Breathing Exercises Combined With Core Stabilization Exercises in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition among women of reproductive age and is associated with pelvic pain, psychological distress, and reduced health-related quality of life. Although core stabilization exercises and breathing exercises have individually demonstrated beneficial effects, evidence regarding their combined effectiveness remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises alone with breathing exercises combined with core stabilization exercises in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Forty-eight women aged 18-25 years will be randomly allocated to either the control group (core stabilization exercises) or the experimental group (breathing exercises combined with core stabilization exercises). Both groups will participate in supervised exercise sessions three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures will include menstrual pain intensity, psychological status, and health-related quality of life, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) at baseline and Week 8. The study will determine whether adding breathing exercises to core stabilization exercises provides greater clinical benefits than core stabilization exercises alone.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18-25 years. * Clinical diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea confirmed through medical history or self-report. * Baseline menstrual pain intensity of 4 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. * Agree not to receive any additional treatment for dysmenorrhea during the study period. Exclusion Criteria * Secondary dysmenorrhea caused by conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids. * Pregnancy or childbirth within the previous six months. * Diagnosed pelvic floor disorders or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. * Severe psychological disorders or chronic pain conditions that may interfere with outcome assessment. * Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). * History of pelvic surgery within the previous 12 months.