Controle postural de mulheres com dismenorreia primária em diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a lower abdominal or pelvic pain associated with menstruation connected with myofascial trigger points. It is believed that this disorder can interfere in postural control. Objective: To investigate the influence of PD on static postural control of women in two phases of the menstrual cycle, with and without pain. Methods: Observational research, transversal, quantitative, with university between 18 and 35 years, with PD, oral contraceptive users. It were used: assessment questionnaire, containing personal data and gynecological history, visual analogue scale (VAS), algometer and force platform. Data were submitted to descriptive statistics and checked for normality (Shapiro-Wilk), and the variables compared using the Student t test and Wilcoxon test. Results: Nineteen women were included with a mean age of 22.4 ± 3.0 years. In algometry, there was difference between the pressure pain threshold comparing the time with pain and no pain at the locations: abdomen D (p = 0.04), lumbosacral D (p = 0.02) and E (p = 0.01). Considering the postural control, there was a difference in the amplitude of the anteroposterior displacement of the center of pressure in both eyes open and eyes closed conditions; as well as in the center of pressure’s average speed and area of the ellipse in the eyes closed condition. During the time with PD, women had a higher oscillation. Conclusion: There was a greater pain sensitivity to pressure stimulation in the menstrual phase of the cycle and pain interfered on postural control of this group, regardless of its intensity, and the visual deprivation reinforce these effects.