Efficacy of Arogya Rakshak Panchatantra (Five Lifestyle Principles) on Heart Rate Variability and Menstrual Symptoms in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is associated with decreased performance and reduced quality of life in young adults. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing Arogya Rakshak Panchatantra (ARP), a naturopathic lifestyle practice, among young female adults with PD. <b><i>Method:</i></b> This open-label, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial included 52 young female adults with PD aged between 16 and 25 years. They were randomly assigned to the ARP group practicing the ARP module for 2 months or the control group maintaining their routine lifestyle. The primary outcome was changes in heart rate variability (HRV), while secondary outcomes included menstrual distress, quality of life, pain, and daytime sleepiness, all evaluated at baseline and during the first three menstrual cycles in both groups. To evaluate the feasibility, the study also monitored self-reported symptoms, emotions, adverse events, calorie intake, and adherence to the intervention. The effectiveness of ARP was evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance and a generalized linear model. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the intervention group, we observed significant improvements in the high frequency component of HRV (<i>p</i> = 0.007), as well as reductions in weight (<i>p</i> = 0.017), visual analog scale pain (<i>p</i> = 0.000), and retrospective symptom scale score (<i>p</i> < 0.011). There were no significant changes in other HRV metrics, quality of life, or daytime sleepiness. Participants reported mild symptoms such as headaches, colds, body pain, diarrhea, constipation, fever, and weakness, with no serious adverse events. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> This trial is the first to examine the long-term impact of ARP on young females with PD, suggesting it could be an effective and feasible management option. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.