Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, a common menstrual pain condition, is influenced by hormonal changes, including excessive prostaglandin production, that may alter sensory processing and musculoskeletal function. These physiological changes may also ...
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, a common menstrual pain condition, is influenced by hormonal changes, including excessive prostaglandin production, that may alter sensory processing and musculoskeletal function. These physiological changes may also affect functions including postural alignment, balance control, and body awareness. Although dysmenorrhea-related symptoms have been extensively studied, research evaluating posture, balance, and body awareness for correlations with menstrual phases or dysmenorrhea severity remains insufficient.
Purpose: Although dysmenorrhea-related symptoms have been extensively studied, research evaluating posture, balance, and body awareness for correlations with menstrual phases or dysmenorrhea severity remains insufficient. We assessed postural alignment, balance, pain intensity, and body awareness for correlations with primary dysmenorrhea severity.
Methods: Twenty-nine women in their 20s were classified as having mild (n=14) or severe (n=15) dysmenorrhea using the modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. Postural alignment, static and dynamic balance, pain intensity, and body awareness were then assessed during pre-menstrual and menstrual phases. Comparisons were made within and between groups.
Conclusion: Functional changes in posture, balance, and body awareness were observed during menstruation regardless of dysmenorrhea severity. These findings suggest clinical assessments and interventions should emphasize menstrual phase-related physiological changes rather than dysmenorrhea severity alone.