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

Background: Dysmenorrhea is chronic, cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation. It is characterized by cramping , lower abdominal pain occurring just before and/or during menstruation, usually starting soon after menarche once regular ovulation is established. Aim: To determine the effect of foot reflexology versus aerobic exercises on primary dysmenorrhea. Methodology: Forty females diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea were recruited from outpatient Clinic of Gynecology department, Om El-Masryeen General Hospital. Their ages (16-23) years and BMI (20-25) kg/m2. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups equal in number (A&B).Group (A) performed aerobic exercises using treadmill for 30 min 3 times\week for 8 weeks(for 2consecutive menstrual cycles) and group (B) received foot reflexology for 40 min 3 times\week for 8 weeks(for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles). Assessment of all subjects in both groups (A&B) was carried out before and after the treatment program through visual analogue scale (VAS) and blood cortisol level for assessment of pain level and spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (STAI) for evaluation of anxiety level. Results: There were significant decrease in mean values of VAS, STAI and serum cortisol level in group (B) post treatment compared with its corresponding values in group (A) with more improvement in favor of group (B) P value was (0.001). Conclusion: It could be concluded that foot reflexology is more effective than aerobic exercises in relieving pain and anxiety of primary dysmenorrhea

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