Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)
Conditions
Keywords
Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction, Muscle Energy Technique, Pelvic Stabilization Training, Pelvic Alignment
Brief summary
This prospective clinical trial evaluates the effects of a non-pharmacological intervention combining muscle energy technique (MET) and myofascial chain (MFC)-based pelvic stabilization training in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The study aims to determine whether this combined approach can improve pelvic alignment, reduce menstrual pain, and enhance static balance. Participants are assigned to either an experimental group receiving MET + MFC-based training or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes include radiographic pelvic parameters, pain intensity, and balance performance.
Detailed description
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition characterized by cyclic lower abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause. Biomechanical factors such as pelvic misalignment and myofascial imbalance are increasingly recognized as contributing to the persistence and severity of PD. This prospective non-randomized controlled trial investigates whether a combined intervention of muscle energy technique (MET) and myofascial chain (MFC)-based pelvic stabilization training can improve pelvic structure and reduce clinical symptoms in women with PD. Participants are women aged 18-45 years with moderate-to-severe PD and radiographic evidence of pelvic misalignment. They are assigned to one of two groups: Experimental group: MET plus MFC-based core stabilization exercises. Control group: Interferential current therapy and deep friction massage. Interventions are administered three times per week for four weeks. The primary outcomes include changes in pelvic sagittal parameters (pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence), pelvic symmetry, menstrual pain (measured by VAS), and static balance (eyes-closed single-leg stance). Assessments are conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-intervention. The study aims to explore whether biomechanical correction of pelvic alignment contributes to pain modulation and functional improvement in women with PD, providing a basis for non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCombined MET and MFC-Based Pelvic Stabilization Training
This intervention consisted of a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for iliac and sacral dysfunctions (20 minutes per session) and myofascial chain-based pelvic stabilization training (including curl-ups, planks, and anti-rotation exercises; 30 minutes per session), targeting pelvic alignment and neuromuscular control. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week, 50 minutes per session, for 4 consecutive weeks.
DEVICEInterferential current therapy (ICT)
Interferential current therapy (ICT) was applied to the lumbar (lower back), sacroiliac, and iliac crest regions, 3 sessions per week, 20 minutes per session, for 4 weeks.
BEHAVIORALDeep Friction Massage (DFM)
Deep friction massage was administered to the lumbar, sacroiliac, and iliac crest regions for 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 weeks.
Sponsors
Shanjiao Luo
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
This was an open-label study without any masked parties.
Intervention model description
This study adopted a prospective, two-arm parallel assignment design to compare the effects of MET combined with myofascial chain-based pelvic stabilization training versus conventional physiotherapy in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Females aged 18-45 years * Regular menstrual cycles * Clinically diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea * Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥ 4 during menstruation for at least six consecutive months * Radiographic evidence of pelvic tilt, sacral slope deviation, or frontal pelvic asymmetry
Exclusion criteria
* Secondary dysmenorrhea or diagnosed gynecological pathologies (e.g., endometriosis, ovarian cysts) * Pregnancy or lactation * Current use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy * Ongoing or recent physical therapy targeting the pelvis * History of pelvic or spinal surgery * Congenital or structural musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lumbopelvic region
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in menstrual pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Baseline (pre-intervention), Week 4 (immediate post-intervention), and Week 12 (telephone follow-up to assess sustainability of treatment effects) | The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity before and after intervention, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS，0-10). Participants rated their average menstrual pain during the most painful day of menstruation. A reduction in VAS score indicated improvement in dysmenorrhea symptoms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Pelvic Tilt (PT) Angle | Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention) | Change in PT (degrees) from baseline to Week 4, assessed by standardized lateral pelvic radiograph. |
| Change in Sacral Slope (SS) Angle | Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention) | Change in SS (degrees) from baseline to Week 4, assessed by standardized lateral pelvic radiograph. |
| Change in Pelvic Incidence (PI) Angle | Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention) | Change in PI (degrees) from baseline to Week 4, assessed by standardized lateral pelvic radiograph. |
| Change in Pelvic Asymmetry Score | Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention) | Change in pelvic asymmetry assessed by frontal pelvic X-rays from baseline to Week 4. Pelvic asymmetry is determined by a composite score based on iliac crest height discrepancy, anterior/posterior innominate rotation, adduction/abduction shift, and sacral torsion. |
| Change in Static Balance | Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention) | Change in single-leg stance time (seconds, eyes closed) from baseline to Week 4. |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed