Comparative effectiveness of exercise interventions for primary dysmenorrhea Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
The authors conducted a systematic review and Bayesian network meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the efficacy of six exercise modalities, mind‑body, stretching, aerobic, core‑strengthening, resistance, and multi‑component, against non‑exercise or active controls for the management of primary dysmenorrhea. They searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through May 23, 2024, extracted pain‑related outcomes, and ranked interventions using SUCRA values within a random‑effects framework.
Who was reviewed?
The review included 49 RCTs comprising 3,129 women aged 14–40 years suffering primary dysmenorrhea without identifiable pelvic pathology. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 97 per arm; 1,640 women received exercise interventions and 1,489 served as controls (sham, no‐treatment, or pharmacologic). Baseline demographics showed no significant group differences, and pain intensity was primarily measured by the Visual Analog Scale, with secondary outcomes including pain duration and menstrual symptom scales.
Most important findings
All exercise interventions produced statistically and clinically significant pain reductions. Resistance and multi‑component exercise yielded the greatest decrease in pain intensity, while multi‑component and stretching exercises most effectively alleviated associated menstrual symptoms. Core‑strengthening and multi‑component regimens had the largest impact on shortening pain duration. Subgroup analyses indicated that 4–8 weeks of training conferred benefit across modalities; resistance exercise surpassed other forms when sessions exceeded eight weeks, especially with ≥30‑minute durations. Increased frequency (1–3 vs. >3 sessions/week) enhanced the effect of aerobic and multi‑component programs.
Key implications
This review offers clinicians quantitative guidance on prescribing specific exercise “doses” to relieve menstrual pain: recommending resistance or multi‑component routines of at least 30 minutes per session, three times weekly for 8+ weeks. It fills a critical gap by ranking modalities and parameters to inform nonpharmacologic pain management.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.