The Application of William Flexion Exercise to Reduce Pain Levels for Teenage Girls with Dismenorea

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is a common problem experienced by adolescent girls and can interfere with daily activities, concentration, and school attendance. One safe non-pharmacological intervention used to reduce menstrual pain is William Flexion Exercise, which helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation. This study used a descriptive design with a case study approach involving two adolescent girls aged 16 years who experienced dysmenorrhea on the first day of menstruation. Data were collected using a pain checklist instrument with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The intervention was conducted for three consecutive days through William Flexion Exercise for 10–15 minutes with six movement techniques. Before the intervention, Subject I experienced pain at scale 5 and Subject II at scale 6, both categorized as moderate pain. Both subjects complained of pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the waist, accompanied by discomfort during activities. After three days of intervention, Subject I’s pain decreased from scale 5 to 2, while Subject II’s pain decreased from scale 6 to 3, indicating a reduction from moderate to mild pain. The decrease in pain intensity occurred because William Flexion Exercise strengthens the abdominal and lower lumbar muscles, improves blood circulation, and increases oxygen supply to reproductive organs, thereby reducing uterine muscle contractions caused by prostaglandin activity. Differences in pain perception between subjects were influenced by individual pain experiences and responses. Hormonal factors, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as frequent fast-food consumption were identified as contributing factors to dysmenorrhea in both subjects. William Flexion Exercise was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea pain levels among adolescent girls and can be recommended as a safe non-pharmacological intervention for menstrual pain management.