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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06925087

Comparison of Acute Effects of Myofascial Release and Kinesio Taping® in Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a physiological condition and one of the most common issues experienced during menstruation. This study aims to compare the acute effects of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) and Kinesio Taping® (KT) on pain severity, fatigue, and menstrual symptom severity in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

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Key information

Conditions

Kinesio Taping Myofascial Release Technique Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cyprus International University, Mersin, Haspolat, Turkey (Türkiye)

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About this study

A total of 45 individuals diagnosed with PD will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: MRT, KT, or control. Pain severity and fatigue will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while menstrual symptom severity will be assessed with the Menstrual Symptom Scale, both prior to and following the interventions. The MRT group will be received MRT for three consecutive days starting from the onset of menstruation, whereas the KT group will be applied KT application for a duration of 72 hours. The control group did not receive any form of intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Daignosed with primary dysmenorrhea
  • Regular menstruation in the past six months
  • Experience menstrual pain ranging between 40-100 mm on the Visual Analog Scale

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea
  • A menstrual cycle length of less than 21 days or more than 35 days
  • A history of childbirth or pregnancy
  • Use of pharmacological treatments for menstrual pain
  • A history of pelvic pathology or pelvic surgery
  • The presence of neurological or systemic diseases

Treatment and study plan

Myofascial Release Technique

Other

During the application of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT), the fingers or hand will be first placed on the treatment area. Pressure will be applied to the soft tissue until the restricted layer was felt, and then the fascia was moved along the surface of the underlying layers while maintaining contact with the deeper layers. Tension will be applied for approximately 60-90 seconds, and if a release will not felt, the duration will extended until the release occurred. MRT will be performed with dry hands, without the use of any intermediary substances, and will be applied in both supine and prone positions. In the treatment program, anterolateral release techniques (targeting fascia superficialis, fascia transversalis, and fascia extraperitonealis) will be applied in the supine position, while posterior release techniques (targeting fascia thoracolumbalis and erector spinae) will be applied in the prone position.

Kinesio Taping Technique

Other

Two different techniques will be used in the Kinesio Taping application. First, four I-shaped Kinesio tapes (Kinesio Tex® Gold), each 5 cm wide and 0.5 mm thick, will be applied in a star-shaped pattern using the "space correction technique" with 25-50% tension at the S2-S4 level (sacral region) while the participant will in a seated position. Additionally, to direct the uterus into retroversion during menstruation, a 15 cm long I-shaped tape will be applied to the suprapubic region using the "ligament correction technique" with 100% tension.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Severity

    Time frame: 3 months

    A 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), represented as a straight line with one end marked as 0 (no pain) and the other end as 10 (unbearable pain), will be used to measure pain severity. Participants will be asked to mark the point on the line that corresponded to the level of pain they will be experiencing during the evaluation. The marked point will be then measured using a ruler, and the numerical value of the pain severity will be recorded. Higher results indicate worse pain intensity.

  2. Fatigue

    Time frame: 3 months

    A 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with one end marked as 0 (no fatigue) and the other end as 10 (unbearable fatigue), will be used to evaluate the severity of fatigue experienced on the most intense day of menstruation. Participants will be asked to mark the point on the VAS that corresponded to the level of fatigue they will be felt. The marked point will then measured using a ruler, and the numerical value will be recorded. Higher results indicate worse pain intensity.

  3. Menstrual Symptoms

    Time frame: 3 months

    The "Menstrual Symptom Scale," developed by Chesney and Tatso, will be used to evaluate the severity of menstrual symptoms. This scale consists of 22 items, each with five response options, and includes three subdimensions. The first 13 items belong to the "Negative Effects/Somatic Complaints" subdimension, items 14 to 19 fall under the "Menstrual Pain Symptoms" subdimension, and the last three items are part of the "Coping Methods" subdimension. The responses will be rated on a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always). A higher total score indicates greater severity of menstrual symptoms.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cyprus International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Myofascial Release Versus Kinesio Taping: Which is More Effective for Dysmenorrhea Relief

Acronym: Dysmenorrhea

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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