Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in a constellation of physical and emotional symptoms during a women’s menstrual cycle. PMS is most common in women between the age group of 25 and 45 years. The estimate is that 80% of women experience some type of premenstrual change during their reproductive period. The definite cause of PMS is still not identified, but several studies have proved that PMS is a stress-induced psychophysiological disorder and stress is a cause of the symptoms of PMS. Some simple stress-relieving exercises perform on a regular basis can bring a feeling of peace and calm.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the effect of 61-point relaxation (61-PR) therapy in PMS.

Materials and Methods: The protocol was approved by the institutional ethical committee before starting the study. The study group consisted of 40 females suffering from PMS in the age group of 18–40 years, having regular menstrual cycles of 28–34 days. The study group was divided into two groups - Group A consisting of 20 subjects having no intervention and Group B also consists of 20 subjects performing 61-PR. Control group consisted of 30 healthy female subjects. An automated sphygmomanometer was used to record a baseline diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) from the right arm. An automated biofeedback apparatus Relax 701 was used to record heart rate (HR/min), galvanic skin response (GSR; kΏ), electromyogram (EMG; mV), respiratory rate (RR/min), and peripheral temperature (T;°F) simultaneously. The subjects in Group B performed 61-PR exercises. It was started 7 days before the due date of menstruation for 3 successive menstrual cycles. On the past day, the parameters were again recorded.

Results: We observed SBP, DBP, HR, EMG, GSR, and RR in Group B showed a very significant reduction (P < 0.001) while T increased significantly (P < 0.001) in the 3rd menstrual cycle, on comparing with the baseline levels. In our study, the females with PMS showed decrease in the high baseline sympathetic activity. On comparing Group B with Group A, we found an increased relaxation response in Group B.

Conclusion: In this study, the females with PMS showed a decrease in the high basal sympathetic activity and an increased relaxation response in Group B.

Key words: 61-point Relaxation; Meditation; Premenstrual Syndrome