About this trial
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) and music-based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT) on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, analgesic use, and menstruation-related symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: CTM, music-based PMRT, or control. Baseline assessment will be conducted during menstrual days 1-2 of Cycle 0. The interventions will be applied during the premenstrual intervention window of Cycle 0, from the estimated ovulation day, calculated as cycle length minus 14 days, until Cycle 1 Day 1. Post-intervention assessment will be conducted during menstrual days 1-2 of Cycle 1. No intervention will be applied after the post-intervention assessment, and follow-up assessment will be conducted during menstrual days 1-2 of Cycle 2. Outcomes including pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, analgesic use, menstrual symptoms, attitudes toward menstruation, functional and emotional impact of dysmenorrhea, and pain catastrophizing will be evaluated across menstrual cycles. Participant satisfaction and adherence to the interventions will also be assessed.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea made by a Gynecology and Obstetrics specialist
Being between 18-30 years of age
Being nulliparous
Having a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days)
Disqualifiers
Having been diagnosed at least 6 months prior with gastrointestinal, urogynecological, autoimmune, or psychiatric diseases and/or chronic pain syndromes
Having any neurological or systemic disease
Having a history of childbirth or previous pregnancy
Being pregnant
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Connective Tissue Massage
- Music-based Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Pamukkale University
Lead sponsor
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Collaborator