Aerobic Exercise for Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is common and can result in significant disability for many women, causing a high degree of discomfort and reduced quality of life (QoL). Our preliminary studies suggested that high-intensity aerobic training (HIAT) for 30 minutes, three times a week at 70%-85% of maximum heart rate was effective for decreasing pain and improving QoL in women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of HIAT on academic performance and absenteeism or the cost-effectiveness of HIAT for women with primary dysmenorrhea. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying aerobic exercise-induced analgesia in primary dysmenorrhea remain unclear. Here, we propose a study to address this important knowledge gap by investigating the effects of HIAT on absenteeism and academic performance among university students with primary dysmenorrhea and examine the physiological mechanisms underlying aerobic exercise-induced analgesia by conducting a fully powered, randomised, controlled crossover trial. We also propose to conduct an economic evaluation to determine the cost-effectiveness of HIAT compared with a wait-listed control group receiving usual care, according to the societal and healthcare perspectives of Hong Kong. The results of this cutting-edge research will be important for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and women with primary dysmenorrhea. The knowledge gained from the proposed study will be useful for researchers when designing future studies to identify the mediators of pain interventions for clinical improvements, which could themselves be the target of future interventions. The findings of the proposed study will inform decision-makers regarding the extent to which existing or standard and potential interventions can improve population health (effectiveness) and the resources required to implement these interventions (costs).