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NCT Number: NCT07520136

Evaluation of the Effect of a Structured Yoga Exercise in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition affecting women of reproductive age and negatively impacting quality of life. It is characterized by cramping pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs, leading to decreased daily functioning, academic performance, and psychological well-being. In addition to pharmacological treatments, complementary approaches are increasingly used in the management of dysmenorrhea. Yoga, a mind-body exercise that combines physical movement with mental focus, has been suggested as an effective method for reducing stress and pain associated with dysmenorrhea.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness about dysmenorrhea in young women with primary dysmenorrhea and to investigate the effects of a yoga program on pain, quality of life, and menstrual attitudes following an educational session provided to all participants. Pain severity, quality of life, and menstrual attitudes will be assessed using validated questionnaires and scales, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), awareness questionnaire, functional and emotional dysmenorrhea scale, Menstrual Attitude Scale, and quality of life questionnaire.

This study aims to determine whether yoga exercises reduce dysmenorrhea symptoms and improve quality of life in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, the study is expected to increase awareness about dysmenorrhea and provide evidence for the effectiveness of yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara University, Haymana Vocational School

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Ayşegül ATLI

CONTACT

[email protected]

05397610221

About this study

This study aims to evaluate the effects of yoga exercise on dysmenorrhea symptoms in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, the study aims to examine the effects of yoga exercises on participants' quality of life. Although dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among young women, the use of non-pharmacological approaches for its management is considered limited. Therefore, a structured yoga exercise program will be applied to the participants in this study.

Pain intensity, quality of life, and menstrual attitudes of the participants will be evaluated. During the data collection process, Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale, Menstrual Attitude Scale, and quality of life questionnaire will be used. Assessments will be performed before and after the exercise program.

This study aims to determine whether a yoga exercise program is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in young women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy young women with primary dysmenorrhea
  • Aged between 18-25 years
  • Having a regular menstrual cycle (30-35 days)
  • Menstrual bleeding duration of 3-10 days

Exclusion criteria

  • Having secondary dysmenorrhea
  • Participation in regular physical activity or other exercise programs
  • Use of medication
  • Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Having bleeding disorders
  • Positive pregnancy test
  • Being in the breastfeeding period
  • Primary dysmenorrhea attributed to medical disorders or other causes
  • Participants who miss three consecutive sessions or four alternating sessions during the study will be excluded from the research

Treatment and study plan

Yoga Exercise Program

Other

Participants in the intervention group will receive a structured yoga exercise program. The yoga program will include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and selected yoga postures targeting the pelvic region. The exercises will be performed regularly for the duration of the study. Pain intensity, quality of life, and menstrual attitudes will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess menstrual pain intensity. Participants rated their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain severity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Secondary Outcome Measure: Participant Experiences

    Time frame: after 8 weeks of intervention

    A subset of participants from the yoga group participated in semi-structured interviews after the intervention to explore their perceptions and experiences related to therapeutic yoga.

  2. Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale

    Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    The Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale (FEDS) is a 14-item self-report questionnaire designed to assess the functional and emotional impact of primary dysmenorrhea. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 14 to 70. Higher scores indicate greater functional and emotional impairment associated with dysmenorrhea.

  3. Health-Related Quality of Life

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).Each domain is scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.

  4. Menstrual Attitudes

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    The Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) is a self-report questionnaire that assesses attitudes toward menstruation across multiple dimensions. The questionnaire consists of 33 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 33 to 231. Higher scores indicate stronger endorsement of menstrual attitudes represented by the questionnaire. Because the MAQ includes both positively and negatively worded subscales, higher scores should be interpreted according to the direction of each subscale rather than as uniformly better or worse attitudes.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara University

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of the Effect of a Structured Yoga Exercise Program on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 21, 2026

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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