Cognitive exercise therapy and yoga for period pain in teen girls
The Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach and Yoga on Pain, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhoea
This study will test whether cognitive exercise therapy or yoga can reduce menstrual pain and improve function in adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Acibadem University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Trial ID | NCT06398990 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial comparing three arms: cognitive exercise therapy, yoga, and routine medical treatment in adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea. About 36 participants are planned for analysis (target enrollment ~42 to allow for dropouts), with measurements taken at three time points to track pain, physical function, and quality of life. Participants are randomized to one of the three groups to reduce bias and ensure comparability. Outcomes focus on menstrual pain intensity (VAS) and related functional and quality-of-life measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescent females aged 10–19 with at least 6–12 months of menstruation, diagnosed primary dysmenorrhea, VAS pain ≥4, nulliparous, able to read Turkish, and willing to provide consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Girls with suspected or confirmed secondary dysmenorrhea, serious comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions, recent abdominal/pelvic/spinal surgery, current pregnancy, or use of conflicting treatments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these non-drug, mind-body approaches could reduce menstrual pain and improve school performance and quality of life for adolescent girls.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of yoga and other mind-body interventions have reported large reductions in menstrual pain, but evidence in adolescent populations is limited and not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 10 and 19, * Having had a menstrual cycle for at least 6-12 months (ACOG, 2018), * Having menstrual pain intensity of ≥4 cm according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10 cm) (Kannan, P. 2015; Yonglitthipagon, P. 2017), * To have been diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea according to the clinical characteristics and diagnostic approach defined in international dysmenorrhea guidelines (ACOG 2018; JOGC 2017), * Nulliparous (having never given birth), * Able to read and write in Turkish, * Willing to participate in the study and having provided informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History or clinical findings suggestive of secondary dysmenorrhea, * Presence of serious comorbidities, including neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, or autoimmune disorders, * History of surgery involving the abdominal, pelvic, or spinal regions within the past 12 months, * Current pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, * Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), * Current or recent participation in cognitive exercise therapy and/or yoga interventions, * Concurrent participation in another clinical study.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Ataşehir
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University — Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dilek Çağrı Arslan, Lecturer — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
- Study coordinator: Dilek Çağrı Arslan, Lecturer
- Email: Dilek.Cagri@acibadem.edu.tr
- Phone: +902165004182
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.