EFFECT OF CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES ON PAIN IN ADOLESCENTS AGED 12-18 YEARS WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA

Dysmenorrhea is the most frequent gynaecological disorder, with around 20-90% of women suffering from this problem during their reproductive years.  According to studies, dysmenorrhea is the largest cause of recurring short-term school absence in adolescent girls, with the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea ranging from 16% to as high as 93%. Women with primary dysmenorrhea feel intense, intermittent spasmodic pain in the suprapubic area.   Dysmenorrhea can cause pain in the back of the legs or lower back, as well as mood changes, lethargy, headache, nausea, and oedema during periods. Dysmenorrhea can lead to negative repercussions such as decreased quality of life, emotional disorders, sleep disturbances, and limited daily activities.

This study investigates the effectiveness of core strengthening exercises in reducing menstrual pain and improving quality of life among adolescent girls aged 12 to 18 years diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. Group A will undergo a structured core strengthening exercise protocol, while Group B will receive conventional lifestyle and pain management advice. Pain severity, quality of life, and core stability will be assessed using the WaLIDD Score, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Sahrmann Core Stability Test, respectively. The intervention will last for four weeks with pre- and post-intervention assessments.

METHODOLOGY:-

|STUDY DESIGN : Experimental Study Design (Randomized Parallel Group Trial) |STUDY SETTING :Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune |TARGET POPULATION:Adolescent females with primary dysmenorrhea |SAMPLE POPULATION:Females aged 12–18 years |SAMPLING METHOD:Convenient Sampling |SAMPLING DESIGN:Random allocation into two parallel groups (Core Exercise vs. Conventional) |SAMPLE SIZE:60 participants

The study will be conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil Public School, Pimpri, Pune, following approval from the academic committee. Participants will be selected based on inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, and informed written consent will be obtained. The procedure and interventions will be explained in detail with time allotted for any questions. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A—Core Strengthening Exercise Group: Participants will perform a structured core strengthening program for 4 weeks, 5 days per week. Exercises will include mat-based and Swiss ball-based activities, progressing weekly in intensity and complexity. Sessions include a 5-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of core exercises (e.g., pelvic bridging, curl-ups, planks, Swiss ball crunches), and a 5-minute cool-down. The goal is to improve core muscle strength and stability to reduce dysmenorrhea-related pain.  **Group B—Control Group (Conventional Treatment): Treatment):**Participants will receive education and advice regarding lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, hydration, proper sleep, stress management, and pain-relief strategies such as heat therapy and the use of NSAIDs when necessary. No physical exercise program will be administered. Both groups will be assessed pre- and post-intervention using WaLIDD Score (pain severity), PedsQL (quality of life), and Sahrmann Core Stability Test (core muscle function). The entire protocol will continue for 4 weeks with sessions scheduled at approximately the same time for 3 days per week.