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NCT Number: NCT06990815

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by recurrent, cramping lower abdominal pain during menstruation and affects approximately 50% to 90% of women. The etiology of primary dysmenorrhea involves the increased release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, which cause uterine contractions and reduced blood flow. In addition to pharmacological approaches, non-pharmacological methods also play an important role in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Kinesio taping helps relieve pain by reducing pressure on the muscle and supports treatment through various application techniques. It improves local circulation, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on pain, menstrual symptoms, fear of movement, and sleep quality in women with primary dysmenorrhea, and to compare the outcomes with those of a sham taping group.

The hypothesis is that kinesio taping will be more effective than sham taping in improving these parameters in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

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Key information

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea Anxiety Disorders Dyssomnias Kinesiophobia Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Phobic Disorders Signs and Symptoms Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders Sleep Wake Disorders

Age range

18 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Being a nulliparous woman aged between 18 and 24 years
  • Having a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea confirmed by a physician,
  • Being literate
  • Cooperating in completing the assessment scales
  • Scoring one or above on the Weissman Scale
  • Agreeing to participate in the study
  • Having regular menstruation in the last 6 months
  • Being willing and voluntary to participate in the research.

Exclusion criteria

  • Having a diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea
  • Using contraceptive pills
  • Having a history of childbirth or pregnancy
  • Having irregular menstrual cycles (menstrual cycle length less than 21 days or longer than 35 days)
  • Having any pelvic pathology or history of pelvic surgery
  • Having gastrointestinal, urogynecological, autoimmune, psychiatric, neurological diseases, or other chronic pain syndromes.

Treatment and study plan

Kinesio Taping

Other

In the application over the sacrum, one I-strip of kinesio tape will be applied with 25% tension using the fascia correction technique, which requires oscillatory movements between the tape and the skin.

In the application over the suprapubic region, two I-strips will be applied with 25% tension, also using the fascia correction technique, involving oscillations between the tape and the skin.

SHAM

Other

In the application over the sacrum, one I-strip will be applied without tension.

In the application over the suprapubic region, two I-strips will be placed without tension.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. On the Visual Analog Scale, a score of '0' indicates no pain, while '10' represents the most unbearable pain on a 10 cm horizontal line. It is a simple, practical, valid, reliable, and reproducible measurement tool.

  2. Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) was originally developed by Chesney and Tasto in 1975 to evaluate menstrual pain and related symptoms. Participants rate the severity of symptoms they experience during menstruation on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (always).

    In this scale:

    Items 1-13 assess negative effects, Items 14-19 assess menstrual pain symptoms, and Items 20-22 assess coping methods. As the average score of each subscale increases, it indicates a higher severity of menstrual symptoms related to that subscale.

  3. Menstrual Attitude and Behavior Scale

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    The Menstrual Attitude and Behavior Scale will be used to assess individuals' attitudes and behaviors during the menstrual period. This scale, also known as the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire, consists of 33 items divided into five subscales:

    Menstruation as a debilitating event - 12 items Menstruation as a bothersome event - 6 items Menstruation as a natural event - 5 items Anticipation of the onset of menstruation - 5 items Denial of menstrual effects - 7 items Each subscale provides insight into specific attitudes and perceptions related to menstruation.

  4. Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Fear of movement will be assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The scale uses a 4-point Likert-type scoring system, and the total score ranges from 17 to 68.

    Higher scores indicate a greater fear of movement.

  5. Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    The Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire was developed by Richards in 1987 to assess sleep depth, time taken to fall asleep, number of awakenings, duration of wakefulness after sleep onset, sleep quality, and environmental noise level.

    It consists of 6 items, each evaluated using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 100. A score between 0-25 indicates very poor sleep, while a score between 76-100 reflects very good sleep. The total score is calculated based on 5 items; the 6th item, which evaluates environmental noise level, is excluded from the total score. Higher total scores indicate better sleep quality.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Okan University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, Fear of Movement, and Sleep Quality in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
May 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 17, 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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