Spinal Manipulation for Menstrual Symptoms and Sleep in Individuals with Primary Dysmenorrhea

NCT ID: NCT06673537

Last Updated: 2024-11-05

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

75 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-09-16

Study Completion Date

2025-09-16

Brief Summary

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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 KDM and SM applied to the abdominal and lumbar areas, A sham group receiving KDM 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.

Detailed Description

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After experiencing primary dysmenorrhea, many individuals report significant menstrual symptoms, including pain severity and sleep disturbances, which can lead to decreased quality of life and increased dependence on medication for relief. In chronic cases, individuals with moderate to severe menstrual pain often exhibit functional deficits, impacting their daily living activities. This highlights the necessity for effective rehabilitation strategies that address both symptom management and overall quality of life.

Current treatment approaches for primary dysmenorrhea focus on pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and physiotherapy. The primary aim is to reduce pain severity and improve sleep quality through targeted therapies. Techniques such as spinal manipulation and connective tissue massage (KDM) have shown promise in promoting pain relief and enhancing functional outcomes. However, these techniques may not be universally applicable to all patients, particularly those with significant menstrual pain and associated sleep disturbances.

As outlined, promoting functional recovery in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea is crucial; however, the role of spinal manipulation and other manual therapies in this recovery process remains underexplored. Rehabilitation strategies must be tailored to individual needs and severity of symptoms. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates spinal manipulation with connective tissue massage, aimed at providing comprehensive relief and facilitating recovery in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea.

The proposed intervention includes both spinal manipulation and KDM, administered by trained physiotherapists. This dual approach is designed to address pain at its source and improve overall musculoskeletal function. Evidence suggests that combined therapies may lead to enhanced neurophysiological responses, promoting both pain relief and functional improvements.

The underlying mechanisms of action for this combined approach may involve multiple pathways. Spinal manipulation may facilitate increased blood flow and reduce muscle tension, while KDM is thought to enhance tissue pliability and alleviate discomfort. Together, these interventions may induce neuroplastic changes, facilitating improved pain management and functional outcomes.

To date, studies on combined therapeutic approaches for primary dysmenorrhea have demonstrated promising results, including reduced pain severity and improved sleep quality. However, research specifically focusing on the synergistic effects of spinal manipulation and KDM remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this integrated approach on menstrual symptoms, pain severity, and sleep quality in individuals suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.

Conditions

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Primary Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Manip

Manip: Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) + Spinal Manipulation (SM) Participants in the CTM+SM group will be applied three times a week, starting from the predicted day of ovulation (cycle length minus 14 days) until the onset of the next menstrual period. This will include treatment of the pelvic regions, specifically the sacral, lumbar, lower thoracic, and anterior pelvic areas. In addition to the CTM, spinal manipulation will be performed. The manipulation will follow the CTM and will involve the application of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) force bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5, as well as to the sacroiliac joints, accompanied by an audible release from one or more joints. Treatment will be administered three times a week, with each session lasting 20 minutes. This regimen will continue for a duration of six weeks.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

Intervention Type OTHER

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) was administered to the lumbar and abdominal regions by an experienced physiotherapist three times a week for 15 minutes over six weeks. The treatment started from the predicted day of ovulation (cycle length minus 14 days) until the onset of the next menstrual period. Both short and long strokes were utilized during CTM. Each stroke was repeated three times, first on the right side and then on the left side, across all manipulated areas. During the manipulation, the tip of the middle finger remained in contact with the patient's skin. The finger was positioned at a 45° angle, with the distal interphalangeal joint in flexion, and was moved to create traction.

During the lumbar region treatment, participants were instructed to sit upright with their hips, knees, and ankles flexed at 90°, ensuring that their thighs and feet were fully supported. For the abdominal region treatment, participants lay supine with pillows placed under their head and knees.

Spinal Manipulation

Intervention Type OTHER

Spinal manipulation was performed by an experienced physiotherapist on the intervention group three times a week following Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). Participants in this group were positioned laterally, ensuring their lower leg remained straight and in contact with the treatment table. The contralateral or upper hip and knee were flexed and positioned so that they did not touch the table, allowing an unopposed force to be applied at the selected joint. Following CTM, manipulation was carried out with high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) force applied bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5 and the sacroiliac joints, accompanied by an audible sound from one or more joints.

Sham Manip

Sham Manip: Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) + Sham Spinal Manipulation (Sham SM) The intervention will be applied three times a week, starting from the predicted day of ovulation (cycle length minus 14 days) until the onset of the next menstrual period. This will include treatment of the pelvic regions, specifically the sacral, lumbar, lower thoracic, and anterior pelvic areas. In addition to the CTM, sham spinal manipulation will be performed three times a week. This will involve the application of low-amplitude force bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5 and to the sacroiliac joints, without producing any audible release. Treatment will be administered three times a week, with each session lasting 20 minutes. This regimen will continue for a duration of six weeks.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

Intervention Type OTHER

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) was administered to the lumbar and abdominal regions by an experienced physiotherapist three times a week for 15 minutes over six weeks. The treatment started from the predicted day of ovulation (cycle length minus 14 days) until the onset of the next menstrual period. Both short and long strokes were utilized during CTM. Each stroke was repeated three times, first on the right side and then on the left side, across all manipulated areas. During the manipulation, the tip of the middle finger remained in contact with the patient's skin. The finger was positioned at a 45° angle, with the distal interphalangeal joint in flexion, and was moved to create traction.

During the lumbar region treatment, participants were instructed to sit upright with their hips, knees, and ankles flexed at 90°, ensuring that their thighs and feet were fully supported. For the abdominal region treatment, participants lay supine with pillows placed under their head and knees.

Sham Spinal Manipulation

Intervention Type OTHER

Sham spinal manipulation was administered by an experienced physiotherapist to the Sham Manipulation group three times a week following Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). In this group, participants were positioned laterally with their lower legs straight and in contact with the treatment table. The contralateral or upper hip and knee were flexed and positioned so that they did not touch the table, thereby allowing an unopposed force to be applied at the selected joint. Following CTM, low-amplitude force was applied bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5 and the sacroiliac joints, without creating an audible sound.

Control Group

Participants in this group will undergo an initial assessment during which general information about the study will be provided. They will be informed about the importance of refraining from taking any medications throughout the six-week study period. All participants will be re-evaluated after the completion of the six weeks.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) was administered to the lumbar and abdominal regions by an experienced physiotherapist three times a week for 15 minutes over six weeks. The treatment started from the predicted day of ovulation (cycle length minus 14 days) until the onset of the next menstrual period. Both short and long strokes were utilized during CTM. Each stroke was repeated three times, first on the right side and then on the left side, across all manipulated areas. During the manipulation, the tip of the middle finger remained in contact with the patient's skin. The finger was positioned at a 45° angle, with the distal interphalangeal joint in flexion, and was moved to create traction.

During the lumbar region treatment, participants were instructed to sit upright with their hips, knees, and ankles flexed at 90°, ensuring that their thighs and feet were fully supported. For the abdominal region treatment, participants lay supine with pillows placed under their head and knees.

Intervention Type OTHER

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation was performed by an experienced physiotherapist on the intervention group three times a week following Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). Participants in this group were positioned laterally, ensuring their lower leg remained straight and in contact with the treatment table. The contralateral or upper hip and knee were flexed and positioned so that they did not touch the table, allowing an unopposed force to be applied at the selected joint. Following CTM, manipulation was carried out with high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) force applied bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5 and the sacroiliac joints, accompanied by an audible sound from one or more joints.

Intervention Type OTHER

Sham Spinal Manipulation

Sham spinal manipulation was administered by an experienced physiotherapist to the Sham Manipulation group three times a week following Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). In this group, participants were positioned laterally with their lower legs straight and in contact with the treatment table. The contralateral or upper hip and knee were flexed and positioned so that they did not touch the table, thereby allowing an unopposed force to be applied at the selected joint. Following CTM, low-amplitude force was applied bilaterally to all clinically relevant vertebral levels from T10 to L5 and the sacroiliac joints, without creating an audible sound.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Being 18 years or older,
* Having primary dysmenorrhea according to the criteria specified in the Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guide (1. Onset of pain 6 to 24 months after menarche, 2. Pain lasting between 8 to 72 hours, and 3. The most intense pain occurring on the 1st and/or 2nd day of menstruation),
* Having a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days).

Exclusion Criteria

* Having gastrointestinal, urogenital, autoimmune, or psychiatric disorders (serious psychiatric disorders that would prevent participation in the study),
* Having other chronic pain syndromes,
* Having given birth or a positive pregnancy test,
* Using an intrauterine device (IUD),
* Having undergone pelvic surgery,
* Having used chronic medications, including oral contraceptives or antidepressants, within at least 6 months prior to the study,
* Having irregular menstrual cycles (shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, and/or a cycle variation exceeding 4 days),
* Having a history of pathological conditions indicating secondary dysmenorrhea.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Rustem Mustafaoglu

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Narges Piri

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Narges Piri

PT

Responsibility Role SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Narges PIRI, Bcs

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Institute of Graduate Studies, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Rüstem MUSTAFAOĞLU PT, PhD

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Locations

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Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status RECRUITING

IstanbulUC

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Turkey (Türkiye)

Central Contacts

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Narges PIRI Physiotherapist, BSc

Role: CONTACT

00905340672077

Facility Contacts

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Rustem MUSTAFAOGLU Phd, Phd

Role: primary

00905554178535

Narges PIRI, Bcs

Role: backup

00905340672077

Narges PIRI PIRI, Bcs

Role: backup

Narges PIRI PT, BSc

Role: primary

00905340672077

Rüstem MUSTAFAOĞLU, Phd

Role: backup

00905554178535

NARGES PIRI, Bcs

Role: backup

References

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Hernandez-Diaz S, Garcia-Rodriguez LA. Epidemiologic assessment of the safety of conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Am J Med. 2001 Feb 19;110 Suppl 3A:20S-7S. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(00)00682-3.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 11173046 (View on PubMed)

Hailemeskel S, Demissie A, Assefa N. Primary dysmenorrhea magnitude, associated risk factors, and its effect on academic performance: evidence from female university students in Ethiopia. Int J Womens Health. 2016 Sep 19;8:489-496. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S112768. eCollection 2016.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 27695366 (View on PubMed)

Eryilmaz G, Ozdemir F, Pasinlioglu T. Dysmenorrhea prevalence among adolescents in eastern Turkey: its effects on school performance and relationships with family and friends. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2010 Oct;23(5):267-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2010.02.009. Epub 2010 May 21.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20493741 (View on PubMed)

Molins-Cubero S, Rodriguez-Blanco C, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca A, Heredia-Rizo AM, Bosca-Gandia JJ, Ricard F. Changes in pain perception after pelvis manipulation in women with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Med. 2014 Sep;15(9):1455-63. doi: 10.1111/pme.12404. Epub 2014 Mar 25.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 24666560 (View on PubMed)

Ozgul S, Uzelpasaci E, Orhan C, Baran E, Beksac MS, Akbayrak T. Short-term effects of connective tissue manipulation in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 Nov;33:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.007. Epub 2018 Jul 21.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 30396605 (View on PubMed)

Proctor M, Farquhar C. Diagnosis and management of dysmenorrhoea. BMJ. 2006 May 13;332(7550):1134-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7550.1134. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 16690671 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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2024/208

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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