Effect of Relaxation Training and Self-Management strategies on Pain and Distress in Young Adults With primary Dysmenorrhea– A Pre-Post Experimental Design

Authors

  • Anumandla Rishitha Undergraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6518-8258 (unauthenticated)
  • Mubarak Habibulla Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India
  • Mohammed Rafi Dean-Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India
  • Sowjanya Maruboyina HOD, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University,  Hyderabad, India
  • Mubeena Banu.N Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7541-2429 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/4fcz7k84

Abstract

Background: Painful menstruation with idiopathic origin or absence of other pelvic diseasesis primary dysmenorrhea. Mitchell’s method of physiological relaxation has higher benefitsin relaxation of the pelvic floor and reduction of pelvic tone; the technique might be useful inthe reduction of symptoms of dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to inquire intotheeffectiveness of Laura Mitchell's relaxation technique and self-management strategies onyoung adults with Primary Dysmenorrhea. Methods: Based on inclusion criteria, 21 subjects have undergone detailed assessment anddata collection for menstrual distress, pain catastrophisation, sleep quality, physical activitylevel, pain rating and bleeding volume. Mitchell’s relaxation training was administeredfor 6session per week for 6 weeks; along with education about self-management strategiesfollowed by every session was given thrice a week for six weeks. Conclusion: After 6 weeks of intervention, individuals have reported with reduced menstrual
distress(p<0.001) pain(p=0.006), improved physical activity level (p=0.031) and sleepqualitywith slight improvement in pain catastrophising behaviour compared to one weekofimmediate effects implying longer the duration of training will have greater improvement. It
is concluded that MMRT and self-management strategies have a significant effect onreduction of menstrual distress before 4 days of menstrual cycle and during the cycle, sleepquality, physical activity levels and pain rating. Key words: Primary dysmenorrhea, Mitchell method of relaxation, Self-management, Menstrual distress, Sleep quality, Pain catastrophization, Physical activity

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Author Biographies

  • Anumandla Rishitha, Undergraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

    Undergraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla 
    Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

  • Mubarak Habibulla, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

    Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

  • Mohammed Rafi, Dean-Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

     Dean-Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

  • Sowjanya Maruboyina, HOD, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University,  Hyderabad, India

    HOD, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, 
    Hyderabad, India

  • Mubeena Banu.N , Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

    Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied and Healthcare 
    Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India

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Published

2026-01-07

How to Cite

Effect of Relaxation Training and Self-Management strategies on Pain and Distress in Young Adults With primary Dysmenorrhea– A Pre-Post Experimental Design. (2026). Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal, 20(1), 52-60. https://doi.org/10.37506/4fcz7k84