Comparison of Structured Exercise Program and Aerobic Exercise on Reducing Pain in Females with Cyclic Mastalgia

Abstract

Background: Cyclic mastalgia is described as pain occurring in the breast that begins before menstruation and
subsides with the onset of the menstrual cycle. Studies indicate the usage of yoga, LASER and various other
pharmacological methods for treating cyclic mastalgia. There is inadequate literature to report the effect of
exercises on cyclic mastalgia.
Purpose: To compare the effect of structured exercise program and aerobic exercise on reducing pain in females
with cyclic mastalgia.
Materials and Methods: In phase 1, the prevalence of cyclic mastalgia was analyzed using premenstrual syndrome
scale from a private institute. In phase 2, a total of 52 subjects were selected from phase 1 based on the inclusion
and exclusion criteria and were divided randomly into two groups, where group A (n = 26) received structured
exercises and group B (n = 26) received aerobic exercises, along with breast massage and advice on usage of
properly fitting brassiere for both the groups. NPRS and Cardiff breast pain charts were used as outcome measures.
Results: In phase 1, percentage calculation was used to determine the prevalence. In phase 2, t test analysis and
non-parametric tests were used for post intervention analysis. Both groups have shown a significant reduction in
severity and duration of breast pain, but the difference was higher in group A.
Conclusion: In phase 1, the prevalence of cyclic mastalgia was 69%. In phase 2, structured exercise protocol was
more effective in reducing pain in females with cyclic mastalgia when compared with aerobic exercise.