@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2252-0805    The Horizon of Medical Sciences 2016;22(4):359-363

Background
The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea is over %90 in the world [1].
Previous Studies
… [2-10]. when the knee is bending, point Spleen 10 is located in medial thigh (3 fingers width) above upper and medial side of patella; pressure on the spot is effective on the treatment of menstrual irregularities, hyper menorrhea, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea [11].
Aim(s)
The aim of current study was to evaluate the effect of point Sp 10 acupuncture on pain intensity in primary dysmenorrhea.
Research type
The study is a randomized clinical single-blind trial.
Research society, place and time
The study conducted on female students with primary dysmenorrhea at Tehran University of Medical Sciences’ dormitories, in 2012.
Sampling method and number
The sample size was 50 females in each group. According to the randomization plan, one dormitory was allocated to control group and the other one to intervention group and then qualified samples were selected according to purposive sampling. Entry criteria included: being 18-30 years old, Pain intensity based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of grade 1 or 2 or 3, being single, having regular Menstruation periods (3-8 days menstrual duration and 21-35 days gap between the two menstruations), lack of any pelvic known disease (endometriosis) and any malformations of the genital tract, no pain during entire cycle or in all menstrual bleeding time, any history of abdominal-pelvic surgery, no wound, varicose veins and any inflammatory skin disease on the point 10. Exit criteria included: using oral contraceptive or any other drugs that interfere in ovulation cycle and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the research and severe psychological stress during the study (such as the death of loved ones).
Used devices&materials
Demographic questionnaire, pain scale ruler and Mungo Campbell VAS were used to conduct the research. Demographic questionnaire included height, weight, age, age at menarche, age of onset of dysmenorrhea, etc. which was designed by Ashrieh et al. Validity and reliability and scientific validity and content of demographic questionnaire were determined by Ashrieh et al. and there was a test-retest exactly one month later in order to determine the reliability which was confirmed [11]. Pain scale ruler was confirmed in terms of standard reliability and validity in 2006 [9]. It is a measurement ruler numbered from 0 to 10 (0-2 no pain, 2-4 mild, 4-6 moderate, 8-10 worst possible). At first, samples were chosen randomly among the list of dormitories (two dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences; one as control group and the other as intervention group). Then qualified samples were entered the study and they were chosen for sampling after written informed consent. First, demographic questionnaire was completed in both groups in order to determine if these samples suffer from primary dysmenorrhea. Both groups were instructed how to use the pain scale ruler. The intervention group was instructed the introduction of acupressure and its usage, point Sp 10 -which is placed in upper border of the patella- and the way to find the spot and massage it (bilateral spinning or clockwise rotation by thumbs). It was pressed for 6 seconds as the spot started to tingle, become heavy or hot; then stopped pressure for two seconds, all together took 30 minutes. Acupressure was instructed by an expert. When cycle started, this technique was performed in the first 3 days of menstruation. Then Pain intensity was measured by VAS in pre-test and 3 months later. In control group there was not any intervention and they were received only ordinary cares. Two separated dormitories were considered so that there was no contact between these two groups. Also, due to ethics in research as it had been promised before, acupressure and point Sp 10 and the way of massaging were instructed to control group after the study, too. 10 participants were excluded from control group (6 due to lack of follow-up and 4 due to lack of cooperation. Also, 10 participants were excluded from intervention group (8 for lack of follow-up and 2 for lack of cooperation). Data analyzed was conducted using SPSS software version 16; Chi-square test was used to compare pre-test with one month later test, one month with two months after intervention test, one month with three months after intervention tests and two months with three months after intervention tests, and independent t-test was used to compare demographic features in the two groups, to compare the pain intensity of one month, two months and three months before and after intervention.
Findings by Text
There was not a significant statistical difference between intervention group and control group in terms of demographic variables and Obstetrical history such as age at menarche, age of onset of dysmenorrhea and menstrual duration (Table 1). There was not a significant difference between pain intensity mean in both groups in pretest (P=0.143). The pain intensity mean in first month, second month and third month after intervention indicated a significant difference in both groups (P<0.001) and pain was reduced after three months in intervention group (Table 2).
Main comparison to the similar studies
One of the reasons regarding the effect of acupuncture on primary dysmenorrhea was to remove the blood stagnation that acupuncture on point Sp 10, point Sp 6, Hugo and point Sp 4 can remove the blood stagnation and reduce pain intensity in dysmenorrhea [11] … [12-16].
Suggestions
It is suggested to study the effect of pressure on point Sp 10 acupuncture on premenstrual syndrome and its effect on secondary amenorrhea.
Limitations
Trust in words of subjects was the only limitation of the study which was out of control.
Conclusions
Point Sp 10 pressure is effective on reducing pain intensity in primary dysmenorrhea.
Acknowledgments
The research performers appreciate and thank the Deputy of Iran and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences for their cooperation in this study.
Conflict of interest
There is no conflict of interests.
Ethical Permissions
The study is part of MA thesis at Iran university of Medical sciences with Ethics Committee approval number 91/D/130/2765 and registration code RCT201211203037N6 from Clinical Trial Registry Center.
Funding Sources
The study was supported financially by Research Deputy of Iran University of Medical Sciences.

TABLES and CHARTS

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