How primary menstrual cramps affect abdominal and back muscle activity in young women
Effect of Primary Dysmenorrhea on Abdominal and Back Muscles Activity in Young Adult Females
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT07095725 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Giza
- 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
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.