Effect of different squatting exercises on menstrual aspects, pelvic mechanics and uterine circulation in primary dysmenorrhoea: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

This was a randomised trial aimed to determine squatting exercises’ effects on menstruation, pelvic mechanics, and uterine circulation in primary dysmenorrhoea. A total of 120 females with primary dysmenorrhoea were assigned into group (A), receiving yoga protocol, or groups (B, C & D), receiving yoga protocol added to modified wall squat, sumo squat, or deep squat, respectively. Menstrual pain and distress, pelvic inclination, and uterine circulation were measured before and after interventions using a pain scale, a questionnaire, palpation metre, and Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. There was a significant reduction in pain intensity in groups B & C (effect size = 3.97 & 5.89, respectively), compared to group A (effect size = 3.68), and in group C (effect size = 5.89) compared to group D (effect size = 3.94), pain subscale in the groups B, C & D (effect size = 1.69, 3.3 & 3.41, respectively), compared to group A (effect size= 2.47), water retention subscale in group D effect size 0.90 compared to group A (effect size =0.41) and in the questionnaire total scores in the groups C &D (effect size = 2.3 & 2.46, respectively) when compared to group A (effect size =1.94). Adding squatting exercises to yoga is more effective than yoga alone in reducing menstrual pain and distress.

IMPACT STATEMENT

• What is already known on this subject? Physical exercises positively affect primary dysmenorrhoea in terms of decreased pain and distress, possibly through altering faulty posture. Squatting exercises affect lumbopelvic mechanics.

• What do the results of this study add? This study explores the effect of squatting exercises on pelvic inclination, menstrual aspects, and circulation.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Squatting exercises can be utilised to affect pelvic mechanics leading to decreased menstrual pain and distress, because of decreased pelvic congestion.

Keywords:

• Dysmenorrhoea
• bone malalignment
• yoga
• circulation
• Doppler ultrasonography

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Professor Dr. Hossam El-din Hussein Kamel, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, for his continuous support, invaluable guidance, and help throughout the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).