Effect of Yogasanas and Pranayama on Pain, Severity and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmennorhea

Introduction: Primary dysmennorhea is the commonest problem experienced by adolescent girls. Pain begins just prior to or with the onset of menstrual flow and resolves with end of menstruation. The pain may be experienced in the pelvis, abdomen and lower back or upper legs. Yoga provides benefits that prove extremely useful for people to lead a healthy life. Anulomaviloma is one of the pranayama which balances both the sides of the brain. This study is undertaken to find the effect of three yoga asanas (the cat, fish and cobra pose) and anulomaviloma in primary dysmennorhea on pain, severity and quality of life. Methods: The subjects were assigned to three groups by randomized controlled sampling Group A (n=10) who performed the three yogasanas Bhujangasana, Marjarasana and Matsyasana and Group B (n=10) who performed the anulom vilom pranayam technique and Group C (n=10) combination of these two intervention protocols. The subjects were assessed at the baseline and after 4 weeks which included the subjects having presence of dysmennorhea of Grade 2 and Grade 3 Severity on the Verbal Multidimensional Scoring system for Dysmennorhea Scale and Pain on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and quality of life was assessed by using Short Form-12 questionnaire. The intervention consisted for a period of 4 weeks. Results: The study concluded that there is statistically significant difference in all the three groups. Conclusion: Yogasanas along with pranayama technique are more effective than using a single intervention protocol either of yogasanas or pranayama in primary dysmennorhea.