DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent gynaecological issue among nulligravidae. Objective: To determine the effects of Kinesio taping and core strengthening on pain, menstrual symptoms, and physical activity among nulligravida women with primary dysmenorrhea. Methodology: A single-blinded controlled trial was conducted from June to December 2024 at the Department of Physical Therapy, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital. The Lahore College of Physical Therapy (LCPT, LMDC) issued an ethical approval letter. Written informed consent was obtained before the initiation of treatment. A total of 50 nulligravida women aged 16–24 years with regular menstrual cycles were enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling. The inclusion criteria consisted of nulligravida females aged 16–24 years with regular menstrual cycles. Exclusion criteria included females with pelvic pain of musculoskeletal origin, multigravida females, and those with any other gynaecological conditions. The experimental group received Kinesio taping and core strengthening; the control group received core strengthening only. The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale were used to measure the menstrual symptoms, physical activity, and pain, respectively. Normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Wilcoxon, t-tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for between and within-group differences. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a significant reduction in pain and increased physical activity in both groups (p<0.001). The Mann-Whitney U test revealed significantly better outcomes in pain and physical activity in the experimental group post-intervention. The independent t-test showed significant improvements in menstrual symptoms, distress scores, and menstrual symptom distress in the experimental group (p≤0.01), but no significant difference in the Menstrual Symptom Index between groups. Conclusion: Combined Kinesio taping and core strengthening are more effective than core strengthening alone in improving pain, menstrual symptoms, and physical activity in nulligravida women with primary dysmenorrhea.