Hoyos-Calderon Yennyt-Tatiana, Martínez-Merinero Patricia, Nunez-Nagy Susana, Pecos-Martín Daniel, Calvo-Lobo César, Romero-Morales Carlos, Abuín-Porras Vanesa, Serrano-Imedio Ana
Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, 28703 Madrid, Spain.
Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain.
Biology (Basel). 2022 Oct 23;11(11):1550. doi: 10.3390/biology11111550.
Background primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is considered to be a cyclic chronic pelvic pain, with its onset in menstrual periods, often accompanied by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTP). Most MTPs in subjects with chronic pelvic pain are in the inferior part of the abdomen, in the rectus abdominis (RA) area. Central sensitization is closely related to chronic pain processes. Previous studies in women with chronic pelvic pain reported central sensitization signs in their subjects, such as lower pain pressure threshold (PPT). Several authors agree that PPT in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, seems to be a reliable reference for signs of central sensitization. Amongst the factors that seem to accompany central sensitization, the presence of anxiety needs to be considered. The aim of the present study was to analyze the existence of hyperalgesic MTPs in RA, central sensitization signs and anxiety in women with PD, in comparison with a control group (CG). Methods: This study was designed following an observational, cross-sectional, case-control model. A total sample of 80 subjects was recruited trough social webs and advertising (PD n = 39) (CG n = 41). PPT in RA and AT was assessed bilaterally through algometry, and anxiety was evaluated through the State−Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were shown for NRS average and maximum increase, as well as lower bilaterally RA and TA PPT in favor of PD group compared to CG. State or trait STAI did not show any statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups. Conclusions: In this study, women with PD reported symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome and central sensitization, when compared with healthy controls, without any sign of anxiety acting as a confounder for pain sensitivity.
原发性痛经（PD）被认为是一种周期性慢性盆腔疼痛，始于月经期，常伴有肌筋膜触发点（MTP）。慢性盆腔疼痛患者的大多数MTP位于腹部下部腹直肌（RA）区域。中枢敏化与慢性疼痛过程密切相关。先前对慢性盆腔疼痛女性的研究报告了其受试者存在中枢敏化迹象，如较低的疼痛压力阈值（PPT）。几位作者一致认为，胫骨前肌（TA）的PPT似乎是中枢敏化迹象的可靠参考。在似乎伴随中枢敏化的因素中，需要考虑焦虑的存在。本研究的目的是与对照组（CG）相比，分析PD女性中RA处的痛觉过敏MTP、中枢敏化迹象和焦虑的存在情况。方法：本研究采用观察性、横断面、病例对照模型设计。通过社交网络和广告招募了80名受试者的总样本（PD组n = 39）（CG组n = 41）。通过痛觉计双侧评估RA和TA的PPT，并通过状态-特质焦虑量表评估焦虑。结果：与CG组相比，PD组的NRS平均和最大增加以及双侧较低的RA和TA PPT显示出统计学显著差异（p < 0.001）。两组之间的状态或特质STAI均未显示任何统计学显著差异（p > 0.05）。结论：在本研究中，与健康对照组相比，PD女性报告了肌筋膜疼痛综合征和中枢敏化症状，没有任何焦虑迹象作为疼痛敏感性的混杂因素。
