Nonpharmacologic therapies for menstrual pain in young women with primary dysmenorrhea
Official title: Comparison of Vibration Therapy, Classical Abdominal Massage, and Myofascial Release Applications in Primary Dysmenorrhea
Run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · NCT07731243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether vibration therapy, abdominal massage, or myofascial release can help reduce menstrual pain in women aged 18–30 who have primary dysmenorrhea, compared with education alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07731243 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18–30 with regular cycles and a clinical diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea who experience pain intensity of 4/10 or higher in at least two of the last three cycles.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with secondary causes of pelvic pain, recent surgical history, or current hormonal therapy may derive less or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, assessor-blinded trial assigns 72 women with primary dysmenorrhea to four groups: vibration therapy, abdominal massage, myofascial release, or education-only control, in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Each intervention is given twice weekly for 12 weeks, covering three menstrual cycles, in addition to standardized education about dysmenorrhea. Outcomes include menstrual pain characteristics, pressure pain threshold at six sites, menstrual symptoms, and signs of central sensitization, assessed at baseline and after the intervention by a blinded assessor. The trial aims to determine if these nonpharmacologic approaches provide added relief beyond education alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced menstrual pain and related symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has explored nonpharmacological approaches for dysmenorrhea, with mixed but promising results for manual therapies and vibration, suggesting potential benefit but requiring more rigorous trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18 to 30 years. * Having regular menstrual cycles during the previous 6 months. * Having a diagnosis consistent with primary dysmenorrhea following evaluation by an obstetrician and gynecologist. * Experiencing menstrual pain in at least 2 of the previous 3 menstrual cycles. * Having menstrual pain intensity of 4 or higher on a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale. * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary dysmenorrhea. * Diagnosis of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease. * History of gynecological surgery. * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. * Having given birth within the previous 6 months. * Recent initiation of hormonal treatment. * Chronic pelvic pain or a neurological, rheumatological, or systemic inflammatory disease. * Having received manual therapy or physiotherapy targeting the abdominal or lumbopelvic region within the previous 3 months. * Skin lesions, infection, open wounds, or other dermatological conditions in the treatment regions. * Any clinical condition considered a contraindication to vibration therapy. * Inability to comply with the study protocol -
Where it's running
-
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
High-intensity interval training to reduce menstrual pain and improve menstrual health in women with primary dysmenorrhea
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.
-
Over-the-counter pain medicine comparison for period cramps in women with Crohn's disease
This pilot will test whether ibuprofen or acetaminophen relieves period cramps more effectively and safely for women aged 18–44 who have Crohn's disease in remission.
-
How pelvic organ pain affects muscles and the automatic nervous system in women with painful periods
We will test whether women with painful periods show bigger muscle and automatic nervous system (heart-rate variability) responses to a brief pelvic pain stimulus than women without painful periods.
-
Pain relief for menstrual cramps using taVNS
This study is testing if a new treatment called taVNS can help women with moderate menstrual cramps feel less pain and rely less on medication during their periods.
-
Effects of kinesiology taping and relaxation techniques on menstrual pain
This study is testing if combining kinesiology taping with relaxation techniques can help women with menstrual pain feel better compared to just using kinesiology taping and a hot pack.
-
Myofascial release technique for menstrual pain relief in women
This study is testing if a special massage technique can help relieve menstrual pain in women aged 18-40.
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.