Ruqia Begum

Foundation university school of Health Sciences, Pakistan

Abstract Title:The Effects of Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain and Quality of Life in Young Females with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Biography: Dr.Ruqia Begum has completed her bachelor degree as physical Therapist from women Medical College Abbottabad, Pakistan at the age 22.She is currently working as senior Lecturer in Foundation University College of Physical Therapy, Foundation university school of health sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. She has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals and numerous paper presentation in various National and international conferences.

Research Interest: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent gynecological conditions which impacts the quality of life of young females. There is a huge gap in its treatment due to lack awareness about non-pharmacological options available to treat it. Previous studies have shown the benefits of manual therapy in treating primary dysmenorrhea but there is lack of evidence about effects of muscle energy techniques on primary dysmenorrhea. Thus aim of our study is to determine the effects of muscle energy technique in young females with primary dysmenorrhea in terms of pain and quality of life. It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy. A total of 42 patients with primary dysmenorrhea between the ages of 18-30, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Out of these 12 participants declined to participate. All the selected participants completed NPRS and WHOQOL-BREF scale to determine pain intensity and quality of life respectively. Both the measures were taken at baseline then after intervention. All the participants received post isometric relaxation of muscles Gluteus Maximus, Iliopsoas and Piriformis. Outcome tools included were NPRS for pain intensity and WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life. All participants were assessed at baseline and at 1 week after 3 sessions of treatment. The mean age of study sample was 21.56+1.38 years, mean BMI was 23.04+2.37 kg/m² and period length in days was 6.33+0.95 days. There were significant improvements in pain intensity and quality of life at one week (one period cycle) after 3 sessions of treatment .There was a significant difference in improvement in pain intensity, physical ,social and environmental domain of quality of life (p<0.05).However , there was no significant improvement in psychological domain of quality of life (p>0.05).It is concluded that muscle energy technique (post isometric relaxation) is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in young females with primary dysmenorrhea. Primary Dysmenorrhea, Muscle Energy Technique, Post Isometric Relaxation.