Characterization of Coping with Primary Dysmenorrhea in Women according to Their Level of Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common gynecological pathologies in women. The aim was to determine the differences in coping with PD in women who practice high-intensity sport, compared to women who are less physically active.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 476 women were recruited and administered a Google Form multiple-choice questionnaire divided into six sections. The following scales were used: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Menstruation-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL-22), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Borg scale.

RESULTS

The 389 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups according to their score in Borg test: high-intensity physical activity group (n = 178), moderate-intensity physical activity group (n = 101), and low-intensity physical activity group (n = 110) for those scoring under 4. ANOVA analysis showed statistical significance only for PCS (p = 0.024). Tukey group per group comparison determined differences between high-intensity physical activity group and low-intensity physical activity group regarding PCS (p = 0.018). Spearman correlation analysis showed a high relation between PCS and NPRS (r = 0.664) and between MQOL-22 and NPRS (r = -0.562).

CONCLUSION

The intensity of the exercise training does not influence PD-related pain perception nor kinesiophobia. High-intensity exercise reduces catastrophizing when compared with sedentary or low-intensity exercise. Level of catastrophizing is highly related with perceived pain and quality of life in menstruation in these PD patients.