Sacral release versus lumbar mobilization for period cramps in teens.

Comparative Effects of Sacral Release Technique and Lumbar Mobilization in Pain, Symptoms Severity and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT07576231

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 19 Years
SexFemale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07576231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dysmenorrheadysmenorrheaadolescentgirlsfemalequality of life
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.