Sacral release versus lumbar mobilization for period cramps in teens.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sacral Release Technique and Lumbar Mobilization in Pain, Symptoms Severity and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07576231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether sacral release or lumbar mobilization works better to reduce menstrual pain, lessen symptoms, and improve quality of life in adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07576231 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Unmarried females aged 13–19 with regular 21–35 day cycles, diagnosed primary dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD), and pain >4 on the NPRS during menstruation are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Those with pelvic inflammatory disease, obesity, PCOS, spinal deformity or radiculopathy, heavy or irregular bleeding, prior pelvic/spine surgery, current hormonal therapy, or ongoing physiotherapy are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will enroll 46 adolescent females (aged 13–19) with primary dysmenorrhea at Ittefaq Hospital in Lahore. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sacral release technique or lumbar mobilization, with interventions delivered three times per cycle for two consecutive menstrual cycles (six weeks total). Pain intensity will be measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, menstrual symptom severity by a structured symptom rating tool, and health-related quality of life by EuroQOL. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these manual therapy techniques could offer a non-drug option to reduce menstrual pain and improve daily functioning for teens with primary dysmenorrhea.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small physiotherapy and manual therapy studies have reported mixed but sometimes positive results for spinal or pelvic mobilization in primary dysmenorrhea, though high-quality evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Unmarried female * Diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea through WaLIDD Score * Regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) * Pain score of \> 4 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) during menstruation Exclusion Criteria: * Any pelvic inflammatory disease * Obesity * PCOS * Spinal deformity * Lumber radiculopathy * Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) * Irregular menstrual cycles * Spine trauma and coccyx pain * History of pelvic or spinal surgery currently on hormonal therapy or other ongoing physiotherapy for dysmenorrhea
Where it's running
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Ittefaq Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: sobia ghafoor, t-DPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran G amjad
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
Similar studies
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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.