Can pilates beat aerobics for menstrual cramps?
NCT ID NCT07308119
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether Pilates or aerobic exercises better reduce period pain in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. Thirty-two women aged 18-25 with regular cycles and normal weight did either Pilates or aerobic exercises for 8 weeks. Pain severity and quality of life were measured before and after the program.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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32 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Finished
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Feb 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 25 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Females diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea * Age between 18 and 25 years * Regular menstrual cycle (28-35 days) * Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any acute or chronic pelvic pathology * History of regular exercise participation (≥3 days per week, average 30-45 minutes per day) * Participation in structured physical activities such as swimming, running, or fitness center training * Inability to perform exercise * Unwillingness to participate in the study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Delta university, Faculty of Physical Therapy
Al Mansurah, Egypt
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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