Comparative Effectiveness of Hegu Point Ice Massage Versus Music for Dysmenorrhea-Related Pain and Comfort Levels: A...

Hegu point ice massage and music may be effective in helping to reduce pain and increase comfort in patients with dysmenorrhea.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of ice massage applied to the Hegu point and music on pain and comfort levels in nursing students with dysmenorrhea.

This study was conducted from October 2021 to June 2022 as a non-blinded, three-parallel group randomized controlled trial.

The study was carried out in the Nursing Department of a university.

The sample of the study consisted of 129 students.

The students with dysmenorrhea were assigned into three groups using the randomization function of Microsoft Excel: Hegu point ice massage, music, and control. The intervention was performed on the first and second days of menstruation.

Data were collected using the Dysmenorrhea Identification Form, Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale, Student Information Form, Dysmenorrhea Follow-up Form, Visual Analogue Scale, Effects of Dysmenorrhea Scale, and General Comfort Scale.

It was found that the pain levels experienced by the students on the first and second day of menstruation were lower in the ice massage group than in the control and music groups at 0th, 30th, and 60th minutes after the application, and similarly in the music group than in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference within and between all groups on the first day and within and between all groups except the control group on the second day. While there was no difference between the groups in the total pre-test scores of the general comfort scale, there was a significant difference between the post-test scores.

Hegu point ice massage and music are effective methods for reducing pain and increasing comfort in students with dysmenorrhea.