DysmenorrheaNCT07831421
Effects of Interferential Current and Kinesio Taping Added to Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea
A study testing pelvic floor muscle training, Interferential current and Kinesio taping in people with Dysmenorrhea, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Primary dysmenorrhea can adversely affect pain, sleep, and health-related quality of life in young women. This study will investigate and compare the effects of interferential current (IFC) and Kinesio taping (KT) added to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Dysmenorrhea
- What is being tested?
- pelvic floor muscle training, Interferential current and Kinesio taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2026to 12 Jun 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 30 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- The inclusion criteria were being 18-30 years of age, having regular menstrual cycles, having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea, reporting menstrual pain greater than 4/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during the previous 6 months
Who cannot join
- conditions associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or endometrial polyps; a history of pelvic infection; use of an intrauterine device or oral contraceptives; previous pregnancy or childbirth; presence of a cardiac pacemaker; pelvic floor dysfunction related to a neurological disorder; and inability to provide informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Interferential Current and Kinesio Taping Added to Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
Primary dysmenorrhea can adversely affect pain, sleep, and health-related quality of life in young women. This study will investigate and compare the effects of interferential current (IFC) and Kinesio taping (KT) added to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The study will be designed as a three-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 women aged 18-30 years will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of three groups: PFME+IFC, PFME+IFC+KT, or PFME alone. Pain will be assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and a pain body diagram, sleep quality will be evaluated using the subjective sleep quality component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and health-related quality of life will be assessed using the SF-36.
- Conditions
- Dysmenorrhea
- Being tested
- pelvic floor muscle training, Interferential current, Kinesio taping
- Keywords
- primary dysmenorrhea, pelvic floor muscle exercise, interferential current, Kinesio taping, pain
- Medical subject headings
- Dysmenorrhea, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
pelvic floor muscle trainingOther
All participants received training to improve awareness and correct activation of the pelvic floor muscles before beginning the exercise program. One set consisted of 10 rapid and 10 slow pelvic floor muscle contractions. During rapid contractions, participants were instructed to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles quickly. During slow contractions, they were instructed to gradually increase the contraction, maintain it for 10 seconds, and then slowly relax the muscles.
The pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) program was performed 3 days per week, with 3 sessions per day. Over the 8-week intervention period, the number of sets performed during each session was progressively increased from 1 to 10. Exercise positions were also progressively varied and included supine lying, child's pose, sitting, standing, squatting, and bridging. Participants recorded their exercises in exercise diaries, which were reviewed weekly to monitor adherence
Interferential currentOther
Interferential current (IFC) was applied on the first day of the second menstrual cycle to participants allocated to the PFME+IFC and PFME+IFC+KT groups. IFC was administered to the lumbar region using a quadripolar technique with four vacuum or plate electrodes. Each application lasted 20 minutes, with the stimulation frequency set at 90-100 Hz. Treatment was delivered using a Chattanooga Intelect Advanced device. The intervention was performed under standardized conditions to ensure participant comfort.
Kinesio tapingOther
Kinesio taping (KT) was applied only to participants in the PFME+IFC+KT group. The application was performed on the first day of the second menstrual cycle, with the taping sites individualized according to the pain locations identified on each participant's pain body diagram.
An I-strip was applied to the suprapubic region using the ligament technique at 100% tension. A star-shaped taping technique was applied over the sacral region. For areas of fascial sensitivity, a Y-strip was applied using a fascial correction technique with 25-50% tension, whereas small I-strips were applied over localized tender points using the space correction technique with 25-50% tension. The tape was planned to be replaced every 3 days, with a 1-day tape-free interval before the second application
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PFMT and ınterferential current | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: pelvic floor muscle training; Other: Interferential current |
| PFMT and ınterferential current and kinesiotaping | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: pelvic floor muscle training; Other: Interferential current; Other: Kinesio taping |
| PFMT | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: pelvic floor muscle training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire
Pain characteristics were assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). The questionnaire consists of 15 pain descriptors, including 11 sensory and 4 affective items. Each descriptor is scored from 0 (none) to 3 (severe), with higher total scores indicating greater pain severity. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have been established
Measured: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
pain body diagram
The distribution of pain was assessed using a standardized body diagram on which participants marked the anatomical regions in which they experienced pain. For the present study, the total pain body diagram score was calculated as the total number of regions marked as painful.
Measured: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the subjective sleep quality component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI comprises seven components assessing different aspects of sleep, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have previously been established (Ağargün et al., 1996). In the present study, only the subjective sleep quality component was included in the analysis.
Measured: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
SF-36
Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 Health Survey. The instrument assesses eight health domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, bodily pain, and general health. The health change item was also evaluated. Domain scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better perceived health status. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have been established
Measured: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Sep 2026
- Study start10 Jan 2026
- Primary completion22 Mar 2026
- Study completion12 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for DysmenorrheaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, mehtap kilicoz, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Investigators
- mehtap kılıçöz bakar, PhD, Study director, Istanbul Aydın University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07831421
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-2921
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 21 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Interferential Current and Kinesio Taping Added to Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07831421
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-2921
- Conditions
- Dysmenorrhea
- Keywords
- primary dysmenorrhea, pelvic floor muscle exercise, interferential current, Kinesio taping, pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Sep 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.
Primary dysmenorrhea can adversely affect pain, sleep, and health-related quality of life in young women. This study will investigate and compare the effects of interferential current (IFC) and Kinesio taping (KT) added to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The study will be designed as a three-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 women aged 18-30 years will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of three groups: PFME+IFC, PFME+IFC+KT, or PFME alone. Pain will be assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and a pain body diagram, sleep quality will be evaluated using the subjective sleep quality component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and health-related quality of life will be assessed using the SF-36.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PFMT and ınterferential current | Experimental | Other: pelvic floor muscle training, Other: Interferential current |
| PFMT and ınterferential current and kinesiotaping | Experimental | Other: pelvic floor muscle training, Other: Interferential current, Other: Kinesio taping |
| PFMT | Active comparator | Other: pelvic floor muscle training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- The inclusion criteria were being 18-30 years of age, having regular menstrual cycles, having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea, reporting menstrual pain greater than 4/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during the previous 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- conditions associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or endometrial polyps; a history of pelvic infection; use of an intrauterine device or oral contraceptives; previous pregnancy or childbirth; presence of a cardiac pacemaker; pelvic floor dysfunction related to a neurological disorder; and inability to provide informed consent
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 |
|---|---|---|
| pelvic floor muscle trainingAll participants received training to improve awareness and correct activation of the pelvic floor muscles before beginning the exercise program. One set consisted of 10 rapid and 10 slow pelvic floor muscle contractions. During rapid contractions, participants were instructed to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles quickly. During slow contractions, they were instructed to gradually increase the contraction, maintain it for 10 seconds, and then slowly relax the muscles. The pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) program was performed 3 days per week, with 3 sessions per day. Over the 8-week intervention period, the number of sets performed during each session was progressively increased from 1 to 10. Exercise positions were also progressively varied and included supine lying, child's pose, sitting, standing, squatting, and bridging. Participants recorded their exercises in exercise diaries, which were reviewed weekly to monitor adherence | Other | PFMT, PFMT and ınterferential current, PFMT and ınterferential current and kinesiotaping |
| Interferential currentInterferential current (IFC) was applied on the first day of the second menstrual cycle to participants allocated to the PFME+IFC and PFME+IFC+KT groups. IFC was administered to the lumbar region using a quadripolar technique with four vacuum or plate electrodes. Each application lasted 20 minutes, with the stimulation frequency set at 90-100 Hz. Treatment was delivered using a Chattanooga Intelect Advanced device. The intervention was performed under standardized conditions to ensure participant comfort. | Other | PFMT and ınterferential current, PFMT and ınterferential current and kinesiotaping |
| Kinesio tapingKinesio taping (KT) was applied only to participants in the PFME+IFC+KT group. The application was performed on the first day of the second menstrual cycle, with the taping sites individualized according to the pain locations identified on each participant's pain body diagram. An I-strip was applied to the suprapubic region using the ligament technique at 100% tension. A star-shaped taping technique was applied over the sacral region. For areas of fascial sensitivity, a Y-strip was applied using a fascial correction technique with 25-50% tension, whereas small I-strips were applied over localized tender points using the space correction technique with 25-50% tension. The tape was planned to be replaced every 3 days, with a 1-day tape-free interval before the second application | Other | PFMT and ınterferential current and kinesiotaping |
Primary outcome
Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire
Time frame: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
Pain characteristics were assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). The questionnaire consists of 15 pain descriptors, including 11 sensory and 4 affective items. Each descriptor is scored from 0 (none) to 3 (severe), with higher total scores indicating greater pain severity. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have been established
pain body diagram
Time frame: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
The distribution of pain was assessed using a standardized body diagram on which participants marked the anatomical regions in which they experienced pain. For the present study, the total pain body diagram score was calculated as the total number of regions marked as painful.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Time frame: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the subjective sleep quality component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI comprises seven components assessing different aspects of sleep, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have previously been established (Ağargün et al., 1996). In the present study, only the subjective sleep quality component was included in the analysis.
SF-36
Time frame: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle
Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 Health Survey. The instrument assesses eight health domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, bodily pain, and general health. The health change item was also evaluated. Domain scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better perceived health status. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version have been established
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 21 Sep 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.
mehtap kılıçöz bakar, PhD study director
Istanbul Aydın 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 pelvic floor muscle training, Interferential current and Kinesio taping in people with Dysmenorrhea, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital 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 1 inclusion and 1 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 21 Sep 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?
Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (time frame: First day of the first menstrual cycle, first day of the second menstrual cycle, and first day of the third menstrual cycle). The study lists 4 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 21 Sep 2026.