Vibration-Assisted Core Exercises for Primary Dysmenorrhea

NCT ID: NCT07080580

Last Updated: 2025-07-25

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 24 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-04-20
• Study Completion Date: 2024-09-17

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercises performed on a vibration platform in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. The exercises are designed to help reduce menstrual symptoms and pain, and to improve attitudes toward menstruation, functional and emotional well-being, and quality of life. A total of 24 women participated in the study. Participants were assigned either to a group receiving vibration-assisted core exercises or to a control group receiving no intervention. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with sessions held three times per week.

Detailed Description

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition characterized by uterine-origin lower abdominal pain during or before menstruation in the absence of any pelvic pathology. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of a core exercise (CE) program performed on a vibration-supported platform on pain intensity, menstrual attitudes, quality of life, and functional and emotional status in women with PD. A total of 24 women aged 18 to 35 years participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The intervention group performed vibration-assisted CE on a portable platform three times per week for eight weeks. The control group received no intervention. All participants were evaluated within the first 48 hours of the menstrual cycle, with follow-up assessments at weeks 4, and a final evaluation at the end of week 8.

Conditions

Dysmenorrhea Primary

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Whole Body Vibration

The vibration group performed core exercises with vibration at 8 mm amplitude and 14 Hz frequency, 3 days a week for 8 weeks (24 sessions). Each session lasted 45-60 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up (walking) and a 5-minute cool-down (stretching). Vibration time started at 15 minutes and increased to 30 minutes. Eight core exercises (bridge exercise, plank, cat-camel exercise, crunches, side-bends, heel drops, squats, half push-ups) were applied, with repetitions increased every 2 weeks: 8 reps in weeks 1-2, 10 reps in weeks 3-4, 12 reps in weeks 5-6, and 15 reps in weeks 7-8. A 30-second rest was given between exercises.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Core exercises performed simultaneously on a whole body vibration platform

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

It's a method where individuals stand on a vibration-generating platform and the vibration is transmitted from the soles of their feet to the entire body. Its use in combination with exercise has become popular in recent years due to the hypergravity it creates, aiming to increase muscle strength and reduce pain.

There is no standardized protocol for the frequency, amplitude, and frequency of vibration application. However, it is known that when applied at frequencies between 10-30 Hz, it has no negative side effects and is beneficial in managing pain. In our study, core exercises will be performed on a vibration platform at a frequency of 14 Hz with an amplitude of 8 mm.

Control Group

No intervention was applied to the control group.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Core exercises performed simultaneously on a whole body vibration platform

It's a method where individuals stand on a vibration-generating platform and the vibration is transmitted from the soles of their feet to the entire body. Its use in combination with exercise has become popular in recent years due to the hypergravity it creates, aiming to increase muscle strength and reduce pain.

There is no standardized protocol for the frequency, amplitude, and frequency of vibration application. However, it is known that when applied at frequencies between 10-30 Hz, it has no negative side effects and is beneficial in managing pain. In our study, core exercises will be performed on a vibration platform at a frequency of 14 Hz with an amplitude of 8 mm.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Being in the 18-28 age group.

2. Being diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea on an ultrasound examination.

3. Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19-24.9.

4. Describing pain intensity as 5 or higher on the VAS pain scale.

5. Having regular menstrual cycles (every 21-35 days and no intermenstrual bleeding) for the past 6 months.

6. Being willing to participate in the study.

7. Being cooperative and oriented.

8. Not having had any fractures, dislocations, or joint injuries in the past 6 months.

9. Not having had any surgery in the past 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Having a systemic or chronic disease,

2. Being a professional athlete,

3. Having secondary dysmenorrhea,

4. Using oral contraceptives,

5. Being pregnant,

6. Having an orthopedic, neurological, rheumatological, or cardiovascular problem that prevents exercise,

7. Having any balance problems (vertigo, etc.) that prevent exercise.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

OTHER

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Ebru Aloğlu Çiftçi

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Ebru Aloğlu Çiftçi

Lecturer

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

EBRU ALOĞLU ÇİFTÇİ, Lecturer

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Okan University

Locations

Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, Tuzla, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

References

Lefebvre G, Pinsonneault O, Antao V, Black A, Burnett M, Feldman K, Lea R, Robert M; SOGC. Primary dysmenorrhea consensus guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005 Dec;27(12):1117-46. doi: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30395-4. English, French.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 16524531 (View on PubMed)

Hoseini, M., Gharahtapeh, S. R., Jahazi, A. 2015 "Effect Of Vibration And Heat Combination On Primary Dysmenorrhea" Bali Medical Journal, 4(1), 12-16.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

Other Identifiers

EAloglu02

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id