Effect of practicing Pelvicrocking Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reproductive health Background: Dysmenorrhea is a very common gynecological problem
in menstruating women and reported prevalence rate is as high as 90 percent. A pelvic rocking
exercise helps in reducing menstrual cramps and improves associated symptoms. The aim of the
study is to investigate the effect of pelvic rocking exercises on primary dysmenorrhea among
adolescent girls. Subject and methods: A quasi-experimental research design with pre-post
assessment was used. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on one hundred
students were representative from faculty of nursing at Minia University. Self-administered
questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale and follow up are used for data collection. Results:
Following the intervention, pain intensity scores decreased significantly (p<0.0001) in the
experimental group as compared to control group during the first and second cycle. Statistically
significance (p<0.000) reduction in pain duration, menstrual flow duration and number of
analgesic tablets consumption during first and second cycle after intervention between groups.
Showed improvement in all life activity variable regarding attending school, social activities and
relationship with friends and family. Conclusion and recommendations: Based on the results of
the present study it can be concluded that, the application of pelvic rocking exercise for
adolescent girls who were suffering from moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea had a
positive effect in reducing pain intensity scores, pain duration, menstrual flow duration and the
number of analgesic tablets consumption during first and second menstrual cycle after
intervention. Therefore, pelvic rocking exercise can be used as non-pharmacological methods to
alleviate primary dysmenorrhea. Based on the findings, current study recommended that the
obstetric nurse can help in supporting the adolescent girls to provide comfort during menstruation
by encouraging them to practices rocking exercise. Health education program in schools to
increase awareness about non-pharmacological methods of pain relief during menstruation and
emphasize on exercise to decrease primary dysmenorrhea..