Using Kinesio Tape to Alleviate Pain from Menstrual Cramps

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain, Stress, Sleep and Quality of Life in University Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study is testing if kinesio tape can help first-year college women with menstrual cramps feel less pain and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Mersin University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Mersin, Yenişehir)
• Trial ID: NCT06055049 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of kinesio taping on pain, stress, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in first-year female college students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a kinesio taping group or a placebo group, with interventions applied over three menstrual cycles. The study will utilize various validated scales to measure outcomes before and after the intervention. Data collection is planned for four months, starting in September 2023.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are first-year female college students aged 18 and older who experience moderate to severe menstrual pain.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, have irregular menstrual cycles, or are currently using hormonal contraception may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological option for managing menstrual pain and improving quality of life for women with primary dysmenorrhea.

How similar studies have performed: While kinesio taping has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for primary dysmenorrhea is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* over 18 years old,
* 1st grade student
* Willing to participate in the research,
* Open to communication,
* Having a regular menstrual period (occurring at intervals of 21-35 days and lasting 3-8 days),
* Menstrual pain severity is at least 4 according to the Visual Pain Scale,
* A score of 60 or more on the Menstruation Symptom Scale,
* Not using hormonal contraception and intrauterine device,
* Not pregnant and not experiencing pregnancy before,
* Does not have a systemic and chronic disease,
* Have not had a gynecological disorder or surgical operation before,
* Not using analgesics 6 hours before and during the study period,
* Not regularly applying kinesio taping,
* Students without psychiatric problems.

Exclusion Criteria:

* under the age of 18,
* Studying in the 2nd grade,
* Not willing to participate in the research,
* Closed to communication,
* Not having a regular menstrual period (not occurring at intervals of 21-35 days and lasting more or less than 3-8 days),
* Menstrual pain severity is less than 4 according to the Visual Pain Scale,
* A score below 60 on the Menstruation Symptom Scale,
* Using hormonal contraception and intrauterine device,
* who are pregnant and have experienced pregnancy before,
* Having a systemic and chronic disease,
* Having had a gynecological disorder or surgical operation before,
* Using analgesics 6 hours before and during the study period,
* Regularly applying kinesio taping, Students with psychiatric problems.

Where this trial is running

Mersin, Yenişehir

• Mersin University — Mersin, Yenişehir, Turkey (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yagmur SURMELI, Lect. — Mersin University Faculty of Nursing
• Study coordinator: Duygu VEFIKULUCAY YILMAZ, Prof

Conditions: Primary Dysmenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea Primary, Kinesio Taping, Pain, Stress, Sleep Quality, Quality of life