Aerobic Exercise vs. Jacobson’s Relaxation for Primary Dysmenorrhea
Official title: Comparative Effects of Aerobic Exercises and Jacobson's Progressive Relaxation Technique on Pain, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07628452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether aerobic exercise or Jacobson’s progressive relaxation can help reduce pain and fatigue and improve quality of life for young women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 17 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Okāra, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07628452 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are unmarried, non-athlete women aged 17–24 with mild primary dysmenorrhea and WaLiDD-diagnosed, regular cycles, BMI under 30, and no recent painkiller use.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea, secondary dysmenorrhea, or conditions excluded by WaLiDD criteria may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares two non-drug approaches for primary dysmenorrhea: aerobic exercise and Jacobson’s progressive relaxation. Participants are 17–24 years old women with mild dysmenorrhea, recruited from selected colleges in Okāra and Lahore, Pakistan, and randomly assigned to one of two groups after screening. Each group receives a different 8-week intervention while both receive baseline core muscle strengthening, with outcomes measured using NPRS for pain, EQ-5D-5L for quality of life, and a fatigue scale. Data collection uses non-probability convenience sampling and sealed envelopes for allocation, with 64 participants divided equally. The study aims to determine which intervention better reduces pain and fatigue and improves life quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this trial could offer non-pharmacological options to relieve menstrual pain and improve daily functioning for young women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests non-drug approaches like exercise or relaxation can help dysmenorrhea, but direct head-to-head comparisons are limited and this study adds comparative data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pain on numeric rating pain scale, * Menarche range 12-16, * BMI less than 30, * Having a regular menstrual cycle (28-32) days, * Normal bleeding days (3 to 1) and diagnosed with mild PD according to WaLiDD score Exclusion Criteria: * Athletes, * married women with gynaecological abnormalities were excluded, * Medical treatment during the study (e.g., oral contraceptives, antidepressants) * Recent musculoskeletal trauma or surgery, or chronic musculoskeletal disorders * affecting pain perception (e.g., fibromyalgia, pelvic floor dysfunction) * secondary dysmenorrhea-related conditions (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts), * consumption of painkillers * No mental or physical diseases, which reduce the abilities to exercise
Where it's running
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Superior college for women and Polytechnic institute
Okāra, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hafiza Iqra Rubab, MSWHPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Training for Young Women with Menstrual Pain
A randomized trial tests whether Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Synergy training can reduce menstrual pain and improve quality of life in university-aged women with primary dysmenorrhea.
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Sacral release versus lumbar mobilization for period cramps in teens.
This will test whether sacral release or lumbar mobilization works better to reduce menstrual pain, lessen symptoms, and improve quality of life in adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea.
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This trial will test whether a single IV dose of magnesium sulfate relieves severe menstrual cramp pain in women 18–35 better than IV dexketoprofen.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.