High-intensity interval training to reduce menstrual pain and improve menstrual health in women with primary dysmenorrhea
Official title: Efficacy of a High-Intensity Interval Training Program and Analysis of Menstrual Health Experience in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by University of Alcala · NCT07391930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week program will try supervised online high-intensity interval training plus a menstrual health workshop to see if it reduces menstrual pain and improves quality of life for women aged 18–40 with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alcala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07391930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are nulliparous women aged 18–40 with primary dysmenorrhea, BMI 18–30, menstrual pain >5 on the numeric pain scale, currently doing 45–75 minutes of exercise per week, able to perform high-intensity exercise, and able to read and consent in Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea or very long cycles, current hormonal drug use, recent pelvic surgery, fibromyalgia or other comorbidities that prevent intense exercise, or those already doing very high levels of intense exercise 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 randomized, convergent mixed-methods study enrolling 50 nulliparous women with primary dysmenorrhea who meet BMI and pain thresholds. Participants are randomized to 12 weeks of supervised online HIIT (two sessions per week) plus a menstrual health educational workshop or to the workshop alone. Clinical outcomes (pain intensity by NRS, quality of life by SF-12, and pain characteristics by the McGill questionnaire) are collected at baseline, 3 months (post-intervention), and 6 months (follow-up). All participants also complete weekly semi-structured digital diaries for thematic analysis, and quantitative and qualitative data will be merged for a holistic interpretation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-pharmacological option that reduces menstrual pain and improves daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior exercise interventions have shown some benefit for menstrual pain, but supervised online HIIT combined with qualitative diary integration for primary dysmenorrhea is relatively novel and not yet well-established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * nulliparous * primary dysmenorrhea * body mass index between 18 and 30 * menstrual pain \>5 according to the Numeric Pain Scale * exercise \>45 minutes/week * understand Spanish and can freely read and sign the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * amenorrhea or cycles \>35 days * secondary dysmenorrhea * pelvic or abdominal surgical intervention * use of hormonal drugs * diagnosed with fibromyalgia, muscoloskeletal injuries or medical comorbidities that prevent them from performing intense exercise * receiving physiotherapy for pelvic floor disorders * intense exercise \>75 minutes/week
Where it's running
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Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Enfermeria y Fisioterapia
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esther M Pindado Perez, PhD Student
- Email: esther.pindado@edu.uah.es
- Phone: +34 689714447
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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.