Tele-Pilates for Primary Dysmenorrhea

NCT07335926 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: hilalbuse1
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 34
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a synchronized tele-Pilates program on menstrual pain, symptom severity, physical disability, and trunk muscle endurance in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The intervention includes 16 supervised online Pilates sessions delivered over eight weeks.

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Keywords

tele-pilates; menstrual pain; muscle endurance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Menstrual pain severity

  Menstrual pain severity was assessed using a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale, where participants marked the most intense pain experienced during their last menstrual cycle.

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Menstrual symptom severity (Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire total score)

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Functional and emotional burden (Functional and Emotional Measure of Dysmenorrhea total score)

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Trunk muscle endurance (McGill tests: flexor muscles)

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Trunk muscle endurance (McGill tests: extensor muscles)

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Trunk muscle endurance (McGill tests: lateral flexor muscles)

  Change from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

Tele-Pilates Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received 16 synchronous tele-Pilates sessions over 8 weeks (twice per week). Exercises followed the APPI method including stretching, core strengthening, pelvic floor training, and breathing-focused control.

Other: Tele-Pilates Exercise program; Behavioral: standardized menstrual health education online

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received standardized menstrual health education online but no exercise intervention.

Behavioral: standardized menstrual health education online

Interventions

Tele-Pilates Exercise program OTHER

The intervention consisted of a synchronous, supervised tele-Pilates exercise program delivered via video conferencing platforms twice per week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes and followed clinical Pilates principles based on the APPI method. The program emphasized core activation, diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic alignment, and trunk stabilization through progressively structured movements. Real-time feedback from a physiotherapist ensured correct execution, adaptation to individual capacity, and consistent adherence. The exercise protocol also incorporated components such as pelvic floor activation, transversus abdominis training, and guided relaxation.

Tele-Pilates Group

standardized menstrual health education online BEHAVIORAL

The education module consisted of two 45-minute interactive sessions conducted by a physiotherapist and covered the physiology of the menstrual cycle, pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea, common symptoms, and non-pharmacological management strategies. Content also included lifestyle modifications such as hydration, nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction techniques, and proper menstrual hygiene practices. Educational materials were adapted from current evidence-based guidelines and delivered using digital slides and discussion-based formats to promote participant engagement and understanding.

Control Group; Tele-Pilates Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Eligibility is limited to individuals who self-identify as women, as primary dysmenorrhea is a condition specific to those with a female reproductive system.
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Women aged 18-35 years
• Regular menstrual cycles (28±7 days)
• VAS ≥5 for menstrual pain
• Diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea

You may not qualify if:

• Secondary dysmenorrhea (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids)
• Pregnancy or use of intrauterine devices
• Significant comorbidities (e.g., spondylolisthesis)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Atlas University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Atlas University

Istanbul, Kağıthane, 34413, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dysmenorrhea

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Menstruation Disturbances; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pelvic Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Hilal DENİZOĞLU KÜLLİ

  İSTANBUL ATLAS ÜNİVERSİTESİ

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 2, 2026
• First Posted: January 13, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2024
• Study Completion: July 1, 2024
• Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)