Randomized Trial of Modified Stretching Exercise Program for Menstrual Low Back Pain.

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Women's Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Menstrual low back pain is a common issue affecting young women.
• Effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed to manage this condition.
• Self-care strategies can empower women to manage their pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a modified stretching exercise program for young women experiencing menstrual low back pain.
• To assess the impact of the program on pain intensity, functional disability, and exercise self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 127 young women.
• Participants were assigned to either a modified stretching exercise group or a control group (usual activities).
• Outcomes were measured at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry).

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower VAS pain scores compared to the control group (95% CI = [0.73, 1.96]; p < .05).
• The experimental group also reported significantly lower Oswestry scores, indicating reduced disability (95% CI = [0.68, 2.03]; p < .001).
• At 12 months, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher exercise self-efficacy (95% CI = [-6.87, 0.62]; p = .003).

Conclusions:

• A modified stretching exercise program is effective in reducing menstrual low back pain and associated disability in young women.
• The program enhances exercise self-efficacy, promoting long-term pain management.
• This intervention offers a valuable self-care option for young women with menstrual low back pain.