Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women, estimates of the prevalence
of dysmenorrhea range widely from 16.8 % to 81%, with high rates as 90% have been recorded. It has a negative impact
on the quality of life of affected females, leading to activity restrictions. Pelvic stability decreases in women with
dysmenorrhea, leading to lumbar pelvic imbalance, resulting in impaired balance control. Purpose: The purpose of this
study was to determine the effect of Biodex balance (BBS) training on pain, postural stability and functional activities
during dysmenorrhea. Methods: Thirty participants suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with a regular menstrual cycle
were randomly assigned to experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). The experimental group received sessions
in BBS training combined with traditional core stability exercises while the control group received only traditional core
stability exercises for 4 weeks (three sessions per week). The BBS was used to assess postural stability and limit of
stability, while the Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity and Patient specific functional scale (PSFS)
to assess the ability to perform activities. All measurements were obtained before, during the menstrual cycle, and
after receiving the treatment. Results: The mean values of all variables showed no significant difference in the pre, mid
menstrual cycle an d post-treatment assessments, p values were insignificant (P>0.05) between the 2 groups except for
post-post treatment assessment for limit of stability (p

Key words: Dysmenorrhea, Biodex Balance System, Exercises, Postural Stability, Pain, Functional Activities .