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

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation that isexperienced by 45-90% of reproductive aged females. It is not accompanied by any pathological condition in the pelvis, while it is caused by endometrial prostaglandin overproduction. The increased levels of prostaglandins, mainly PGF2Ü, lead to increased myometrial contractility, uterine ischemia and hypoxia and nerve endings sensitization, resulting in primary dysmenorrhea. Acupressure is a complementary alternative therapy that stimulates specific acupoints across the meridians, aiming at regulatory systems stimulation, neurological and endocrine mechanisms activation and physiological functions balance. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on prostaglandin F2Ü (PGF2Ü) in primary dysmenorrhea.Subjects: A total of 50 adult females with primary dysmenorrhea participated in this study.Their ages ranged from 19 to 27 years and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 20 to 25 kg/m2. They were randomized into 2 equal groups. Group (A) received nutritional recommendations for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles, while group (B) received the same nutritional recommendations in addition to acupressure at the liver point (LIV3) for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Methods: The outcome measures, including short form of McGill pain questionnaire and plasma levels of PGF2Ü, were evaluated pre- and post- treatment. Results: Comparing both groups post-treatment revealed that there were significant reductions in short form of McGill pain questionnaire scores and PGF2Ü levels (p < 0.0001) in favour of group (B)

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