Efeitos do método pilates sobre a dor e qualidade de vida de estudantes universitárias com dismenorreia primária : série de casos.

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the effects of the Pilates method on pain and quality of life in university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: this is a case series, consisting of three students (A, B, C) with primary dysmenorrhea from the Physiotherapy course at a University in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The participants were evaluated, before and after the intervention period, using analog algometry to analyze the pain threshold at two points in the abdominal region and two points in the lumbar spine and by the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire, for quality of life. The students participated in a protocol of Pilates mat exercises, lasting 45 minutes, twice a week, totaling four weeks. Results: The age range of the participants was between 20 and 24 years old, they were nulliparous, used oral hormonal contraceptives and presented symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. After the Pilates method sessions, there was an increase in the pain tolerance threshold at all points evaluated in all participants (∆ 0.6 to ∆ 2.1). The WHOQOL bref showed a slight increase in the general quality of life (A: pre=77.00%, post=78.00%; B: pre=70.18%, post=73.07%; C: pre= 64.37%; post=69.23%), and in the environment domain (A: pre=68.75%, post=81.25%; B: pre=50.00%, post=84.37%). Final onsiderations: The Pilates method proved to be effective in increasing the pelvic and low back pain threshold of young university students with primary dysmenorrhea, as well as in the general quality of life of the participants, and can be considered a non-pharmacological, simple and easily accessible alternative in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.