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NCT Number: NCT07307222

Effect of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation on Primary Dysmenorrhea

This study will be conducted to evaluate the effect of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) on primary dysmenorrhea.

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Key information

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common, disregarded, underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated complaint of both young and adult females. It negatively impacts the quality of life of young females, forming the main reason behind their absenteeism from school or work, and causing limitation of daily activities and psychological stress.

The Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) is a rather new method acclaimed to be viable for chronic pelvic pain management. As it uses surface electrodes, it can be self-administrated by patients. Research is lacking regarding the effect of TTNS on primary dysmenorrhea. Thus, this study will be designed to examine the effect of TTNS on menstrual pain and distress as well as quality of life in females with primary dysmenorrhea. Study results will have valuable benefits in the physical therapy field, scientific research and medical and health organizations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Females with a regular menstrual cycle, experiencing primary dysmenorrhea, confirmed by history and clinical diagnosis.
  • Females aged between 18 and 35 years.
  • Their BMI ranging from 20 to 29.9 kg/m².

Exclusion criteria

  • Females engaging in regular physical exercises prior to the study course.
  • A history of abdominal or pelvic surgery.
  • Pelvic pathologies or diseases (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, adenomyomas, or uterine fibroids).
  • Malignant or benign neoplasms in the uterus.
  • Chronic diseases, including diabetes and/or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Presence of metal implants or pacemakers.
  • Any contraindications to the use of electrical stimulation (e.g., open wounds, some skin conditions…. etc.).

Treatment and study plan

Standard physical therapy program

Other

The standard physical therapy program will include the application of a hot pack or heating pad to the lower abdomen or lower back for 15-20 minutes per session, three times per week for a duration of 12 weeks. The temperature of the hot pack will be maintained between 40°C and 45°C (104°F-113°F). In addition, participants will perform six stretching exercises for 30-45 minutes per session, also three times per week for 12 weeks.

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS)

Other

The TTNS intervention will be applied once a week for 30-minute sessions over 12 weeks. The EV-906 electrostimulation device will be used for the treatment. A symmetrical biphasic current will be applied in continuous mode at 20 Hz and 200 μs. The patient will be in a supine position with knees flexed and abducted at a 90-degree angle. Stimulation will be applied to both legs using two adhesive electrodes placed cranially to the internal malleolus of each leg, with additional electrodes placed at the ipsilateral calcaneus. The stimulation intensity will be regulated between 1 and 30 mA.

Primary outcomes

  1. Assessment of Menstrual pain intensity

    Time frame: 3 months

    Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), each female will be asked to rate her menstrual pain intensity by placing a mark along the line that corresponds to their perceived pain level now. The distance from the "no pain" end to the female's mark will be then measured in centimeters to quantify the pain intensity. A higher value indicates greater pain intensity.

  2. Assessment of Menstrual Distress

    Time frame: 3 months

    Using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q), each participant will report physical, emotional, and social symptoms experienced during menstruation over the past 12 months and rate their impact on daily functioning and quality of life. The questionnaire uses a Likert scale to evaluate symptoms from the most recent cycle, and a total score is obtained by summing responses. Higher scores indicate greater menstrual distress and more substantial psychological and physical effects.

  3. Assessment of Menstrual symptoms

    Time frame: 3 months

    Using the WaLIDD score, each female will be asked to answer questions by putting a score regarding five key factors related to primary dysmenorrhea: Working ability, Location of pain, Intensity of pain, Days of pain, and the presence of Dysmenorrhea. Each factor is scored based on the female's experience during their menstrual cycle. The scores from all factors are combined to produce a total score, with a higher score indicating greater severity and impact of dysmenorrhea.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Assessment of Quality of Life

    Time frame: 3 months

    The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-26) questionnaire will be used to assess each participant's perceived quality of life, health, and daily functioning. Participants answer all items and are advised to select the response that feels most appropriate, often their first instinct. Scores for the four domains-physical, psychological, social, and environmental-are averaged to produce an overall score. Higher scores indicate better quality of life, while lower scores reflect greater impairment. This tool helps evaluate how conditions such as dysmenorrhea affect overall well-being.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Aya Atef Mahmoud Sonbol, B.Sc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+20 109 155 0191

Mahitab Mohamed Yosri Ibrahim, PhD

CONTACT

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 29, 2025

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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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