New research was presented at FMX 2020, the 2020 American Academy of Family Physicians virtual Family Medicine Experience, from October 13-17. The features below highlight some of the studies emerging from the conference.
Evidence indicates that primary dysmenorrhea is mostly treated with NSAIDs and oral contraceptives, which can cause side effects. Few studies have assessed alternatives without such side effects, such as yoga. To further explore this area, researchers conducted an evidence-based review of three randomized clinical trials in which participants were randomized to control or yoga groups for 12 weeks. In study 1, the yoga group performed three yoga poses for 20 minutes twice a day for 14 days during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and received books with instructions on breathing and poses. In study 2, the yoga group performed 16 poses for 1 hour per week, with feedback from a certified instructor, reminders to attend the program, and abstinence from other yoga practices. In study 3, the yoga group performed 16 poses for 30 minutes twice weekly, received instructional books, completed an exercise diary, and received support through phone follow-ups. Visual analog pain scores compared with controls were 1.12, 0.94, and 1.87 points lower among the yoga groups in studies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All study results were statistically significant.
