Reduced activity in the form of recreational dancing and menstrual pain in the COVID-19 pandemic — prelaminar observations

Abstract

Introduction: Recreational dancing as a form of physical activity positively affects physical health and well-being.
Lack of exercise entails several health abnormalities, such as increased menstrual pain. The time of
the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has contributed to reduced physical activity and increased stress.
Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physical activity restriction in the form of recreational
dancing on young women’s perception of menstrual pain.
Material and methods: The study was conducted during the pandemic period of COVID-19. The study included
183 SARS-CoV-2 uninfected girls aged 18 years who presented to a gynaecologist for worsening menstrual-
related pain. The patients were assessed using the VAS pain scale before and during the pandemic. All
patients reported in their medical history that they were more physically active before the pandemic, especially
in recreational dancing. During the pandemic, the subjects reported a reduction in physical activity;
in addition, there was also an increase in stress levels as perceived by the patients; at the same time, an
increase in lower abdominal pain associated with menstruation was observed in the pandemic.
Results: The obtained result of p < 0.001 indicates that the reduction of physical activity in recreational
dancing influences the increase of pain sensations during the pandemonium.
Conclusions: Reducing physical activity in the form of recreational dancing increases menstruation-related pain.