Physiotherapy methods for fibromyalgia in women
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Different Physiotherapy Methods in Women With Fibromyalgia
Run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · NCT07425652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether connective tissue massage, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or both, can help women with fibromyalgia feel better and sleep better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07425652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women 18–65 with a fibromyalgia diagnosis who have not recently received physical therapy or started a new treatment program during the study period.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with certain medical exclusions or those not responsive to these physiotherapy approaches may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study in women with fibromyalgia compares connective tissue massage, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, and their combination to assess effects on pain, health status, sleep quality, fatigue, psychosocial factors, autonomic symptoms, and quality of life. Participants are women aged 18–65 diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Exclusion criteria include neurological or infectious diseases, uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, serious psychiatric disorders, pregnancy, malignancy, implanted electronic devices, and recent physical therapy or new treatment programs. Interventions are administered to evaluate relative impact on patient-centered outcomes in a clinical setting at Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University and the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital. The lead sponsor is Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University, with no collaborators listed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced pain and improved quality of life and sleep.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has explored similar physiotherapy approaches for fibromyalgia, with mixed but promising results in some related modalities.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia * Being female between the ages of 18-65 * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed neurological and infectious diseases * Uncontrolled endocrine and/or autoimmune diseases * Serious psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, etc.) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Malignancy * History of known arrhythmia or any implanted electronic device * Presence of sensory loss * Acute inflammation, open wounds, erythema in massage areas * History of any surgery within the last 6 months * Having received physical therapy for FM within the last 6 months and/or being included in a new treatment program during the study period
Where it's running
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Gazi Mustafa Kemal Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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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.