J Korean Acad Nurs JKAN Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2005-3673 Korean Society of Nursing Science 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.1.141 Original Article Effects of Heat Therapy Using a Far Infrared Rays Heating Element for Dysmenorrhea in High School Girls Hong Yeon Ran Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Chodang University, Muan, Korea. Address reprint requests to: Hong, Yeon Ran. Department of Nursing, Chodang University, 419 Seongnam-ri, Muan-eup, Muan 534-701, Korea. Tel: +82-61-450-1803, Fax: +82-61-450-1801, yrhong@chodang.ac.kr 02 2011 28 02 2011 41 1 141 148 11 10 2010 25 02 2011 © 2011 Korean Society of Nursing Science 2011 Purpose

The purpose of this study was designed to identify the effects of heat therapy on dysmenorrhea, heat being provided using a far infrared rays heating element.

 Methods

The research design for the study was a non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design. Participants were 22 students for the experimental group, and 26 students for the control group. Data were analyzed using SAS WIN 9.1 program.

 Results

The experimental group had significantly lower mean scores for menstrual pain, dysmenorrhea, and blood pressure than those in the control group. However, no significant differences were found between two groups for pulse, respiration, and temperature.

 Conclusion

These findings show that thermotherapy was effective for reduction of menstrual pain, dysmenorrhea, and B/P. Therefore, this therapy could be used as a nursing intervention for students with dysmenorrhea.

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Homogeneity Test of General & Menstruation-related Characteristics between Experimental and Control Group (N=48)

*Fisher's exact test.

Homogeneity of Menstrual Pain, Dysmenorrhea, Abdomen temperature and V/S between Experimental and Control Groups

SBP=systolic blood pressure; DBP=diastolic blood pressure.

Comparison of Menstrual Pain, Dysmenorrhea, & V/S between Experimental and Control Groups

Exp=experimental group; Con=control group; SBP=systolic blood pressure; DBP=diastolic blood pressure.

Drug requirements in post-test between Experimental and Control Groups

*Fisher's exact test.