NCT07378475

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Camilo Jose Cela University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in reducing symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea in young women. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition characterized by intense pelvic pain during menstruation, often accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances. Despite its high prevalence, it is frequently underestimated, negatively impacting quality of life and daily activities. The intervention consists of three monthly sessions of MLD performed during the late luteal phase, prior to menstruation. Outcome measures include pain intensity, abdominal circumference, pressure pain threshold, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life.

Detailed description

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as menstrual pain of uterine origin occurring in the absence of pelvic pathology. It typically affects adolescents and young women with regular ovulatory cycles. The pathophysiology involves hormonal changes during the late luteal phase, leading to increased prostaglandin synthesis, uterine hypercontractility, ischemia, and heightened nociceptive sensitivity. Non-pharmacological interventions such as physical therapy techniques have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), based on the Vodder method, uses gentle, rhythmic maneuvers to stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce tissue congestion, and promote parasympathetic activation, potentially improving pain perception and associated symptoms. This study will assess whether MLD reduces pain intensity, abdominal swelling, and improves sleep quality and overall quality of life in women with PD.

Conditions

• Dysmenorrhea Primary

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)	This method, part of complex decongestive physiotherapy, involves gentle massage techniques that stimulate lymphatic circulation and venous return. Participants will receive three sessions of MLD during the late luteal phase (5-7 days before menstruation) over three consecutive menstrual cycles. Each session will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will follow the Vodder method, including preparatory maneuvers (terminus, solar plexus, inguinal chains) and abdominal drainage sequence. Frequency: One session per cycle for three months.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-30
• Primary completion: 2026-02-28
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2026-01-30
• Last updated: 2026-02-05