Connective Tissue Massage and Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Participants' menstrual pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will be asked to rate the average pain intensity experienced during the first two days of menstruation, the average pain intensity experienced throughout the menstrual period, and the worst pain intensity experienced during menstruation. The VAS is widely used in clinical practice and scientific research to assess pain perception. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome.

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale will be used to assess catastrophizing related to menstrual pain. The scale consists of 13 items and three subscales: helplessness, magnification, and rumination. Participants will be asked to rate the extent to which they experienced each thought or feeling during menstrual pain on a five-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate greater pain catastrophizing.

The Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale will be used to assess the functional and emotional impact of dysmenorrhea. The scale consists of 14 items and two subscales. Higher scores indicate a greater functional and emotional impact of dysmenorrhea.

The Menstrual Attitude Scale will be used to assess attitudes toward menstruation. The scale consists of 33 items across five categories: menstruation as a debilitating phenomenon, menstruation as a disturbing phenomenon, menstruation as a natural phenomenon, anticipation/perception of menstruation, and denial of the effects of menstruation. Each item is rated on a five-point scale ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a more positive attitude toward menstruation.

The Menstrual Symptom Scale will be used to assess menstrual pain and related symptoms. The scale consists of 22 items evaluating menstruation-related symptoms and is rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from never to always. The scale comprises three subscales: Negative Effects/Somatic Complaints, Menstrual Pain Symptoms, and Coping Strategies. Higher mean scores indicate greater severity of menstrual symptoms within the corresponding subscale.

Pain threshold assessment will be performed using a JTech Medical Commander Algometer. Measurements will be taken using a 1 cm² pressure probe, with the algometer held perpendicular to the measurement site. Assessments will be conducted at six points: 4 cm to the right and left of the umbilicus, 4 cm below these two points, 4 cm below the umbilicus, and the midpoint of the spinous processes of the S2-S4 vertebrae. Two measurements will be obtained from each point, with a 30-second rest interval between measurements. The average of the two readings will be calculated and recorded in lbs/cm².

Analgesic use during menstruation will be recorded using a participant diary. Participants will be asked to report whether they used any analgesic medication for menstrual pain, the name of the medication, the number of doses taken, and the days of use during menstruation. Analgesic use will be reported as the total number of analgesic doses used during each menstrual cycle. Higher values indicate greater analgesic use and therefore a worse outcome.

Participants' satisfaction with the Connective Tissue Massage or Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training interventions will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale through two questions: "How satisfied were you with the overall treatment you received?" and "Would you recommend this treatment and/or advice to someone you know who suffers from menstrual pain?" Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction or stronger recommendation.

Participants' adherence to Connective Tissue Massage sessions will be recorded by the researcher who administers the intervention. Participants in the Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training group will record their sessions in a relaxation diary. Adherence will be calculated as the percentage of completed sessions relative to the planned number of sessions. Adherence will be classified as good, moderate, or low.