Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Hand Massage Stimulation on Pain and Menstrual Symptoms in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Purpose of this study: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of hand massage stimulation techniques on pain, daily menstrual symptoms and nausea and vomiting in primary dysmenorrhea. H1a: Hand massage stimulation techniques reduce pain in primary dysmenorrhea. H1b: Hand massage stimulation techniques reduce daily menstrual symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea. The data were collected from students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea pain studying at İnönü University Faculty of Health Sciences. Seed therapy (su-jok) will be applied by researcher Melike TAN ÇELİK who has a basic level su-jok therapy certificate.

The Effect of Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach and Yoga in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life in women of many age groups. In girls with dysmenorrhoea in adolescence, there is an effect on school performance, self-confidence-depression problems and a decrease in quality of life due to pain. In order to eliminate these negative effects, they should receive a good treatment. Medical treatment usually tries to minimise and balance this situation. Considering the fact that families do not want to use drugs such as oral contraceptives in their children at this age and the risks of oral contraceptives, parents are in different searches. Considering that the approach to pain should always be from a holistic perspective, yoga and cognitive exercise therapy approaches are both biopsychosocial treatment methods within the scope of mind-body integrity. Yoga and cognitive exercise therapy approach is thought to reduce symptoms, improve physical functions and quality of life in adolescent girls. With these positive effects, school absenteeism decreases, depression and self-confidence improve. Health costs will also be reduced to some extent.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Dysmenorrhea Among Undergraduate Females in the Faculty of Medicine of Assiut University

Menstrual disorders, particularly dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and heavy menstrual bleeding (excessive menstrual blood loss), are common conditions among young adult females that can substantially impact quality of life, university attendance, and academic performance. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and determine the intensity of dysmenorrhea among undergraduate female medical students at Assiut University. Participants in this cross-sectional observational study include nulliparous and nulligravid female undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine. Data collection involves face-to-face interviews and self-completed assessment instruments during non-instructional hours. Dysmenorrhea severity, pain characteristics, and related functional impairment are evaluated using the Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain and Dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score. Menstrual blood volume is quantified using the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC) during the menstrual period to identify heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, the study assesses associated physical symptoms, academic absenteeism, and common pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies utilized by the participants.

Impact of OMT on the Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

This pilot study will span two months per participant and include a baseline evaluation, a control period, the treatment itself, and an after-treatment evaluation. After getting informed consent, participants will be asked to fill out surveys about their menstrual cycles and health histories, including pain levels, timing, and the types and length of symptoms they may have. Participants will then go through a month control period where they will have their cycle without any osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) being given, followed by a standard osteopathic exam. They will be asked to fill out all surveys again at this time. They will then go through OMT 3-7 days before their next period. After their second cycle, they will complete a final survey. Participants' pain and symptoms will be assessed at each time point by comparing survey responses and checking for improvement. The goal of this study is to see whether osteopathic manipulative treatment reduces pain and eases symptoms, and whether this approach is practical for future studies.

Vaginal Sildenafil for Primary Dysmenorrhea

This open-label, non-randomized mechanistic study will evaluate whether a single 100 mg vaginal sildenafil citrate suppository reduces uterine hypercontractility during menstruation in adults with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea. Ten participants will each receive one open-label dose during a single menstrual treatment visit and will serve as their own control: 6 participants with primary dysmenorrhea and no evidence of pelvic pathology, plus a separately analyzed exploratory subset of 4 participants, 2 with known endometriosis and 2 with known uterine fibroids. Uterine contractility will be measured with cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before dosing and approximately 4 hours after dosing. Additional objectives are to evaluate acute menstrual pain over the 4-hour observation window, to document systemic exposure using sparse plasma sampling at approximately 2 and 4 hours after dosing, and to assess short-term safety and local tolerability.

Effects of Sacral Release Technique and Lumbar Mobilization in Primary Dysmenorrhea.

The aim of this study is to determine the comparative effects of sacral release technique and lumbar mobilization in pain, symptoms severity and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Response and Central Sensitization of Pain in Women With Dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain is the most common gynecological complaint and the leading cause of school and work absences in reproductive-age girls and women. One of the primary treatments for menstrual pain is use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, or aspirin), although up to 18% of women do not get pain relief from these medications. One reason for this may be due to central sensitization of pain, which is when alterations in the central nervous system change how pain is processed in the brain and experienced. Determining the role of central sensitization in menstrual pain is important because central sensitization is associated with the development of chronic pain. Understanding the relationship between NSAID response and central sensitization is important because it could indicate women who may go on to develop chronic pain later in life. This study would directly address this question. Identifying women at risk for chronic pain would help target new treatments to this vulnerable group to ideally prevent pain from becoming chronic. This is particularly important for women in the military because the severity of menstrual pain is associated with missed work, such that in active-duty military women, less than 4.4% with mild menstrual pain missed work, whereas 20.7% of women with moderate to severe menstrual pain missed work. Addressing the significant impact of menstrual pain for military women will help reducing suffering and potentially decrease the risk of developing future chronic pain problems in this population.

Effects of Interferential Current and Kinesio Taping Added to Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

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.

Association Between Cesarean Scar Mobility and Menstrual Pain in Post-Cesarean Women

The aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between cesarean scar mobility and menstrual pain severity in women following cesarean section. The study will enroll women aged 20 to 35 years with a history of cesarean delivery who experience menstrual pain. Baseline assessments will be performed to evaluate cesarean scar mobility, menstrual pain severity, pressure pain threshold, and related clinical characteristics. The findings will help clarify whether reduced cesarean scar mobility is associated with greater menstrual pain severity and may provide evidence supporting the clinical assessment of cesarean scars in women with post-cesarean menstrual pain.

Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Synergy Training in Young Females With Primary Dysmenorrhea.

The research investigating the effects of Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Synergy (DPFS) training targets primary dysmenorrhea in university-aged females. This randomized controlled trial evaluates how restoring the functional "piston" relationship between the diaphragm and pelvic floor can alleviate menstrual pain and enhance quality of life. By implementing an eight-week progressive exercise protocol, the study compares DPFS training against standard symptomatic care like TENS and heat therapy. Using the WALIDD scale and WHOQOL-BREF, the research aims to establish a non-pharmacological, evidence-based physiotherapy intervention that reduces medication reliance and academic absenteeism in South Asian clinical settings.

Prevalence of Childhood Maltreatment Among Women With Dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea is defined by the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians as "cyclic abdominopelvic pain, occurring around menstruation, beginning shortly before its onset and sometimes persisting afterward." Its prevalence is difficult to determine precisely, but studies show that 16 to 90% of women in the general population experience permanent or occasional dysmenorrhea, and that more than 20% of them must limit their activities during menstruation. The origins of this pain remain poorly understood, but it is now known to be associated with significant emotional, psychological, and functional health consequences. Several studies have demonstrated that a history of violence experienced during childhood and adolescence is associated with the onset of chronic pain, but to the investigators' knowledge, no study has specifically analyzed the impact of violence on the presence of dysmenorrhea in adulthood. This study aims to administer a questionnaire assessing dysmenorrhea and history of violence (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, short French version - CTQ) to patients consulting the Gynecology Department of Estaing University Hospital for menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). The investigators aim to identify an association between the presence of dysmenorrhea and a history of violence during childhood.

The Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood

In order to learn more about women's health issues that occur over the lifespan, the Women's Health Study: from Adolescence to Adulthood is building a biorepository and database. The biorepository collects, processes and stores samples (such as urine, saliva, blood, cells, tissue and peritoneal fluid) until they are needed for research. The database contains de-identified information about our study participants. The biorepository and database are being created to serve as a resource for researchers from Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and outside institutions.

Abdominopelvic Fascial Release for Post-Cesarean Menstrual Pain and Scar Mobility

The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to determine whether adding abdominopelvic fascial release to a standardized stretching exercise program is more effective than stretching exercises alone in reducing menstrual pain in women following cesarean section. The study will enroll women aged 20 to 35 years with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea after cesarean delivery. Researchers will compare the effects of abdominopelvic fascial release combined with stretching exercises with stretching exercises alone on menstrual pain and scar mobility. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, undergo assessments before and after the intervention period, and receive the assigned treatment according to the study protocol.

CREST: Samphire Guided Care Program on Wellbeing, Work Productivity, and Quality of Life

This study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of the Samphire Guided Care (SGC) program * a 12-week structured digital health program combining clinician-led onboarding, at-home neuromodulation using the Lutea tDCS device, neuromodulation coach support, and app-based symptom tracking - on work productivity, employee wellbeing, and quality of life in individuals experiencing mood and cognitive symptoms associated with menstruation, perimenopause, or menopause.

Effects of Physiotherapy on Ultrasound and Clinical Parameters in Women With Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea affects up to 90% of women of reproductive age and represents a significant public health concern. Beyond prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions, dysmenorrhea involves central sensitization mechanisms and myofascial components, including abdominal trigger points. Despite growing interest in physiotherapy for chronic pelvic pain, objective data on tissue-level changes induced by manual therapy remain scarce. This randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of abdominal manual mobilization techniques on (1) tissue stiffness measured by shear wave elastography at the uterine cervix and bilateral abdominal regions, and (2) clinical outcomes including pain intensity and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea, with or without endometriosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving standardized abdominal manual therapy or a sham group receiving superficial manual contact. Assessments will be conducted over three menstrual cycles using shear wave elastography, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the SF-36 questionnaire.

The Effect of vırtual realıty on paın and Sleep qualıty ın Women

The aim of this study is to determine whether a video viewed through virtual reality goggles accompanied by music has an effect on pain and sleep quality in women with dysmenorrhea. The main questions it seeks to answer are as follows: * Does watching a video through virtual reality goggles accompanied by music reduce pain in women with dysmenorrhea? * Does watching a video through virtual reality goggles accompanied by music improve sleep quality in women with dysmenorrhea? The study will compare a group that uses music from the virtual reality video with another group to determine whether the virtual reality application has an effect on pain and sleep quality. Participants will do the following: For 3 days, use the virtual reality or music application every evening before going to bed after completing the VAS. The next day, after waking up, complete the VAS and the sleep quality scale and record the results.

Comparative Effects of Aerobic Exercises and Jacobson's Progressive Relaxation Technique in Primary Dysmenorrhea

The study will focus on the comparative effects of aerobic exercises and Jacobson's progressive relaxation technique on pain, fatigue and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea. This study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in, Superior college depalpur and Army public schools and college Lahore (APSACS). Non probability convenience sampling will be used to collect the data.64 participants will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by sealed opaque enveloped .Participants having age group between 17-24 years and diagnosed with WaLiDD score are included.

AI-Based Education and Menstrual Health Behaviors in Adolescents

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial aiming to compare the effectiveness of different educational approaches in improving dysmenorrhea self-care and genital hygiene behaviors among adolescent girls. Participants will be allocated into three groups: an artificial intelligence-supported mobile education group, a face-to-face education group, and a brochure-based control group. The intervention process will be conducted using a pretest-posttest design, with assessments performed at baseline, 4 weeks after baseline, and 8 weeks after baseline. In the artificial intelligence-supported mobile education group, participants will receive individualized and interactive content, while the same content will be delivered directly by the researcher in the face-to-face education group, and written informational materials will be provided to the control group. Valid and reliable instruments assessing dysmenorrhea self-care behaviors and genital hygiene practices will be used for data collection. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions in adolescent health and contribute to the development of nursing practices and health education programs.

The Effect of Spinal Stabilization Training in Women With Dysmenorrhea

The study, designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial, was conducted at Tonya Vocational School. Institutional approval was obtained to carry out the study at Tonya Vocational School (Appendix-). Participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate were required to sign an informed consent form prior to the initiation of the study. Following the acquisition of informed consent, 50 women with dysmenorrhea, identified based on the WaLIDD score, were randomly allocated into two groups using a simple randomization method (sealed envelope): 25 participants in the experimental group and 25 in the control group.Baseline assessments were performed by the same researcher within the first week immediately following the most recent menstrual period, prior to the commencement of the intervention. Participants' demographic characteristics and menstrual cycle information were recorded using a data collection form before the exercise intervention. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); menstrual symptom severity using the Menstrual Symptom Scale; body awareness using the Body Awareness Questionnaire; muscle endurance using the McGill trunk endurance tests; lumbopelvic mobility using the Modified Schober test; activities of daily living using the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale; problem-solving skills using the Problem Solving Inventory; decision-making styles using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire; quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire; and physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). All measurements were conducted within the first week immediately following the most recent menstrual period, both before (baseline assessment) and after (post-intervention assessment) the exercise program.

The Good Pain Consultation in Endometriosis.

This PhD project investigates the effect of "the good pain consultation" and early integration of biopsychosocial pain education with current standard management of endometriosis. Our goal is to facilitate self-management of pain and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using limited resources. Our research question is: Does a good pain consultation improve pain self-efficacy and HRQOL, compared to usual care at 3 months and 1 year.? Researchers will compare a good pain consultation to a control group that will receive usual care. Participants will: Attend a consultation and biopsychososial pain education plus usual care or usual care alone. They will answer questions in an internet-based questionnaires three times point during the study.

The Impact of Oral Probiotics on Improving the Quality of Life in Patients With Dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual pain is mainly divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea, the former is caused by menstrual uterine muscle movement; the latter is caused by certain diseases, such as Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids and Pelvic inflammatory disease. Menstrual pain has been a troubling issue for many women. The most common type of menstrual pain is at the lower abdomen. For some girls, menstrual pain is accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, flatulence, etc. In addition to menstrual pain, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is also one of the problems that affect women's physical and mental health. PMS, as the name suggests, these symptoms appear before menstruation. During the periods, the symptoms will gradually disappear and before the next menstruation it will appear again. About 80% women in Taiwan have experienced with menstrual pain or premenstrual discomfort. It affects the physical, psychological and social status of most women, and the degree of menstrual pain can also affect mood, sleep quality,school and work efficiency. Although there are many ways to relieve menstrual pain, hot compresses or oral painkillers, contraceptive pills, etc., but these medications are not without side effects. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, in sufficient quantities, benefit the health of the host. They are mainly bacteria that produce lactic acid, including Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Most studies have pointed out that probiotics can reduce the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Some studies have also pointed out that probiotics can improve physical and psychological functions, such as depression and sleep quality. In addition, animal experiments have shown that probiotics can regulate GABA in mice A and GABA B receptor expression to alter mood. This study aims to explore whether probiotic supplementation can improve menstrual pain and menstrual discomfort symptoms. If these common menstrual problems can be improved by probiotics, it will be a great significance to improve the quality of life of women. The trial lasts for 8 menstrual cycles, including 2 menstrual cycles in the screening period, 4 menstrual cycles in the test period and 2 menstrual cycles in the follow-up period. This trial will performed in China Medical University Hospital.

Spinal Manipulation For Menstrual Symptoms and Sleep in Individuals With Primary Dysmenorrhea

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate if spinal manipulation (SM) combined with connective tissue massage (CTM) improves pain, menstrual symptoms, depression levels, and sleep quality in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Null Hypothesis (H0): SM has no effect on primary dysmenorrhea symptoms, pain severity, depression levels, or sleep quality. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): SM has a significant effect on primary dysmenorrhea symptoms, pain severity, depression levels, and sleep quality. Researchers will compare three groups to determine if the combined intervention improves menstrual health: An intervention group receiving both CTM and SM applied to the abdominal and lumbar areas, A sham group receiving CTM with a sham SM procedure, A control group receiving no intervention. Participants will: Undergo three weekly sessions for one menstrual cycle (approximately three weeks), continuing for two cycles (six weeks total), Complete assessments on pain (VAS), menstrual symptoms (Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) at the study's start and conclusion. This study aims to provide new insights into the combined effects of KDM and SM on menstrual health, potentially guiding future rehabilitation interventions for PD.

TENS for Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition characterized by recurrent menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic pathology. It affects a large proportion of women of reproductive age and may significantly interfere with daily activities, academic performance, and quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used to manage menstrual pain, some women experience insufficient relief or prefer non-pharmacological treatment options. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique widely used in pain management. TENS is thought to reduce pain through mechanisms including modulation of nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level and activation of endogenous analgesic pathways. Portable TENS devices may provide a convenient and accessible option for self-management of menstrual pain. The aim of this randomized controlled pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable TENS device in reducing pain intensity in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving treatment with a portable TENS device or a control group receiving usual care. The intervention consisted of the application of a portable TENS patch to the lower abdominal region during menstrual pain episodes. The device delivered alternating stimulation cycles combining high-frequency stimulation (85 Hz) and burst stimulation (2 Hz). Each treatment session lasted approximately 20 minutes and was applied during menstrual pain episodes. Participants were followed for up to three menstrual cycles. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additional outcomes included quality of life assessed using the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), anxiety and depression measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), female sexual function evaluated with the Female Sexual Function questionnaire (FSM), and analgesic medication use recorded in a pain diary. The results of this study aim to contribute to the evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for menstrual pain and to evaluate the potential role of portable TENS devices as a safe and accessible option for women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Effectiveness of an mHealth Innovation on the Impact of Menstrual Complaints in Adolescents

The aim of this study is to improve menstrual health-related quality of life in adolescents by using a mobile menstrual health tracker. We will perform a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the (cost)-effectiveness of this mHealth intervention.