Physical Activity And Meditation To Reduce Primary Dysmenorrhea In Adolescent

Abstract

Abstract-Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain occurring in the absence of pelvic pathology. It was caused by the production of neurotransmitter: prostaglandins. Psychological factors or stress can also cause dysmenorrhea. Physical activity and meditation are non-pharmacological treatments for this problem because of the effectiveness to reduce chronic menstrual pain. A total 40 female adolescents aged 16 -18 years, who have primary dysmenorrhea at Senior High School of Health Bali Khresna Medika was divided into two groups randomly. Each groups contains 20 participants for physical activity treatment group and 20 for meditation treatment group. Menstrual pain scale measurements conducted in the two groups using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after treatment. One group was delivered physical activity intervention and the other meditation twice a week for two months. The result of study showed that physical activity and meditation could reduce menstrual pain scale effectively (p<0.005). Based on the statistical analysis there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of physical activity and meditation (p>0.005) interventions. Physical activity and meditation can reduce menstrual pain level significantly.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Warm Compresses in Alleviating Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea) among Young Woman

“…The heat from the compress reduces tension, increases total white blood cells, and triggers inflammatory reactions and dilation of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood circulation and capillary pressure. Dysmenorrhea is often triggered by stress and emotional factors, so warm compress therapy can create a comfortable feeling of relaxation [19].…”

Current Status of the Therapeutic Approach for Dysmenorrhea

“…Numerous studies have examined the effects of yoga, meditation, or physical activity on pain perception. A study in adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea revealed that when girls did a physical activity, the perception of pain was reduced from severe (25%) and moderate (60-75%) to moderate (80%) and mild (20%) (99). Physical exercise increases the comforting sense by producing endorphins that act as natural sedatives.…”