Effectiveness of a treadmill-based aerobic exercise intervention on pain, daily functioning, and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a treadmill-based aerobic exercise intervention on pain and associated symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods: Seventy women with primary dysmenorrhea were included in the study. The experimental group underwent supervised aerobic training for 4 weeks followed by unsupervised home exercise for the next 6 months. The control group continued usual care. The primary outcome was pain. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (QoL), daily functioning, and sleep.

Results: After the 4-week training, compared to the control group exercise significantly improved primary outcomes pain quality (mean difference (MD) -1.9, 95% CI 3.8 to -0.04, p < .05), and intensity (MD -4.7, 95% CI -9.3 to -0.09, p < .05), but not present pain. Significant effects were also reported for pain interference (MD -1.7, 95% CI -3.4 to -0.02, p < .05) at 4 weeks; the other outcomes did not significantly differ between groups at this time. During the follow-up period of 7-months, the effect on pain improved to 22 mm (95% CI 18 to 25). Significant benefits of exercise were maintained up to 7-months for present pain, QoL and daily functioning.

Conclusion: Exercise has significant effects on primary dysmenorrhea-related pain, QoL and function.

Trial registration: ACTRN12613001195741.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhea; Exercise; Pain; Quality of life; Sleep.