Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer of Midwifery Education, Pregnancy Health Research Center and Health Promotion Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
2
Lecturer of Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
4
B.Sc. of Midwifery, Students’ Scientific Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Results of earlier studies indicated vagueness in the interaction between physical activity and menstrual symptoms all around the world. Meanwhile, undoubtedly some women suffer from the pains of menstrual period. Thus, the relationship between the menstrual cycle and physical activities should be examined more closely. The present study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activities and menstrual cycle.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive- analytical study was conducted on 91 female service personnel of three hospitals covered by Zahedan University of Medical Science in 2010-2011. All samples had the inclusion and exclusion criteria. At first, physical activities were classified into light, moderate, and heavy levels based on Metabolic Equivalent of energy expenditure (MET). Then, the subjects were matched based on the moderate activity (3-5.9 METs) and the number of METs was multiplied into the hours per week. Consequently, the Total Weekly Activity (TWA) was obtained and its relation with menstrual pattern including mean days of bleeding, length of menstrual cycle, regularity, volume of bleeding, and menstrual symptoms, was evaluated by demographic menstrual pattern and seven-day Physical-Activity Recall Questionnaires by interviews. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 15, Pearson and Spearman correlation, and linear regression models. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Women had mean age (38.74±8.10) years with a maximum of 40 and minimum of 37 years. Data analysis showed that physical activities of hospital staffs were moderate. Reverse relationship was observed between moderate physical activity and menstrual symptoms (p=0.045). Most individuals experienced no or little menstrual symptoms. Based on variable linear regression model, moderate physical activity influenced the menstrual symptoms. At the end, the average score was 23.61 out of 64 points with 95% confidence interval (23.26-27.33).
Conclusion: Intensity of moderate physical activities not only do not change the volume of bleeding, the length of menstrual cycle, and menstrual regulation, but also, reduces the intensity of uncomfortable symptoms and signs of menstruation. Thus, moderate physical activity has a positive impact on women’s menstrual cycle.
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