Conducting a Core-Based Exercise Program in Movement Competency Training Course to Improve Pain Tolerance and Abdominal Endurance of Female University Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.3.08Keywords:
core exercise, dysmenorrhea, PATHFIT 1, pain management, pain toleranceAbstract
Objectives. This study aimed to examine the effect of conducting a core-based exercise program in a movement competency training course on improving pain tolerance and abdominal endurance of female university students with primary dysmenorrhea.
Materials and methods. A total of 112 qualified female university students completed the training course. It used an uncontrolled trial approach of experimental research involving three phases: a week for pre-tests and orientation; 8 weeks of movement competency training; and a week of post-tests.
Results. According to this study, a large significant decrease in menstrual pain (-55.45%) and an increase in pain tolerance (22.54%), muscular endurance (40.57%), and aerobic capacity (41.60%) was observed after the movement competency training (p < .001). Post-pain tolerance (kg) has a significant positive relationship with post-abdominal endurance (reps) (β = 0.093; p < .001) and post-VO2max (β = 0.163; p < .001). It has been demonstrated that post-pain tolerance accounts for 98.2% of the variances in post-abdominal endurance and 98.4% in post-VO2max.
Conclusions. The findings indicate that a core-based exercise intervention integrated into the movement competency training course was found to be effective in reducing menstrual pain and improving pain tolerance, muscular endurance and aerobic capacity in female university students experiencing primary dysmenorrhea. A progressive core exercise program can be used as a non-pharmacological treatment for pain management and to enhance the body capacity of females with pain discomfort.
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