Investigation of postural sensory organization in women with and without primary dysmenorrhea in three phases of the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Background: The effects of the menstrual cycle in women with and without primary dysmenorrhea on phase-related postural sensory organization are controversial.

Research question: This study was carried out to examine postural sensory organization in three phases of the menstrual cycle in women with and without primary dysmenorrhea and to evaluate whether there is a difference between women with/without primary dysmenorrhea in this regard.

Methods: Women aged 18-30 years were divided into two groups as primary dysmenorrhea group (PDG, n = 14) and control group (CG, n = 15). Computerized dynamic posturography were applied to the participants on the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Outcome measures were antero-posterior and medio-lateral Sensory Organization Test (SOT-somatosensory, vestibular and visual scores) and Limits of Stability test (LoS). The findings obtained were analyzed with the two-factor ANOVA, paired samples t test, and independent samples t test.

Results: In the PDG, follicular phase antero-posterior somatosensory scores were lower compared to luteal phase (p = 0.002). Follicular phase antero-posterior and medio-lateral vestibular scores were lower than ovulation (p = 0.003, p = 0.004, respectively) and luteal (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively) phases. Follicular phase LoS scores were lower than ovulation (p = 0.001) and luteal (p = 0.002) phases. In the CG, ovulation phase antero-posterior somatosensory scores were lower than follicular phase (p = 0.003). Follicular phase LoS scores were lower than ovulation phase (p = 0.002). The PDG had lower follicular phase antero-posterior somatosensory (p = 0.019), vestibular (p = 0.031), and medio-lateral somatosensory (p = 0.019) scores than those of the CG. The PDG had lower luteal phase antero-posterior somatosensory scores than those of the CG (p = 0.029). The PDG showed lower follicular phase LoS scores than those of the CG (p = 0.009).

Significance: This study revealed that primary dysmenorrhea impairs postural sensory organization. Decreased sensory organization may predispose women to injury. The risk of injury should be investigated and necessary precautions should be taken.

Keywords: Balance; Postural control; Primary dysmenorrhea; Sensory organization; Somatosensory; Vestibular.