Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping in Primary Dysmenorrhea

NCT06990815 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 12.4.2023/6
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 24
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by recurrent, cramping lower abdominal pain during menstruation and affects approximately 50% to 90% of women. The etiology of primary dysmenorrhea involves the increased release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, which cause uterine contractions and reduced blood flow. In addition to pharmacological approaches, non-pharmacological methods also play an important role in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Kinesio taping helps relieve pain by reducing pressure on the muscle and supports treatment through various application techniques. It improves local circulation, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on pain, menstrual symptoms, fear of movement, and sleep quality in women with primary dysmenorrhea, and to compare the outcomes with those of a sham taping group. The hypothesis is that kinesio taping will be more effective than sham taping in improving these parameters in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Keywords

Kinesio Taping; Pain; Menstrual Symptoms; Fear of Movement; Sleep Quality

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Visual Analog Scale

  Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. On the Visual Analog Scale, a score of '0' indicates no pain, while '10' represents the most unbearable pain on a 10 cm horizontal line. It is a simple, practical, valid, reliable, and reproducible measurement tool.

  2 weeks

• Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire

  The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) was originally developed by Chesney and Tasto in 1975 to evaluate menstrual pain and related symptoms. Participants rate the severity of symptoms they experience during menstruation on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (always). In this scale: Items 1-13 assess negative effects, Items 14-19 assess menstrual pain symptoms, and Items 20-22 assess coping methods. As the average score of each subscale increases, it indicates a higher severity of menstrual symptoms related to that subscale.

  2 weeks

• Menstrual Attitude and Behavior Scale

  The Menstrual Attitude and Behavior Scale will be used to assess individuals' attitudes and behaviors during the menstrual period. This scale, also known as the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire, consists of 33 items divided into five subscales: Menstruation as a debilitating event - 12 items Menstruation as a bothersome event - 6 items Menstruation as a natural event - 5 items Anticipation of the onset of menstruation - 5 items Denial of menstrual effects - 7 items Each subscale provides insight into specific attitudes and perceptions related to menstruation.

  2 weeks

• Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia

  Fear of movement will be assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The scale uses a 4-point Likert-type scoring system, and the total score ranges from 17 to 68. Higher scores indicate a greater fear of movement.

  2 weeks

• Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire

  The Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire was developed by Richards in 1987 to assess sleep depth, time taken to fall asleep, number of awakenings, duration of wakefulness after sleep onset, sleep quality, and environmental noise level. It consists of 6 items, each evaluated using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 100. A score between 0-25 indicates very poor sleep, while a score between 76-100 reflects very good sleep. The total score is calculated based on 5 items; the 6th item, which evaluates environmental noise level, is excluded from the total score. Higher total scores indicate better sleep quality.

  2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Kinesio Taping Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Kinesio Taping

Sham Control Group

SHAM COMPARATOR

Other: Sham

Interventions

Kinesio Taping OTHER

In the application over the sacrum, one I-strip of kinesio tape will be applied with 25% tension using the fascia correction technique, which requires oscillatory movements between the tape and the skin. In the application over the suprapubic region, two I-strips will be applied with 25% tension, also using the fascia correction technique, involving oscillations between the tape and the skin.

Kinesio Taping Group

Sham OTHER

In the application over the sacrum, one I-strip will be applied without tension. In the application over the suprapubic region, two I-strips will be placed without tension.

Sham Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 24 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Being a nulliparous woman aged between 18 and 24 years
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Being a nulliparous woman aged between 18 and 24 years
• Having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea confirmed by a physician,
• Being literate
• Cooperating in completing the assessment scales
• Scoring one or above on the Weissman Scale
• Agreeing to participate in the study
• Having regular menstruation in the last 6 months
• Being willing and voluntary to participate in the research.

You may not qualify if:

• Having a diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea
• Using contraceptive pills
• Having a history of childbirth or pregnancy
• Having irregular menstrual cycles (menstrual cycle length less than 21 days or longer than 35 days)
• Having any pelvic pathology or history of pelvic surgery
• Having gastrointestinal, urogynecological, autoimmune, psychiatric, neurological diseases, or other chronic pain syndromes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Okan University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain; Kinesiophobia; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Interventions

salicylhydroxamic acid

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders; Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic; Dyssomnias; Sleep Wake Disorders; Nervous System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assos. Prof

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 17, 2025
• First Posted: May 25, 2025
• Study Start: August 19, 2023
• Primary Completion: December 15, 2023
• Study Completion: December 23, 2023
• Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

TU (1)