Are resistive exercises or stretching better for abdominal cramps in PMS?

Aims Of Study: Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and psychological symptoms; the aim of the study is to compare the effects of resistive exercises and stretching of core abdominal muscles on abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome. Methodology: It was a Randomized Clinical Trial with a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from 40 participants who had abdominal cramps before periods. Data were taken from Asaaf Hospital Johar Town Lahore in 6 months duration. The premenstrual syndrome questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale was used for each participant before and after treatment. Group A received resistive exercises and B received stretching exercises. Results: This study concludes that resistive exercises that are bridging, crunches and planks are more effective than stretching exercises on abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome. Limitations and Future Implications: This study was conducted during the COVID lockdown; it was hard to follow up with the participants. Also more studies should be done on the women who face abdominal pain while menstruating and not before menses. Originality: All the authors mentioned participated in the study and it was originally conducted by them in Lahore. Conclusion: To conclude, resistive exercises are more effective on abdominal muscles in reducing abdominal cramps in premenstrual syndrome as compared to stretching exercises.

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