Exercise with motor imagery or pain neuroscience education for period pain
Comparison of the Effects of Exercise, Motor Imagery Training, and Pain Neuroscience Education on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Cognitive Flexibility in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project tests whether adding motor imagery or pain neuroscience education to an 8-week exercise program can reduce menstrual pain and improve well-being in young women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 51 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Izmir Katip Celebi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aydin, Efeler) |
| Trial ID | NCT07196150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares three 8-week interventions in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: exercise alone, exercise plus motor imagery training, and exercise plus pain neuroscience education. All participants attend supervised exercise sessions twice weekly focused on lumbopelvic stabilization, flexibility, and endurance; the motor imagery group performs kinesthetic visualization before exercises, and the PNE group receives weekly face-to-face education with home assignments. Outcomes measured before and after the program include pain intensity (numeric rating), pressure pain threshold, menstrual symptoms, movement control, cognitive flexibility, and pain knowledge. Eligible participants are women aged 18–25 with confirmed primary dysmenorrhea and no pelvic pathology, randomized to one of the three groups with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–25 with clinically confirmed primary dysmenorrhea, regular cycles, pain ≥4/10 during the first three days of menstruation, nulliparous, and not using hormonal or psychotropic medications.
Not a fit: People with secondary causes of menstrual pain (for example, endometriosis or fibroids), current pregnancy or planned pregnancy, recent pelvic surgery, or current use of hormonal contraception or psychiatric medications are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding motor imagery or pain neuroscience education to exercise could reduce menstrual pain and improve physical and cognitive well-being without medications.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise has shown benefit for dysmenorrhea in prior trials, while motor imagery and pain neuroscience education have demonstrated promise in other pain conditions but are relatively untested specifically for primary dysmenorrhea.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, aged 18-25 years * Gynecological examination and ultrasound confirming absence of pelvic pathology * History of primary dysmenorrhea for at least 6 months, with pain intensity ≥4 on the Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) during the first 3 days of menstruation * Regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) * Nulliparous (no history of pregnancy or childbirth) * No systemic, metabolic, rheumatologic, or lumbar pathology * Willingness to participate in the 8-week intervention program and attend follow-up assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea (e.g., endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts) * Current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period * History of pelvic or abdominal surgery * History of sexually transmitted diseases * Current use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, or hormonal therapy (e.g., oral contraceptives, intrauterine device) * Known neurological, psychiatric, or systemic musculoskeletal disorders * Cognitive impairment or attention deficit that may interfere with participation * Participation in regular exercise in the last 6 months * Use of alternative therapies for dysmenorrhea (e.g., acupuncture, massage)
Where this trial is running
Aydin, Efeler
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University — Aydin, Efeler, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Muge Dereli PhD Candidate in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, MSc
- Email: mugedereli97@gmail.com
- Phone: +905375069568
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.