Self-management of primary dysmenorrhea-related pain: cross-sectional study on non-pharmacological interventions.

Aim: Different nonpharmacological strategies are adopted to decrease primary dysmenorrhea (PD)-related pain. The present study aimed to verify women's use of nonpharmacological methods for pain and compare them with evidence from the literature.Materials & methods: A two-step study was conducted, comprising an online survey with 9144 women to assess nonpharmacological strategies for relieving PD-related pain, and a literature review on PubMed of verify the evidence of nonpharmacological methods.Results: Many women reported using heat therapy (61.5%), tea (42.4%) and massage (30.9%) to alleviate menstrual pain. However, the literature on these methods is limited.Conclusion: Several nonpharmacological methods are used by women to relieve PD-related pain and studies with low bias risk are needed to prove their effectiveness.

What is this article about This article explores how women manage menstrual pain, known as primary dysmenorrhea (PD), using non-drug methods. The study investigates the common self-care techniques women employ to ease their pain and compares these practices with scientific evidence.What were the results? The study found that many women use non-drug methods such as heat therapy (61.5%), tea (42.4%) and massage (30.9%) to relieve menstrual pain. Despite their popularity, sometimes the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these methods is limited.What do these results mean? These results indicate that while women frequently use various self-care methods to manage menstrual pain, there is a need for more high-quality scientific studies to confirm whether these methods are truly effective. This highlights a gap between common practices and scientific effectiveness.

Clinical usability study of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation for primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial.

This study tested the usability of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device designed specifically for women's health needs. This is a single center triple blinded clinical usability study for a new wireless, Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device for women's health. The study aims to evaluate the usability and effective blinding of a home-based tDCS system. A total of forty-nine women of reproductive age were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive one session of active tDCS (n = 24) or sham tDCS (n = 25) over the motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant self-administered one 20-minute session without supervision following guidance on a software application alone. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were used to evaluate the usability of the system. Regardless of sham or active conditions, all users found the system easy to use without the support of researchers. Usability scores were considered to be "excellent" in both groups and no significant difference was found between sham and active groups showing effective blinding of the device (Active group: 93.7 (83.1-97.5); Sham group 90 (86.2-95) p = 0.79) and PGIC (Active group: 2 (1-2.75); Sham group 2 (1-2) p = 0.99) using an unpaired t-test or non-parametric statistical tests accordingly. The new Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device is easy, safe to use and completely controlled by a smartphone app. This device is focused on women's health and will be tested as an alternative treatment for chronic pelvic pain and mood disturbance associated with menstrual cycles in further research.

Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures for women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is a subjective experience, and can only be assessed by patient-reported outcomes. These instruments should be reliable, valid and responsive. AIM: To identify and critically appraise the available evidence for the measurement properties of specific patient-reported outcome measures used for dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The PRISMA statement was used to report this systematic review. Databases searched were PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar (April 2021; updated on February 2023). Original studies with primary data collection, with no restriction on language and publication date that reported psychometric properties of one or more dysmenorrhea-related patient-reported outcome measure. The literature searches, selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias were performed independently by two reviewers and followed the COSMIN guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty studies were analysed in this review, and 19 patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated. The instruments varied in relation to the measured construct and measurement properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness). The methodological quality of the studies and the quality of evidence of the patient-reported outcome measures were variable. Among the 13 studies that reported the development of patient-reported outcome measures, most had inadequate methodological quality, and the overall rating was insufficient or inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: The Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) scale was the only identified patient-reported outcome measure that has the potential to be recommended because of its sufficient rating combined with moderate quality of evidence for content validity. Future studies should further evaluate the measurement properties of the existing patient-reported outcome measures, or develop new patient-reported outcome measures following the COSMIN methodology. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable as this is a systematic review. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021244410. Registration on April 22, 2021.

The Effect of Aromatherapy Alone or in Combination with Massage on Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systematic review meta-analysis is to assess the effect of olfactory stimulation on reducing dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Systematic search was conducted in several databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus, to identify relevant research up to October 26, 2019. The identified studies were evaluated based on a modified Jadad scale. The intervention involves aromatherapy alone or in combination with essential oils. There was no restriction for the control group such as a placebo group or other common treatments. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, USA) was used for meta-analysis. Cochran's Q and I2 tests were utilized. RESULTS: The findings of our meta-analysis, which contained 13 trials (15 data), showed that dysmenorrhea decreased significantly in the group receiving aromatherapy with herbal compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.795; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.922 to- 0.667; 17 trials O < 0.001); heterogeneity; I2 = 19.47%; p = 0.236). In addition, four studies with insufficient data were not included in our meta-analysis. The results of all studies suggested that aromatherapy with herbal medicine group compared with control group is effective. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with herbal medicine decreased dysmenorrhea. This treatment was particularly effective when aroma oil was combined with massage or when a mixture of aroma oil was used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática-metanálise é avaliar o efeito da estimulação olfatória na redução da dismenorreia. MéTODOS: Pesquisa sistemática foi realizada em várias bases de dados, como PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane e Scopus para identificar pesquisas relevantes até 26 de outubro de 2019. Os estudos identificados foram avaliados com base em uma escala de Jadad modificada. A intervenção envolve aromaterapia sozinha ou em combinação com óleos essenciais. Não houve restrição para o grupo de controle, como um grupo de placebo ou outros tratamentos comuns. O Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, EUA) foi usado para meta-análise. Os testes Q e I2 de Cochran foram utilizados. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da nossa meta-análise, que continha 13 ensaios (15 dados), mostraram que a dismenorreia diminuiu significativamente no grupo que recebeu aromaterapia com ervas em comparação com o grupo de controle (diferença média padronizada [DMP] = -0,795; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: -0,922 a- 0,667; 17 ensaios O < 0,001); heterogeneidade; I2 = 19,47%; p = 0,236). Além disso, quatro estudos com dados insuficientes não foram incluídos em nossa meta-análise. Os resultados de todos os estudos sugeriram que a aromaterapia com o grupo de fitoterápicos em comparação com o grupo de controle é eficaz. CONCLUSãO: A aromaterapia com fitoterapia diminuiu a dismenorreia. Este tratamento foi particularmente eficaz quando o óleo aromático foi combinado com massagem ou quando uma mistura de óleo aromático foi usada para o tratamento da dismenorreia.

The Effect of Aromatherapy Alone or in Combination with Massage on Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / O efeito da aromaterapia sozinha ou em combinação com massagem na dismenorreia: Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Abstract Objective The aim of the present systematic review meta-analysis is to assess the effect of olfactory stimulation on reducing dysmenorrhea. Methods Systematic search was conducted in several databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus, to identify relevant research up to October 26, 2019. The identified studies were evaluated based on a modified Jadad scale. The intervention involves aromatherapy alone or in combination with essential oils. There was no restriction for the control group such as a placebo group or other common treatments. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, USA) was used for meta-analysis. Cochran's Q and I2 tests were utilized. Results The findings of our meta-analysis, which contained 13 trials (15 data), showed that dysmenorrhea decreased significantly in the group receiving aromatherapy with herbal compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] =-0.795; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.922 to- 0.667; 17 trials O < 0.001); heterogeneity; I2 = 19.47%; p = 0.236). In addition, four studies with insufficient data were not included in our meta-analysis. The results of all studies suggested that aromatherapy with herbal medicine group compared with control group is effective. Conclusion Aromatherapy with herbal medicine decreased dysmenorrhea. This treatment was particularly effective when aroma oil was combined with massage or when a mixture of aroma oil was used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão sistemática-metanálise é avaliar o efeito da estimulação olfatória na redução da dismenorreia. Métodos Pesquisa sistemática foi realizada em várias bases de dados, como PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane e Scopus para identificar pesquisas relevantes até 26 de outubro de 2019. Os estudos identificados foram avaliados com base em uma escala de Jadadmodificada. A intervenção envolvearomaterapiasozinhaouem combinação com óleos essenciais. Não houve restrição para o grupo de controle, como um grupo de placebo ou outros tratamentos comuns. O Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, EUA) foi usado para meta-análise. Os testes Q e I2 de Cochran foram utilizados. Resultados Os resultados da nossa meta-análise, que continha 13 ensaios (15 dados), mostraram que a dismenorreia diminuiu significativamente no grupo que recebeu aromaterapia com ervas em comparação com o grupo de controle (diferença média padronizada [DMP] = -0,795; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: -0,922 a- 0,667; 17 ensaios O <0,001); heterogeneidade; I2 = 19,47%; p = 0,236). Além disso, quatro estudos com dados insuficientes não foram incluídos em nossa meta-análise. Os resultados de todos os estudos sugeriram que a aromaterapia com o grupo de fitoterápicos em comparação com o grupo de controle é eficaz. Conclusão A aromaterapia com fitoterapia diminuiu a dismenorreia. Este tratamento foi particularmente eficaz quando o óleo aromático foi combinado com massagem ou quando uma mistura de óleo aromático foi usada para o tratamento da dismenorreia.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for women with primary dysmenorrhea: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial with economic evaluation.

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, in the absence of identifiable pathology. While Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used to promote PD pain relief, there is still a need to understand the parameters and cost-effectiveness of this intervention. As such, this study aims to disclose a study that will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of TENS on pain intensity in women with PD. This is a protocol for an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial that includes 174 women with PD, >18 years old, with menstrual pain greater than or equal to four points in the Numerical Rating Scale. Participants will be randomized into three groups (active TENS, placebo TENS, and educational booklet). Participants allocated to the active TENS group will receive electrical stimulation (F = 100 Hz, pulse duration = 200 µs, for 30 min). In contrast, the placebo TENS group will receive placebo stimulation (same parameters, but for only 30 s, and then the current will be ramped off over a 15-s time frame) for three consecutive months during menstruation. Participants allocated to the educational booklet group will receive instructions about health promotion and education actions related to PD. A blinded assessor will evaluate the pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale), presenteeism (Stanford Presenteeism Scale), Health-Related Quality of Life (Short-Form 6 dimensions and SF-36), and health costs of menstrual pain. This is the first study to propose a health economic evaluation while assessing the benefits of using TENS to treat PD symptoms. It is hypothesized that active TENS will be more effective than placebo TENS or the educational booklet in improving clinical outcomes in the short-, medium- and long-term. The study will also provide information about the cost-effectiveness of TENS, which can be used by policy makers to improve PD care in public and private health systems.

Dismenorreia membranosa (membranácea): um relato de caso / Membranous dysmenorrhea: a case report

A dismenorreia é a queixa ginecológica mais comum em mulheres jovens adultas, com um índice que varia entre 43% e 93% das mulheres que menstruam. A dismenorreia membranosa (DM), uma subclassificação da dismenorreia, é definida como a descida espontânea de tecido endometrial pela vagina, cursando com dor em có- lica intensa e súbita. O relato de caso descrito evidencia três episódios típicos de DM, com recorrência em três vezes distintas, após uso do mesmo anticoncepcional oral combinado de baixa dosagem. Esta publicação é importante para a comunidade científica devido à escassez de informações e artigos científicos publicados sobre o assunto, propondo a elucidação de alguns aspectos sobre o tema.(AU)

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint in young adult women, with an index that varies between 43% and 93% of women who menstruate. Membranous dysmenorrhea (MD) is a subclassification of dysmenorrhea and is defined as the spontaneous descent of endometrial tissue through the vagina, leading to severe and sudden colic pain. The case report described shows three typical episodes of MD, with recurrence three times after the use of the same low-dose combined oral contraceptive. This publication is important for the scientific community due to the scarcity of information and scientific articles published about this subject, proposing to elucidate some aspects about this theme.(AU

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Assessment and Treatment.

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic disease. It is characterized by overproduction of prostaglandins by the endometrium, causing uterine hypercontractility that results in uterine muscle ischemia, hypoxia, and, subsequently, pain. It is the most common gynecological illness in women in their reproductive years and one of the most frequent causes of pelvic pain; however, it is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and even undervalued by women themselves, who accept it as part of the menstrual cycle. It has major implications for quality of life, such as limitation of daily activities and psychological stress, being one of the main causes of school and work absenteeism. Its diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on the clinical history and normal physical examination. It is important to exclude secondary causes of dysmenorrhea. The treatment may have different approaches (pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical), but the first line of treatment is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in cases of women who want contraception, the use of hormonal contraceptives. Alternative treatments, such as topical heat, lifestyle modification, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and acupressure, may be an option in cases of conventional treatments' contraindication. Surgical treatment is only indicated in rare cases of women with severe dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment.

Dismenorreia primária é definida como dor menstrual na ausência de patologia pélvica. Caracteriza-se pelo excesso de produção de prostaglandinas pelo endométrio que provocam hipercontractilidade uterina, resultando em isquemia e hipoxia do músculo uterino e, subsequentemente, dor. É a patologia ginecológica mais comum em mulheres em idade fértil e uma das causas mais frequentes de dor pélvica; contudo, é subdiagnosticada, subtratada, e até desvalorizada pelas próprias mulheres, que a aceitam como parte do ciclo menstrual. A dismenorreia tem grandes implicações na qualidade de vida, como limitação das atividades diárias e estresse psicológico, sendo uma das principais causas de absentismo escolar e laboral. O seu diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico, baseando-se na história clínica e num exame físico sem alterações. É importante excluir causas secundárias de dismenorreia. O tratamento pode ter diferentes abordagens (farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica), sendo que a primeira linha de tratamento consiste na utilização de anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) e, em casos de mulheres que desejem contracepção, no uso de anticoncepcionais hormonais. Tratamentos alternativos, como a utilização de calor tópico, modificação do estilo de vida, estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, suplementos alimentares, acupuntura e acupressão, podem ser uma opção nos casos de contraindicação da utilização dos tratamentos convencionais. O tratamento cirúrgico apenas se encontra indicado em casos raros de mulheres com dismenorreia grave e refratária aos tratamentos.

Primary dysmenorrhea: assessment and treatment / Dismenorreia primária: avaliação e tratamento

Abstract Primary dysmenorrhea is defined asmenstrual pain in the absence of pelvic disease. It is characterized by overproduction of prostaglandins by the endometrium, causing uterine hypercontractility that results in uterine muscle ischemia, hypoxia, and, subsequently, pain. It is the most common gynecological illness in women in their reproductive years and one of the most frequent causes of pelvic pain; however, it is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and even undervalued by women themselves, who accept it as part of themenstrual cycle. It hasmajor implications for quality of life, such as limitation of daily activities and psychological stress, being one of themain causes of school and work absenteeism. Its diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on the clinical history and normal physical examination. It is important to exclude secondary causes of dysmenorrhea. The treatment may have different approaches (pharmacological, nonpharmacological and surgical), but the first line of treatment is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in cases of women who want contraception, the use of hormonal contraceptives. Alternative treatments, such as topical heat, lifestyle modification, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and acupressure, may be an option in cases of conventional treatments' contraindication. Surgical treatment is only indicated in rare cases of women with severe dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment.

Resumo Dismenorreia primária é definida como dormenstrual na ausência de patologia pélvica. Caracteriza-se pelo excesso de produção de prostaglandinas pelo endométrio que provocam hipercontractilidade uterina, resultando em isquemia e hipoxia do músculo uterino e, subsequentemente, dor. É a patologia ginecológica mais comum em mulheres em idade fértil e uma das causas mais frequentes de dor pélvica; contudo, é subdiagnosticada, subtratada, e até desvalorizada pelas próprias mulheres, que a aceitam como parte do ciclo menstrual. A dismenorreia tem grandes implicações na qualidade de vida, como limitação das atividades diárias e estresse psicológico, sendo uma das principais causas de absentismo escolar e laboral. O seu diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico, baseando-se na história clínica e num exame físico sem alterações. É importante excluir causas secundárias de dismenorreia. O tratamento pode ter diferentes abordagens (farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica), sendo que a primeira linha de tratamento consiste na utilização de anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) e, em casos de mulheres que desejem contracepção, no uso de anticoncepcionais hormonais. Tratamentos alternativos, como a utilização de calor tópico, modificação do estilo de vida, estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, suplementos alimentares, acupuntura e acupressão, podem ser uma opção nos casos de contraindicação da utilização dos tratamentos convencionais. O tratamento cirúrgico apenas se encontra indicado em casos raros de mulheres com dismenorreia grave e refratária aos tratamentos.

Effects of thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. SETTING: Physiotherapy Department of the Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo (Brazil). INTERVENTIONS: Eighty-eight dysmenorrheic women were randomly allocated into four groups: Thermotherapy + TENS(n = 22), Thermotherapy(n = 22), TENS(n = 22) and Placebo(n = 22). Thermotherapy was applied by microwave diathermy (20 min), and TENS (200 µs, 100 Hz, 30 min), into the lower abdomen both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Br-MPQ). PPT and CPM were recorded from women's abdominal and lumbar. The evaluation was done in 5 times: baseline, after 20, 50, 110 min and 24 h from intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the NRS for Thermotherapy + TENS vs. TENS, for Thermotherapy vs. TENS and for Placebo, after 20 min; for Thermotherapy vs. TENS and for Placebo, after 110 min and 24 h. Abdome PPT increased in the Thermotherapy + TENS vs. TENS and Placebo, after 50 min; for Thermotherapy + TENS vs. Placebo and for Thermotherapy vs. Placebo, after 110 min. No changes in lumbar PPT and CPM were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of thermotherapy reduced NRS compared to the TENS and Placebo after 20, 110 min and 24 h. Thermotherapy demonstrated an increase in the PPT in the abdomen after 50 and 110 min and decreased the Br-MPQ scores after 110 min in patients with PD.

An update and systematic review on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

OBJECTIVES: Primary dysmenorrhea is a painful uterine contraction caused by endometrial laceration. Drug therapies and complementary medicine have been used to treat dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate and offer an updated perspective on the treatments for dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The present study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The required information was collected based on searches for the following keywords: treatment, primary dysmenorrhea, medicinal plants, chemical drugs, and herbs. Searches were performed on databases Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Iran medex, and SID by March 2018 to find literature in the English and Persian languages on this subject without a time limit. RESULTS: This review included 17 papers, 10 of which on complementary medicine, three on drug therapies, and four on acupuncture and acupressure. The largest and smallest samples had 303 and 24 patients, respectively. Length of treatment ranged from one to six months and the measures most commonly used in the studies were the visual analogue scale and clinical efficacy. Reported complications included gastrointestinal events, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver and kidney disorders. CONCLUSION: Medicinal plants, drugs, and acupressure seem to suppress pain by reducing the level of prostaglandins, mediating nitric oxide, increasing beta-endorphin levels, blocking the calcium channel, and enhancing circulatory flow through the uterine pathway. Further trials are required to confirm the benefits of the procedures described and ensure the absence of complications.

Microwave diathermy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation effects in primary dysmenorrhea: clinical trial protocol.

The aim of this study will be to analyze the effects of microwave diathermy (MWD) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on primary dysmenorrhea. Eighty eight women, age range 18-44 years, with no previous pregnancy, no practice physical activities, a BMI of ≤29.9 kg/m2, a regular menstrual cycle and a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea, with menstrual pain ranging from mild to severe, will be selected. The participants will be randomized into four groups: MWD and TENS, MWD and placebo TENS, placebo MWD and TENS, and placebo MWD and placebo TENS. Pain will be measured using the visual numeric scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire; the pressure pain threshold using a digital algometer and conditioned pain modulation using the cold pressor test. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-5QKCK4. Registered on 16 March 2016).

Efeitos da bandagem funcional elástica sobre a dismenorreia primaria em universitárias / Effects of elastic bandage on primary dysmenorrhea in college students

Introdução: Apesar de a dismenorreia primária ser bastante incidente e ter impacto negativo na vida de mulheres, terapêuticas para o seu tratamento, tais como a bandagem funcional elástica, são pouco elucidadas pela literatura. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da bandagem funcional sobre a dor e as atividades de vida diária (AVD) de estudantes universitárias com dismenorreia primária. Material e métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, realizado com 22 mulheres com dismenorreia primária, divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos (A e B), acompanhadas durante dois ciclos menstruais. O grupo A recebeu intervenção no primeiro mês e, no segundo, fez-se o monitoramento dos sintomas. No grupo B fez-se o contrário. Resultados: Houve diminuição estatisticamente significativa na média geral de dor percebida pelos sujeitos, no grupo B, no terceiro (p = 0,01) e quarto dias (p = 0,02), a favor da intervenção. Também foi observada redução na intensidade da dor - de moderada e intensa para leve - de 72,7% dos sujeitos. Não houve diferença significativa entre a distribuição dos locais de dor e as AVD, exceto em uma delas. Conclusão: A bandagem é benéfica na dismenorreia primária em universitárias, com efeitos positivos sobre a redução da intensidade e a duração da dor. Palavras-chave: bandagens, dismenorreia, Fisioterapia. (AU)

Introduction: Despite of primary dysmenorrhea be very incident and have a negative impact in women's life, therapeutic techniques for the treatment, like kinesio taping, are little elucidated by the literature. Objective: To evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on pain and activities of daily living (ADLs) of university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Clinical randomized trial with 22 women with primary dysmenorrhea, allocated into two groups (A and B), followed for two menstrual cycles. The group A received the intervention on the first month and was monitored on the second month. In the group B were made the opposite. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the general average pain perceived by the women, in group B, in third (p = 0.01) and fourth days (p = 0.02), in favor to the intervention. It was also observed reduction in pain intensity of 72.7% of the subjects from moderate and intense to light. The pain distribution in body and the influence in ADLs did not have statistically difference, except in one ADL. Conclusion: The kinesio taping method is beneficial in primary dysmenorrhea in college students, with positive effects in reduction of pain intensity and duration. (AU)

Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea no tratamento da dor pélvica causada pela dismenorréia primária / Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of pelvic pain caused by the primary dysmenorrhea

Introdução: A dismenorreia causa o afastamento das mulheres ao trabalho, estudos e atividades de vida diária. Objetivos: Verificar a influência da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) na dor pélvica causada pela dismenorréia primária. Métodos: Vinte universitárias foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos iguais de dez voluntárias: Grupo Tratamento (GT) e Grupo Controle (GC). Foram submetidas a um tratamento com TENS (GT) e TENS placebo (GC) e avaliadas pela Escala Visual Analógica da Dor (EVA) antes, depois e duas horas após o final do tratamento. Resultados: Houve redução da dor no GT (p = 0,0001) após o tratamento com a manutenção duas horas após o seu término (p = 0,0008). No GC, embora tenha havido uma redução do quadro álgico depois do tratamento (p = 0,0295), esta não se manteve duas horas após o final do mesmo (p = 0,4810). Conclusão: A TENS foi eficaz na redução da dor das participantes.

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea causes the removal of women to work, study and daily life activities. Objectives: To verify the influence of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in the pelvic pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Twenty university were randomly assigned into two equal groups of ten volunteers: Group Treatment (GT) and control group (GC). They were subjected to a treatment with TENS (GT) and placebo TENS (GC) and evaluated by the Visual Analog Pain Scale (EVA) before, after and two hours after the end of treatment. Results: There was reduction of pain in GT (p = 0,0001) after treatment with maintaining two hours after its end (p = 0,0008). In the GC, although there was a reduction in pain symptoms after treatment (p = 0,0295), this was not maintained two hours after the end of the same (p = 0,4810). Conclusion: TENS was effective in reducing pain of the participants.

The New Portable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device Was Efficacious in the Control of Primary Dysmenorrhea Cramp Pain.

INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an established method for pain relief in dysmenorrhea. A feasible advantage would be the study of a portable device. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new portable TENS device (TANYX®) for menstruation cramps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women were evaluated in a double-blind, prospective, randomized fashion, divided into sham and active groups. TENS was applied medially at the suprapubic region, for 30-min duration at eight-hour intervals, up to seven days. The placebo group (PG) received sham device. The TENS group (TG) applied an active 85 Hz frequency TENS. Efficacy measures were pain relief evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS) and diclofenac intake, and quality of life represented by: 1) capacity to get out of the bed, 2) food or drink intake, 3) missing routine daily activities such as work or school, and 4) quality of sleep. RESULTS: The active TENS device induced a prompt onset of pain relief in a strictly segmental manner nearby the dermatomes where the TENS was applied at the skin, and there was a drop in mean pain score from 8 to 2 cm (p < 0.001). Diclofenac consumption was also significantly reduced (p < 0.01), compared with the PG. Quality of life improved significantly in TG when compared with PG (p < 0.05). Three months after the beginning of the study, 14/20 of the women were still using the active device regularly. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The portable, disposable, active TENS device induced a prompt onset of pain relief and improved the quality of life, without adverse effects, in patients with painful cramps associated with dysmenorrhea.

Analgesia acupuntural para la regulación menstrual en pacientes atendidas en el Policlínico Universitario Josué País García / Acupuncture analgesia for menstrual regulation in patients attended in Josué País García University Polyclinic

Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 60 pacientes, atendidas en la consulta de regulación menstrual del Policlínico Universitario Josué País García de Santiago de Cuba, desde abril hasta junio del 2009, con vistas a evaluar los resultados de la analgesia acupuntural empleada para tratar a estas féminas. Entre las variables analizadas figuraron: edad, escolaridad, ocupación, intensidad del dolor percibido, complicaciones y grado de satisfacción. Para resumir la información se emplearon las frecuencias absolutas y relativas (porcentaje). En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 15-19 años, el nivel escolar preuniversitario, las estudiantes, el sangrado como la complicación más frecuente y el dolor moderado como el de mayor intensidad. Asimismo, prevaleció el tratamiento efectivo y existió una adecuada satisfacción por parte de las pacientes en cuanto al uso de la citada técnica(AU)

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 60 patients attended in the menstrual regulation department of Josué País García University Polyclinic of Santiago de Cuba, from April to June 2009, with the purpose of evaluating the results of acupuncture analgesia used to treat these females. Among the analyzed variables were age, education, occupation, severity of perceived pain, complications and satisfaction. To summarize the information the absolute and relative frequencies were used (percentage). The age group of 15-19 years, high school level, students, and bleeding as the most frequent complication and moderate pain as that of more severity predominated in the case material. Also, the effective treatment prevailed and there was an adequate satisfaction of the patients in the use of that technique(AU)