Dysmenorrhea PrimaryNCT07022106
Comparison of Different Physiotherapy Techniques in Dysmenorrhea
A study testing Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group, Kinesiotape (KT) Group and Yoga-Based Stretching in people with Dysmenorrhea Primary, run by Medipol University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study is investigating the short and subsequent-cycle response patterns after a single session of myofascial release technique, kinesiotape, and yoga-based stretching in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Dysmenorrhea Primary
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group, Kinesiotape (KT) Group and Yoga-Based Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Jul 2026to 1 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea,
- Moderate-to-severe pain during menstrual days 1-3,
- Regular menstrual cycles for past 6 months
Who cannot join
- Secondary gynaecological conditions,
- Current use of pain medications,
- History of pregnancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
İstanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Beykoz, 34810
About this study
Official title: Acute and Subsequent-Cycle Changes Following Myofascial Release, Kinesiology Taping, and Yoga-Based Stretching in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Three-Arm Randomized Trial
This study is investigating the short and subsequent-cycle response patterns after a single session of myofascial release technique, kinesiotape, and yoga-based stretching in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Read the detailed description
Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological disorder characterized by painful menstruation manifested by severe cramps in the lower abdomen. Recent epidemiological studies indicate a global prevalence of 50-90% among women (10-20% with severe symptoms); in Türkiye, studies show a prevalence of 75-85%.Dysmenorrhea is divided into two types: primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea. PD is painful menstruation without any underlying pathological condition. The main goal of dysmenorrhea treatment is to significantly improve the patient's well-being and quality of life (QoL) by effectively relieving pain and relieving symptoms by targeting physiological mechanisms. There are various physiotherapy methods that can be used to reduce this pain, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), cryotherapy, myofascial release therapy (MRT), kinesiology taping (KT), and different yoga exercises.
This single-center, three-arm randomized trial will compare the acute and subsequent-cycle response patterns following a single session of of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT), Kinesio Taping (KT), or Yoga-Based Stretching in 66 females aged 18-25 years with PD. Participants will be randomised into Group 1 (MRT; n = 22), Group 2 (KT; n = 22), or Group 3 (YBS; n-22) receiving a single intervention session during their most painful menstrual day
All participants will be asked to complete three self-report measures: a sociodemographic questionnaire (age, height, BMI, age at menarche, and duration of menstruation), a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain intensity, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0) to assess quality of life (QoL). Outcomes will be assessed at three time points: baseline (T0, first menstrual cycle, before the intervention), 8 hours after the intervention (T1, second menstrual cycle), and 3-5 weeks after the intervention (T2, third menstrual cycle). The intervention will be applied only during the second menstrual cycle.
Data will be analysed by using R software (version 4.5.1; R Core Team, 2025). Normality of continuous variables will be assessed by using the Shapiro-Wilk test before analysis, and non-normally distributed data will be reported as medians with interquartile ranges (Q1-Q3). For within group changes and between group differences for both primary outcomes (VAS) and secondary outcomes (PROMIS-29 domains), Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will be used.
- Conditions
- Dysmenorrhea Primary
- Being tested
- Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group, Kinesiotape (KT) Group, Yoga-Based Stretching
- Keywords
- primary dysmenorrhea, kinesiotape, myofascial release, pain, yoga-based stretching
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) GroupOther
Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) involves hands-on palpation to detect fascial restrictions, followed by 60-90 seconds of sustained pressure to release tension. In the supine position, the target areas include the superficial fascia, transversalis fascia, and extraperitoneal fascia, while in the prone position, the focus shifts to the thoracolumbar fascia and the erector spinae complex. This technique aims to restore mobility and reduce restrictions within the fascial system.
Frequency: Each patient will recieve a single session at their most painful day from this intervention.
Kinesiotape (KT) GroupOther
Kinesio Taping (KT) Intervention
Description:
Participants will receive a standardized 3-tape sensory modulation technique using Kinesiotape, applied to the abdomen and sacrum to target fascial tension and visceral pain in primary dysmenorrhea.
Procedure:
Abdominal Application (Two Tapes, 0% Stretch):
Horizontal Tape: Placed between the iliac crests (lower abdomen) to reduce fascial tension.
Vertical Tape: Applied from the navel to the pubic symphysis to modulate visceral pain signaling.
Sacral Application (One Tape, 15-25% Stretch):
Horizontal Tape: Anchored across the S2-S4 vertebrae (at PSIS level) to activate the pain-gating mechanism via cutaneous-visceral reflexes.
Frequency/Duration:
Each participant will receive a single session at their most painful day from this intervention
Yoga-Based StretchingOther
Yoga-based stretching protocol will be consisted of five poses that will be done in sequence: Child's Pose (Balasana), Knee-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana), Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Lying Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), and Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana). Each pose will be repeated three times with each repetition held for 30-60 seconds and followed by a standardized 20 second rest interval between poses. The total session duration will be approximately 20-30 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiotape (KT) Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive Kinesio Taping applied to the lower abdomen and lumbar region using a 3-Tape Sensory Modulation Technique to modulate pain and fascial tension. Receives: Other: Kinesiotape (KT) Group |
| Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive a single session of myofascial release technique (MRT) which is a type of massage that will target anterolateral abdominal wall, including Camper and Scarpa fascia, as well as the deeper layers, including transversals fascia and the thoracolumbar fascia to release the fascial restrictions. Receives: Other: Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group |
| Yoga-Based Stretching | Experimental | Participants will receive a single session of restorative yoga protocol on their most painful day of the menstrual cycle, consisting of a standardized sequence of five poses: Child's Pose (Balasana), Knee-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana), Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), and Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana). The protocol will target the abdominal and pelvic regions, as well as the lower back, through gentle stretching, controlled movements, and sustained postures to promote muscle relaxation and reduce menstrual pain. Receives: Other: Yoga-Based Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
It is a pain assessment tool featuring a 10-cm line marked "No pain" (0 cm) and "Worst pain imaginable" (10 cm). Patients indicate their pain level by marking the line, with scores measured in cm (0-10) and categorised as mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10)
Measured: T0 (Baseline): First menstrual cycle, with no intervention. T1 (Post-intervention): Second menstrual cycle, outcome assessment will be performed 8 hours after the intervention. T2 (Follow-up): Third menstrual cycle, with no intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0)
It is a quality of life scale that questions physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, social roles and activities, pain interference and severity under its subheadings
Measured: T0 (Baseline): First menstrual cycle, with no intervention. T1 (Post-intervention): Second menstrual cycle, outcome assessment will be performed 8 hours after the intervention. T2 (Follow-up): Third menstrual cycle, with no intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2025
- Study start15 Jul 2026
- Primary completion30 Sep 2026
- Study completion1 Oct 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Dysmenorrhea PrimaryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medipol UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Salma Abdelzaher, Medipol University
- Investigators
- Gizem Ergezen Şahin, PhD, Study chair, Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07022106
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-8116
- Other IDs
- 1919B012500372, E-10840098-202.3.02-582
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 30 May 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute and Subsequent-Cycle Changes Following Myofascial Release, Kinesiology Taping, and Yoga-Based Stretching in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Three-Arm Randomized Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07022106
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-8116
- Conditions
- Dysmenorrhea Primary
- Keywords
- primary dysmenorrhea, kinesiotape, myofascial release, pain, yoga-based stretching
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is investigating the short and subsequent-cycle response patterns after a single session of myofascial release technique, kinesiotape, and yoga-based stretching in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Detailed description
Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological disorder characterized by painful menstruation manifested by severe cramps in the lower abdomen. Recent epidemiological studies indicate a global prevalence of 50-90% among women (10-20% with severe symptoms); in Türkiye, studies show a prevalence of 75-85%.Dysmenorrhea is divided into two types: primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea. PD is painful menstruation without any underlying pathological condition. The main goal of dysmenorrhea treatment is to significantly improve the patient's well-being and quality of life (QoL) by effectively relieving pain and relieving symptoms by targeting physiological mechanisms. There are various physiotherapy methods that can be used to reduce this pain, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), cryotherapy, myofascial release therapy (MRT), kinesiology taping (KT), and different yoga exercises.
This single-center, three-arm randomized trial will compare the acute and subsequent-cycle response patterns following a single session of of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT), Kinesio Taping (KT), or Yoga-Based Stretching in 66 females aged 18-25 years with PD. Participants will be randomised into Group 1 (MRT; n = 22), Group 2 (KT; n = 22), or Group 3 (YBS; n-22) receiving a single intervention session during their most painful menstrual day
All participants will be asked to complete three self-report measures: a sociodemographic questionnaire (age, height, BMI, age at menarche, and duration of menstruation), a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain intensity, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0) to assess quality of life (QoL). Outcomes will be assessed at three time points: baseline (T0, first menstrual cycle, before the intervention), 8 hours after the intervention (T1, second menstrual cycle), and 3-5 weeks after the intervention (T2, third menstrual cycle). The intervention will be applied only during the second menstrual cycle.
Data will be analysed by using R software (version 4.5.1; R Core Team, 2025). Normality of continuous variables will be assessed by using the Shapiro-Wilk test before analysis, and non-normally distributed data will be reported as medians with interquartile ranges (Q1-Q3). For within group changes and between group differences for both primary outcomes (VAS) and secondary outcomes (PROMIS-29 domains), Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will be used.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiotape (KT) Group | Experimental | Other: Kinesiotape (KT) GroupParticipants in this arm will receive Kinesio Taping applied to the lower abdomen and lumbar region using a 3-Tape Sensory Modulation Technique to modulate pain and fascial tension. |
| Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group | Experimental | Other: Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) GroupParticipants in this arm will receive a single session of myofascial release technique (MRT) which is a type of massage that will target anterolateral abdominal wall, including Camper and Scarpa fascia, as well as the deeper layers, including transversals fascia and the thoracolumbar fascia to release the fascial restrictions. |
| Yoga-Based Stretching | Experimental | Other: Yoga-Based StretchingParticipants will receive a single session of restorative yoga protocol on their most painful day of the menstrual cycle, consisting of a standardized sequence of five poses: Child's Pose (Balasana), Knee-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana), Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), and Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana). The protocol will target the abdominal and pelvic regions, as well as the lower back, through gentle stretching, controlled movements, and sustained postures to promote muscle relaxation and reduce menstrual pain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea,
- Moderate-to-severe pain during menstrual days 1-3,
- Regular menstrual cycles for past 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Secondary gynaecological conditions,
- Current use of pain medications,
- History of pregnancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) GroupMyofascial Release Therapy (MRT) involves hands-on palpation to detect fascial restrictions, followed by 60-90 seconds of sustained pressure to release tension. In the supine position, the target areas include the superficial fascia, transversalis fascia, and extraperitoneal fascia, while in the prone position, the focus shifts to the thoracolumbar fascia and the erector spinae complex. This technique aims to restore mobility and reduce restrictions within the fascial system. Frequency: Each patient will recieve a single session at their most painful day from this intervention. | Other | Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group |
| Kinesiotape (KT) GroupKinesio Taping (KT) Intervention Description: Participants will receive a standardized 3-tape sensory modulation technique using Kinesiotape, applied to the abdomen and sacrum to target fascial tension and visceral pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Procedure: Abdominal Application (Two Tapes, 0% Stretch): Horizontal Tape: Placed between the iliac crests (lower abdomen) to reduce fascial tension. Vertical Tape: Applied from the navel to the pubic symphysis to modulate visceral pain signaling. Sacral Application (One Tape, 15-25% Stretch): Horizontal Tape: Anchored across the S2-S4 vertebrae (at PSIS level) to activate the pain-gating mechanism via cutaneous-visceral reflexes. Frequency/Duration: Each participant will receive a single session at their most painful day from this intervention | Other | Kinesiotape (KT) Group |
| Yoga-Based StretchingYoga-based stretching protocol will be consisted of five poses that will be done in sequence: Child's Pose (Balasana), Knee-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana), Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Lying Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), and Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana). Each pose will be repeated three times with each repetition held for 30-60 seconds and followed by a standardized 20 second rest interval between poses. The total session duration will be approximately 20-30 minutes. | Other | Yoga-Based Stretching |
Primary outcome
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time frame: T0 (Baseline): First menstrual cycle, with no intervention. T1 (Post-intervention): Second menstrual cycle, outcome assessment will be performed 8 hours after the intervention. T2 (Follow-up): Third menstrual cycle, with no intervention
It is a pain assessment tool featuring a 10-cm line marked "No pain" (0 cm) and "Worst pain imaginable" (10 cm). Patients indicate their pain level by marking the line, with scores measured in cm (0-10) and categorised as mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10)
1 secondary outcome
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29 Profile v2.0)
Time frame: T0 (Baseline): First menstrual cycle, with no intervention. T1 (Post-intervention): Second menstrual cycle, outcome assessment will be performed 8 hours after the intervention. T2 (Follow-up): Third menstrual cycle, with no intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Gizem Ergezen Şahin, PhD study chair
Medipol University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) Group, Kinesiotape (KT) Group and Yoga-Based Stretching in people with Dysmenorrhea Primary, run by Medipol University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (time frame: T0 (Baseline): First menstrual cycle, with no intervention. T1 (Post-intervention): Second menstrual cycle, outcome assessment will be performed 8 hours after the intervention. T2 (Follow-up): Third menstrual cycle, with no intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Nov 2026.