The Effect of Sujok and Massage on Pain and Quality of Life in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study

This study was performed in a single-blind, randomized controlled type to examine the effect of Su Jok and massage on pain and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.The sample size in this study was G*Power 3.1.9.2. In the program, 5% first type error, 0.30 standardized effect size, 1:1 distribution ratio, 80% power, and the minimum sample size required for the three groups were calculated as 111 women and 37 women for each group. Considering that there may be losses, 40 women and a total of 120 women were randomized to each group.

"Data Collection Form", "Visiual Analog Scale (VAS)", "Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) Scale", "SF-36, Quality of Life Scale" were used to obtain data.Intervention and Data Collection Stage 1: VAS was applied to the women who volunteered to participate in the study on the first day of menstruation, and women with a mean score of 5 and above and meeting the sample selection criteria were randomized into three separate groups as A, B, and C. The researcher who performed the randomization ensured that the women were assigned to the control and experimental groups and did not share this information with the other researchers. Data Collection Form, Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) Scale, SF-36 Quality of Life Scale were applied to all women on the first day of the next menstruation. Since the data collection tools were based on self-report, the woman was allowed to answer in a calm environment and alone. The environment where the applications will be held was arranged in such a way that the researcher and the participant could sit opposite each other with two chairs and an application table. Entry and exit to the room was prevented until the application was over. The environment was quiet.

Stage 2 Su Jok Experimental Group (A): In this study, the seed therapy technique was applied using live buckwheat seeds. Hands were used because it was reported in the literature that hands were used for gynecological pain and were more suitable.The acupuncture point, which is the reflection of the painful area, was determined on the women's hands. This point was massaged for a few minutes by the researcher, and then the buckwheat seed was fixed to this point with a bandage and the area where the seed was applied was massaged for 30 minutes. After each application, VAS evaluation was taken from the women. Su Jok was applied to women in the first three days of menstruation for three cycles.Experimental Group (B) to whom massage was applied: Massage application determined by scanning the literature and taking expert opinion classical massage techniques (eufluorage, petrissage, friction, tapotman, vibration) was used. Massage was attempted for a total of 20 minutes, 10 minutes on the back and waist, and 10 minutes on the abdominal region, in the first three days of the three cycles. Massage application was started from the back and waist region. Efflorage, petrissage, friction, vibration, taputman and efflorage for one minute were applied to this area, respectively. Afterwards, three minutes of efflorage, petrissage, friction, and one-minute efflorage were applied to the abdominal region, respectively. Odorless, lubricating gel was used during the application. After each application, VAS evaluation was taken from the women. Massage was applied to the women in the first three days of menstruation for three cycles.

Control Group (C): VAS assessment was obtained for the first three days during three cycles.

Stage 3 Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) Scale and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale were applied to all women included in the study on the third day of the third cycle.