Journal of Sports Science and Human Performance
Effect Of Exercise On Primary Dysmenorrhea Among College Students
Abstract
Ogbutor Udoji Godsday, Kosin Doris Ufoma, Erumi Blessing Selly-U, Ogbutor Emeke Godson, Nwose Jephtah Junior and Anastacia Okwudili Ojimba
Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a prevalent menstrual disorder among college students and significantly interferes with academic performance and quality of life. While analgesics remain the most commonly used treatment, increasing attention has been directed toward non-pharmacological approaches such as exercise.
Aim: This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of exercise and analgesics, in pain management among college students with primary dysmenorrhea.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design was employed involving college students diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were assigned into one of three groups: Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3. Baseline pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Following the intervention period, post-intervention pain scores were reassessed. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post- hoc comparisons.
Results: Baseline pain scores were comparable across groups, with mean pre-intervention VAS scores of 8.7 ± 1.3 in Group 1, 8.6 ± 1.4 in Group 2, and 8.8 ± 1.3 in Group 3 (p = 0.595). Post-intervention pain intensity significantly decreased in all groups. Group 1 showed the greatest reduction, with mean VAS decreasing from 8.7 ± 1.3 to 4.1 ± 0.9. Group 2 decreased from 8.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 1.2, while Group 3 decreased from 8.8 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 1.5. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in post-intervention pain scores among the groups (F = 45.67, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.24).
Conclusion: The combination of exercise and analgesics produced the greatest pain reduction, followed by exercise alone, while analgesics alone were least effective. Exercise represents a safe, cost-effective, and clinically valuable intervention for managing primary dysmenorrhea among college students.