Connective Tissue Massage and Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Primary Dysmenorrhea
The Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain Intensity, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Menstruation-Related Symptoms in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Pamukkale University
36 participants
Jun 22, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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
Plain Language Summary
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This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
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Interventions
Connective tissue manipulation will be applied to the sacrolumbar, lower thoracic, abdominal, and anterior pelvic regions. The intervention will be performed five days per week during the Cycle 0 premenstrual intervention window, from the estimated ovulation day, calculated as cycle length minus 14 days, until Cycle 1 Day 1. Each session will last approximately 10-15 minutes.
Participants will receive music-based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT) using recordings from the Turkish Psychological Association's Relaxation Exercises CD. At the beginning of the study, participants will be informed face-to-face about the purpose, procedure, and breathing techniques of PMRT, and the first session will be conducted in person. Thereafter, PMRT sessions will be performed using the approved audio recordings. The intervention will be performed five days per week during the Cycle 0 premenstrual intervention window, from the estimated ovulation day, calculated as cycle length minus 14 days, until Cycle 1 Day 1. Each session will last approximately 20-30 minutes.
Locations(1)
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NCT07647276