How primary menstrual cramps affect abdominal and back muscle activity in young women
Official title: Effect of Primary Dysmenorrhea on Abdominal and Back Muscles Activity in Young Adult Females
Run by Cairo University · NCT07095725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether menstrual cramps from primary dysmenorrhea change the electrical activity of the abdominal and back muscles in women aged 18 to 25.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 20, 2025 |
| Study ends | November 20, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07095725 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18–25 with a gynecologist-confirmed diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea, BMI 20–25 kg/m2, regular 28 ± 7 day cycles, onset of pain 6–24 months after menarche, classified by the WaLLID questionnaire, and meeting the study's virginity requirement.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea, irregular cycles, current antidepressant or steroid use, recent abdominal/pelvic/spine surgery, existing musculoskeletal, psychiatric, or gynecological disorders, or BMI outside 20–25 are unlikely to benefit from this specific study's findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational, cross-sectional study enrolls women aged 18–25 with gynecologist-confirmed primary dysmenorrhea and a BMI of 20–25 kg/m2. Participants are classified by pain severity using the WaLLID questionnaire and EMG maximum amplitude will be recorded from the rectus abdominis and the erector spinae at the L3 level during maximum voluntary contraction. The protocol excludes secondary dysmenorrhea, musculoskeletal or recent surgical problems in the abdomen/pelvis/spine, psychiatric or gynecological comorbidities, and current use of antidepressants or steroids. Data will be compared across severity groups to identify patterns of altered muscle activation linked to dysmenorrhea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify specific muscle activation patterns to guide targeted physiotherapy or exercise strategies to reduce pain and improve spinal stability in young women with dysmenorrhea.
How similar studies have gone: Prior observational work has reported altered abdominal and paraspinal muscle activation in dysmenorrhea, but interventional trials showing clinical benefit from correcting these changes are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All females clinically diagnosed with PD, as confirmed and referred by a gynecologist. * Age ranges from 18 to 25 years. * BMI ranges from 20 to 25 kg/m2 . * Onset of menstrual pain 6-24 months after menarche. * Having a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days with no intermittent bleeding). * Their PD symptoms will be determined according to the WaLLID questionnaire and will be classified into mild PD (1-4), moderate PD (5-7), severe PD (8-12). * All participants are virgins. Exclusion Criteria: * Menstrual irregularity. * Use of antidepressant or steroid drugs. * Secondary dysmenorrhea. * Musculoskeletal problems in the abdominal region, pelvic region, or spine. * Surgical history involving the abdominal region, pelvic region, or spine in the last year. * Any psychiatric or gynecological problems.
Where it's running
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Misr University for Science and Technology
Giza, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mahenour Esmail Shendy, Bachelor of Physical Therapy — Teaching Assistant of Physical Therapy For Women's Health- Misr University for Science and Technology
- Study coordinator: Mahenour Esmail Shendy, Bachelor of Physical Therapy
- Email: mahenour.esmail@must.edu.eg
- Phone: 01112129932
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial will test whether a self-acupressure routine can reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms in university students aged 18–30 with primary dysmenorrhea.
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Ankle (posterior tibial) nerve stimulation for primary menstrual cramps
This test tries gentle electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle to reduce menstrual cramp pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea aged 20–25.
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Knee position sense and balance in women with primary dysmenorrhea
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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.