Cognitive exercise therapy and yoga for period pain in teen girls
Official title: The Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach and Yoga on Pain, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhoea
Run by Acibadem University · NCT06398990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Acibadem University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06398990 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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), * Having participated in a regular exercise, sports, or physiotherapy program within the last 6 months, * Concurrent participation in another clinical study.
Where it's running
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Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dilek Çağrı Arslan, Lecturer — Acibadem University
- Study coordinator: Dilek Çağrı Arslan, Lecturer
- Email: Dilek.Cagri@acibadem.edu.tr
- Phone: +902165004182
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Virtual reality for reducing pain and anxiety in women with menstrual cramps
In women with primary dysmenorrhea, this study tests whether a relaxing virtual reality experience can lower pain and anxiety during a 3-day period.
-
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Dysmenorrhea Symptoms
This pilot study tests whether a targeted OMT session before the next period can reduce pain and other dysmenorrhea symptoms in female university community members.
-
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.
-
Samphire Guided Care for Wellbeing at Work
This study tests a 12-week digital program with at-home neuromodulation to see if it helps women with menstrual or perimenopausal symptoms feel better at work and in daily life.
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Connective Tissue Massage and Music-based Relaxation for Period Pain
This study tests whether connective tissue massage or a music-based relaxation program can reduce pain and related symptoms in young women with primary dysmenorrhea.
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Aerobic Exercise vs. Jacobson’s Relaxation for Primary Dysmenorrhea
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.
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.