The effect of kinesio taping and lifestyle changes on pain, body awareness and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping and lifestyle changes on pain, body awareness, and quality of life in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Subjects in the first group underwent kinesio taping and lifestyle changes and subjects in the second group were instructed only lifestyle changes. The pain levels were evaluated using a visual analogue scale, menstrual symptoms using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, health-related life quality using the Short Form-36, and changes in body awareness using the Body Awareness Questionnaire form. Pain intensity decreased, and body awareness and quality of life increased in both groups (p < 0.05). However, in the first group, pain severity decreased more, and body awareness and quality of life increased more (p < 0.05). As a result, it is thought that both kinesio taping and lifestyle changes can be used to improve quality of life and body awareness and to decrease pain level.