Graded Motor Imagery for Primary Dysmenorrhea

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, three-arm trial examines whether a full graded motor imagery (GMI) program, a sham GMI program, or no intervention can reduce pain sensitivity and menstrual pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants complete a 6-week online-delivered program including laterality recognition, motor imagery, and mirror therapy, with assessments before, after, and at a follow-up to measure pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and pain catastrophizing. The trial targets central sensitization and altered pain processing as potential mechanisms underlying dysmenorrhea. It is not currently testing a pharmacological treatment and uses non-invasive, brain-directed therapy. The study is grounded in prior evidence of GMI benefits in other chronic pain conditions but applies it to menstrual pain for the first time.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female sex (aged 18-30 years)
2. Diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea confirmed by a physician (painful menstruation for ≥6 consecutive cycles, in the absence of identifiable pelvic pathology on clinical and/or ultrasound evaluation)
3. Pain ≥4/10 NRS experienced during the last period.
4. Confirmed altered pressure pain threshold: PPT ≥2 standard deviations below published norms for age-matched healthy women, measured at baseline assessment
5. Regular menstrual cycle (21-35 days)
6. Capable of engaging in virtual video sessions and taking online tests.
7. Consent to withhold new analgesic or hormonal treatments during the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Secondary dysmenorrhea (endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts ≥3 cm confirmed on imaging)
2. Current use of hormonal contraceptives (which alter prostaglandin levels and pain processing)
3. Pregnancy or lactation
4. Concurrent chronic pain condition (fibromyalgia, CRPS, chronic low back pain, chronic pelvic pain unrelated to menstruation)
5. Neurological or psychiatric disorder that would impair motor imagery ability (stroke, schizophrenia, active psychosis)
6. Cognitive impairment affecting informed consent capacity
7. Participation in another clinical trial within 4 weeks before enrollment
8. Previous exposure to graded motor imagery or mirror therapy
9. Regular use of NSAIDs or opioids for non-menstrual indications

Where it's running

• Dr. Saqib Rabbani
  Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.