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Pain Neuroscience Education Added to Exercise for Primary Dysmenorrhea
Sponsor: Harran University
Summary
This assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial evaluates the additional effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) when combined with a standardized exercise program in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty-two participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either PNE plus exercise or time-matched routine menstrual-health education plus the same exercise program. Both groups complete a six-week exercise program performed three times weekly, while education is delivered once weekly for six weeks. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, during the first menstrual cycle after the intervention, and approximately three months after intervention completion. The primary outcome is menstrual pain intensity during the first 48 hours of menstruation. Secondary outcomes include activity interference, analgesic use, pain catastrophizing, pressure pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation, and dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound measures.
Official title: Pain Neuroscience Education Added to Exercise in Primary Dysmenorrhea: Clinical and Mechanistic Effects in an Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
62
Start Date
2025-07-11
Completion Date
2026-07-05
Last Updated
2026-09-14
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Pain Neuroscience Education
Six weekly 35-45-minute structured educational sessions addressing the protective function of pain, uterine nociception, peripheral and central sensitization, pain modulation, neuroplasticity, attention, expectations, stress, sleep, contextual influences, safe movement, and self-management.
Standardized Exercise Program
A six-week program performed three times weekly for 18 planned sessions, including aerobic activity, lumbopelvic mobility, trunk and hip strengthening, stretching, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation/down-training strategies.
Routine Menstrual Health Education
Participants received six weekly 35-45-minute time-matched educational sessions providing routine information about menstruation, menstrual health, lifestyle, and general self-management, without pain neuroscience education content.
Locations (1)
Harran University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital
Sanliurfa, Şanlıurfa, Turkey (Türkiye)