Massage and stretching show promise for menstrual cramps
NCT ID NCT07213336
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at whether trigger point massage and stretching exercises can help young women with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Forty-four women aged 18-30 were randomly assigned to exercise, exercise plus massage, or a control group. Researchers measured pain intensity, menstrual symptoms, and quality of life using standard questionnaires.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- trigger point massage and stretching exercises
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer a drug-free way to ease period pain and improve daily life for women with primary dysmenorrhea.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may vary, and massage or stretching might not work for all individuals.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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
-
44 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2022
- Finished
-
May 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 30 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Being a woman between the ages of 18 and 30 * Having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea * Not having given birth * Having a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days) Exclusion Criteria: * Having been diagnosed with rheumatic, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, neurological diseases, or other chronic pain syndromes * Being on any anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or estrogen/progestin pill (OCP) treatment
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Halic University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Laser acupuncture tuned to each Woman's body may ease period pain
- Can a Seed-Powered band ease menstrual cramps?
- Exercise as medicine? a new trial tests a Drug-Free fix for period pain
- Breathing + core workouts: a new weapon against cramps?
- Ear nerve stimulation may soothe period pain and mood
- Fish extract may ease period pain by fighting inflammation