Volume 36, Issue 256 (4-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(256): 13-24 |
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Kohzad Z, Torabi M, Najafi-Vosough R, Maddineshat M. Comparing the Effect of Hot Water Bag and Effleurage Massage on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 36 (256) :13-24
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22116-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22116-en.html
Abstract: (239 Views)
Background and purpose: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common menstrual disorders among young women and can reduce quality of life. Effective pain management is therefore important. This study aimed to compare the effects of effleurage massage and a hot water bag on reducing pain in female students with primary dysmenorrhea.
Materials and methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2024 with 84 female students with primary dysmenorrhea at Malayer University of Medical Sciences. Participants were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The first intervention group received a hot water bag at 40 °C. The second group underwent effleurage massage applied to the abdominal area and above the pubic symphysis for 15 minutes, twice daily, over four days during two consecutive menstrual cycles. No intervention was applied in the control group. Pain intensity in all groups was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics or baseline pain intensity among the three groups prior to the intervention. After the intervention, pain intensity significantly decreased in both intervention groups compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, comparison between the two intervention groups showed that the reduction in pain intensity was significantly greater in the effleurage massage group than in the hot water bag group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Both effleurage massage and the use of a hot water bag were effective in reducing pain severity associated with primary dysmenorrhea. However, effleurage massage showed a greater reduction in pain intensity. Given their safety, ease of application, and effectiveness, these non-pharmacological interventions can be recommended for managing menstrual pain in female students. Their use may improve quality of life and reduce the need for analgesic medication.
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20241110063652N1)
Materials and methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2024 with 84 female students with primary dysmenorrhea at Malayer University of Medical Sciences. Participants were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The first intervention group received a hot water bag at 40 °C. The second group underwent effleurage massage applied to the abdominal area and above the pubic symphysis for 15 minutes, twice daily, over four days during two consecutive menstrual cycles. No intervention was applied in the control group. Pain intensity in all groups was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics or baseline pain intensity among the three groups prior to the intervention. After the intervention, pain intensity significantly decreased in both intervention groups compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, comparison between the two intervention groups showed that the reduction in pain intensity was significantly greater in the effleurage massage group than in the hot water bag group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Both effleurage massage and the use of a hot water bag were effective in reducing pain severity associated with primary dysmenorrhea. However, effleurage massage showed a greater reduction in pain intensity. Given their safety, ease of application, and effectiveness, these non-pharmacological interventions can be recommended for managing menstrual pain in female students. Their use may improve quality of life and reduce the need for analgesic medication.
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20241110063652N1)
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Midwifery
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