NCT07095725

Effect of Primary Dysmenorrhea on Muscle Activity in Young Adult Females

Effect of Primary Dysmenorrhea on Abdominal and Back Muscles Activity in Young Adult Females

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of primary dysmenorrhea on the activity of the abdominal and back muscles in young adult females.

Detailed description

PD is highly prevalent in females, which directly influences their quality of life, physical function and performance. A study conducted in Palestine has shown that over half of university students with dysmenorrhea tend to skip university lectures due to painful menses. PD is commonly associated with visceral pain and various musculoskeletal symptoms, including abdominal and back pain (Yacubovich et al., 2019). This can reduce the maximum voluntary contraction of the affected muscles, compromising their ability to provide adequate support and stability (Merkle et al., 2020). Persistent pain can disrupt postural stability and balance, raising the risk of injury by compromising stability and muscle function. Research highlights the impact of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) on muscle function, particularly in the abdominal and back muscles, contributing to pain and reduced stability. Oladosu et al. (2018) found that abdominal muscle activity precedes menstrual pain, suggesting a neuromuscular link. Similarly, Karakus et al. (2022) and Álvarez et al. (2024) reported altered activation and reduced endurance in stabilizing muscles, including the transversus abdominis, obliques, and lumbar multifidus, with muscle thinning that may impair spinal stability. These studies emphasize PD's effect on muscle function, but further research is needed to explore variations across severities and guide effective treatments. When these weakened muscles because of dysmenorrhea are subjected to increased or sudden activity during daily living tasks, such as lifting, bending, or other physical exertions, the risk of injury to the structures they are designed to protect is significantly heightened (Escamilla et al., 2010; Polat et al., 2022). However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no research has yet explored the relationship of abdominal and back muscle activity patterns to PD and their variations across different severities of dysmenorrhea, which directly contributes to females' quality of life. Understanding this association could have significant clinical implications and contribute to new knowledge that helps physical therapists determine the need for custom-designed prevention and treatment programs for females with PD. By raising awareness of the potential musculoskeletal risks associated with PD, this study emphasizes the importance of minimizing strenuous activities during menstruation to reduce muscle strain or injury, ultimately enhancing overall health and well-being during this period.

Conditions

• Primary Dysmenorrhea

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Record EMG maximum amplitude from rectus abdominis, erector spinae L3 level	EMG Electrode Placement and Muscle Assessment: Electrodes for the rectus abdominis were placed longitudinally at the umbilical level. For the erector spinae, L3 was located using a line between the posterior superior iliac crests, and electrodes were placed \~3 cm lateral to the L3 spinous process. Assessment: Rectus Abdominis: In the crook-lying position, participants performed a slow curl-up (\~35-40°), holding for 10 seconds. Erector Spinae: In the prone position with a 10-cm pad under the abdomen, participants lifted the upper body with neutral cervical alignment for 10 seconds. Each test was repeated three times with 2-minute rest intervals.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-20
• Completion: 2025-11-20
• First posted: 2025-07-31
• Last updated: 2025-08-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt