of hot flashes in both groups was performed by using serum FSH level and hot flash questionnaire before and after the study. The results showed that: The findings of the current study revealed significant improvement in the post-testing mean values of F.S.H in both study groups (A and B) compared with their pre-testing one (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement of hot flashes during day and night in the group (A) (p < 0.05). According to weeks, there was a significant improvement of hot flashes during day and night in favor to 3rd week compared to 1st week in the group (A) (p < 0.05) While there was a significant improvement of hot flashes during day and night in favor to 2nd week compared to 1st week in the group (B) (p < 0.05).There was a significant difference in the mean values of F.S.H in favor of group (A) than group (B) (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference of hot flashes during day and night between both groups in 3 rd week, and this significant improvement in favor of group (A) than group (B) (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that acupuncture and paced respiration were capable of improving serum FSH and can be used as intervention programs for post-menopausal hot flashes. Also, patients with menopausal hot flashes may get additional benefit in improving their FSH level and decreasing hot flush episodes during day and night through acupuncture more than paced respiration

Issued also as CD