Core Strengthening Exercise on Menstrual Pain and Quality of Life in University Female Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Trial

This study examined the effects of an eight-week core strengthening exercise program on menstrual pain, menstrual symptoms, and quality of life in sedentary female university students with self-reported primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty female students (age: 21.8 ± 3.4 years) were randomly assigned to a core strengthening exercise group (EG; n = 30) or a control group (CG; n = 30). Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline (T1), after four weeks (T2) and after eight weeks of intervention (T3). Menstrual symptoms and quality of life were evaluated using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and the WHO Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. NRS scores in the EG were significantly lower at T2 and T3 compared with T1 (p < 0.01). The EG showed significant reductions in negative symptoms, pain, management, and total MSQ scores, whereas management and total MSQ scores increased in the CG (p < 0.01). Significant improvements were observed in all WHOQOL domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment) in the EG (p < 0.01). An eight-week core strengthening exercise program may help reduce menstrual pain and symptoms and improve quality of life in female university students with self-reported primary dysmenorrhea.