Association Between Primary Dysmenorrhea and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Metrics in Nulliparous Women of the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study

Background. Dysmenorrhea and menstrual characteristics significantly impact physical activity patterns, yet few studies have objectively measured these associations using accelerometers. This study aimed to investigate the association between dysmenorrhea severity, menstrual characteristics, and accelerometer-measured physical activity levels in nulliparous women in the UAE. Methods. An observational study was conducted among 46 women aged 18-45 years, with varying severity levels of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) classified by the Numeric Pain Rating Score (NPRS) and Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain, Dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) scores. Participants wore a Fibion triaxial accelerometer for three consecutive menstrual days to measure sitting time and light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity times. Results. Participants spent 11.0 + 1.56 hours/day sitting, with 3.84 + 1.73 hours in light-intensity activity, 33.6 + 20.3 minutes in moderate-intensity activity, and 0.38 + 0.62 minutes in vigorous-intensity activity during the menstrual days. Women with moderate-to-severe PD had lower light-intensity activity by 1.26 hours/day than those with mild PD (p = 0.030). Women with heavier menstrual flow had lower vigorous-intensity activity by 0.75min compared to those with scanty menstrual flow (p < 0.050). No significant associations were found between menstrual characteristics and sitting or moderate-intensity activity times. Conclusions. Dysmenorrhea severity and menstrual flow were associated with physical activity times, particularly with reduced light and vigorous activity. Tailored interventions addressing these menstruation-related characteristics may improve physical activity levels and mitigate long-term health risks, enhancing the well-being of women with PD.