Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)dysmenorrheaNCT07669883
Effect of Pilates Exercises Versus Gym Exercises On Primary Dysmenorrhea
A study testing Pilates Exercises and gym exercises in people with Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD), run by Cairo University.
Trial summary
This study will be conducted to assess the effect of Pilates Exercises Versus Gym Exercises On Primary Dysmenorrhea. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 17 to 25 weeks, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)
- What is being tested?
- Pilates Exercises and gym exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 11 Jun 2026to 30 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 17 to 25 weeks
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Healthy young virgin females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea diagnosed by the gynecologist.
- Their ages will be ranged from 17-25 years old
- Their body mass index will be ranged from 20-25 kg/ m²
- All females have regular menstruation
Who cannot join
- Females will be excluded from the study if they have;
- Any gynecological problem such as irregular menstrual cycle, secondary dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis, ovarian cyst, uterine fibroid and congenital malformation or pelvic inflammation.
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory diseases.
- Liver and kidney dysfunctions
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
This study will be conducted to assess the effect of Pilates Exercises Versus Gym Exercises On Primary Dysmenorrhea.
Read the detailed description
Dysmenorrhea is a chronic, recurrent pain that manifests as Menstrual cramps or painful periods. It is the most common Gynecologic problem in women of all ages and races, and one of the Most common causes of pelvic pain . There are two types of dysmenorrhea; primary dysmenorrhea, and Secondary a dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as Colic pain in the suprapubic region and lower abdomen with Irradiation to the lumbar region and thighs that occurs before or During menstruation in the absence of pelvic diseases. The Manifestation of it usually appears 6 months after menarche. The pain Starts shortly before or at the onset of menses and may last for 3 days ,While, secondary Dysmenorrhea is usually associated with pelvic diseases Inside or outside the uterus that could account for their Symptoms; such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine Fibroids pharmacological therapies include physiotherapeutic treatments such as the use of heating pads and regular physical exercise, dietary supplements (such as vitamins B, D, and E, or omega-3 fatty acids), acupuncture, yoga, massage, and herbal remedies in the management of PD . The pilates exercises is one of the physiotherapy methods, which improves mental and physical well-being, increases Flexibility, and strengthens muscles through controlled movements done as mat exercises and strengthen the body
. Pilates exercise has a positive effect on health Physical fitness as it increases the muscular Strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance and a positive effect on Female sex hormone. Pilates exercise is a good one for the promotion of physical metabolism and Physiological function by positive change of immunoglobulin and sex hormone . The Gym exercises is One of the physiotherapy methods, which is known for strengthening core muscles and being effective in improvement of muscular function of abdominal and low back in addition to range of motion and pain relief. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain .Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrheoea .
- Conditions
- Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)
- Being tested
- Pilates Exercises, gym exercises
- Keywords
- Primary dysmenorrhea
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates ExercisesOther
patient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . Gym Exercise is an effective exercise for stabilization of torso. Because all the body parts are used for the exercise compared to other types of exercises, people can change their posture in various ways correcting their postures
gym exercisesOther
Gym Exercises patient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . Gym Exercise is an effective exercise for stabilization of torso.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercises Group | Experimental | Patients will receive Pilates Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months Pilates exercises not only enhanced muscular flexibility but also reduced the pain and other issues occurring in dysmenorrhea. Additionally, these exercises had a positive impact on the overall quality of life, establishing Pilates as a viable substitute for managing the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea In accordance with the fundamental principles of Pilates, including centering, precision, concentration, and controlled breathing, this approach has a holistic impact on both physical and psychological well- being. It has been observed to lead to highly significant alterations in concentration, a reduction in negative emotional effects, and positive behavioral changes One plausible explanation for these effects is the phenomenon of exercise-induced analgesia. Through Pilates, patients may experience an increase in their pain threshold as a result of adjustments in their endogenous pain control mechanism. Receives: Other: Pilates Exercises |
| Gym exercises Group | Experimental | s patient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . Receives: Other: gym exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
assessment of pain intensity
- Pain assessment:
- Assessment of pain intensity: The Numerical Rating Scale will be use to assess pain intensity for all Participating females in both groups before and after the study program. Each female will be asked to mark a Point on the line between the extreme that is related to her Pain intensity level.
Measured: before and after 12 weeks of treatment
assessment of primary dysmenorrhea symptoms
The WALID scale (working, ability Location , Intensity , Days of pain )will be used to determine the severity of primary dysmenorrhea for all participating females in both groups before and after the study program through measuring a Combination of manifestations: subjective (intensity/Wong-Baker, work ability) and objective (days of pain, location) Where (0) without dysmenorrhea, (1-4) mild dysmenorrhea, (5-7) moderate dysmenorrhea, (8-12) sever dysmenorrhea.
Measured: before and after 12 weeks of treatment
Secondary outcomes (1)
Assessment of quality of life
The quality of life enjoyment satisfaction Questionnaire will be used to assess quality of life to all participants in group before and after the treatment and Participants completed the Q-LES-Q-SF questionnaire once during the menstruation phase (when Responses were scored on a five-point scale (from "very poor" to "very good"), where higher scores indicate better enjoyment and satisfaction with life (possible range of raw total score: 14-70). Scores were added and presented as a percentage of the total maximum possible score. A percentage of total score of ≥70 represents normal QoL in a community sample. An additional item (item 16) measured overall life satisfaction and contentment during the past week, on a five-point scale
Measured: before and after 12 of treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jun 2026
- Study start11 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nahla Ahmed Eldersy, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Manal ahmed El-shafei, Assisted Professor, Study director, Cairo Universitymohamed ahmed Awad, PHD, Professor, Study chair, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07669883
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/006375
- Acronym
- dysmenorrhea
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Pilates Exercises Versus Gym Exercises On Primary Dysmenorrhea
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07669883
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- dysmenorrhea / P.T.REC/012/006375
- Conditions
- Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)
- Keywords
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Jun 2026 (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 will be conducted to assess the effect of Pilates Exercises Versus Gym Exercises On Primary Dysmenorrhea.
Detailed description
Dysmenorrhea is a chronic, recurrent pain that manifests as Menstrual cramps or painful periods. It is the most common Gynecologic problem in women of all ages and races, and one of the Most common causes of pelvic pain . There are two types of dysmenorrhea; primary dysmenorrhea, and Secondary a dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as Colic pain in the suprapubic region and lower abdomen with Irradiation to the lumbar region and thighs that occurs before or During menstruation in the absence of pelvic diseases. The Manifestation of it usually appears 6 months after menarche. The pain Starts shortly before or at the onset of menses and may last for 3 days ,While, secondary Dysmenorrhea is usually associated with pelvic diseases Inside or outside the uterus that could account for their Symptoms; such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine Fibroids pharmacological therapies include physiotherapeutic treatments such as the use of heating pads and regular physical exercise, dietary supplements (such as vitamins B, D, and E, or omega-3 fatty acids), acupuncture, yoga, massage, and herbal remedies in the management of PD . The pilates exercises is one of the physiotherapy methods, which improves mental and physical well-being, increases Flexibility, and strengthens muscles through controlled movements done as mat exercises and strengthen the body
. Pilates exercise has a positive effect on health Physical fitness as it increases the muscular Strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance and a positive effect on Female sex hormone. Pilates exercise is a good one for the promotion of physical metabolism and Physiological function by positive change of immunoglobulin and sex hormone . The Gym exercises is One of the physiotherapy methods, which is known for strengthening core muscles and being effective in improvement of muscular function of abdominal and low back in addition to range of motion and pain relief. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain .Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrheoea .
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercises Group | Experimental | Other: Pilates ExercisesPatients will receive Pilates Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months Pilates exercises not only enhanced muscular flexibility but also reduced the pain and other issues occurring in dysmenorrhea. Additionally, these exercises had a positive impact on the overall quality of life, establishing Pilates as a viable substitute for managing the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea In accordance with the fundamental principles of Pilates, including centering, precision, concentration, and controlled breathing, this approach has a holistic impact on both physical and psychological well- being. It has been observed to lead to highly significant alterations in concentration, a reduction in negative emotional effects, and positive behavioral changes One plausible explanation for these effects is the phenomenon of exercise-induced analgesia. Through Pilates, patients may experience an increase in their pain threshold as a result of adjustments in their endogenous pain control mechanism. |
| Gym exercises Group | Experimental | Other: gym exercisess patient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 17 to 25 weeks
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy young virgin females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea diagnosed by the gynecologist.
- Their ages will be ranged from 17-25 years old
- Their body mass index will be ranged from 20-25 kg/ m²
- All females have regular menstruation
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Females will be excluded from the study if they have;
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Exercisespatient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . Gym Exercise is an effective exercise for stabilization of torso. Because all the body parts are used for the exercise compared to other types of exercises, people can change their posture in various ways correcting their postures | Other | Pilates Exercises Group |
| gym exercisesGym Exercises patient with primary dysmenorrhea will receive gym Exercises 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Gym exercises focus on strengthening muscles in the abdominal, leg, arm, and back regions. Additionally, they improve balance, stability, and blood circulation, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of menstrual pain Intense physical activity is thought to trigger the secretion of beta-endorphins, which function like natural painkillers, thereby alleviating menstrual pain often connected with primary dysmenorrhea . Gym exercises relieve pain of lower abdomen by control the activation of sympathetic nervous system and positive change of endocrine regulation process through gym exercise, so that pain threshold value was increased due to increase of endorphin . Gym Exercise is an effective exercise for stabilization of torso. | Other | Gym exercises Group |
Primary outcome
assessment of pain intensity
Time frame: before and after 12 weeks of treatment
1. Pain assessment: • Assessment of pain intensity: The Numerical Rating Scale will be use to assess pain intensity for all Participating females in both groups before and after the study program. Each female will be asked to mark a Point on the line between the extreme that is related to her Pain intensity level.
assessment of primary dysmenorrhea symptoms
Time frame: before and after 12 weeks of treatment
The WALID scale (working, ability Location , Intensity , Days of pain )will be used to determine the severity of primary dysmenorrhea for all participating females in both groups before and after the study program through measuring a Combination of manifestations: subjective (intensity/Wong-Baker, work ability) and objective (days of pain, location) Where (0) without dysmenorrhea, (1-4) mild dysmenorrhea, (5-7) moderate dysmenorrhea, (8-12) sever dysmenorrhea.
1 secondary outcome
Assessment of quality of life
Time frame: before and after 12 of treatment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2026.
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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.
Manal ahmed El-shafei, Assisted Professor study director
Cairo University
mohamed ahmed Awad, PHD, Professor study chair
Cairo University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pilates Exercises and gym exercises in people with Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD), run by Cairo University.
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 4 inclusion and 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Nahla ahmed eldersy, central contact person (01064605913, nahla01280731648@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
assessment of pain intensity (time frame: before and after 12 weeks of treatment). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 25 Jun 2026.