NCT07525102

Effect of Progressive Relaxation Versus Isometric Exercises in Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will be conducted to compare the effect of progressive relaxation and isometric exercises in management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Detailed description

The prevalence of dysmenorrhea varies between 16% and 91% in women of reproductive age, with severe pain in 2%-29% of the women studied. It has major implications for quality of life, such as limitation of daily activities and psychological stress, being one of the main causes of work absenteeism. Despite the significant effects on quality of life, the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea is considered to be underestimated because women frequently do not seek medical treatment because of the commonly held belief that pain is an expected part of menstruation. The prolonged use of NSAIDs is also associated with cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal problems. Likewise, oral contraceptives are not free from side effects either, as they increase the frequency of bleeding, weight gain, and risk of venous thromboembolism. So, there is a need for emphasis on alternative methods of conservative treatment as non-pharmacological and non-invasive therapy, as it is safe and easy to use for obtaining relief from dysmenorrhea symptoms. Progressive relaxation exercises have been proven to have an impact on decreasing dysmenorrhea pain when they are practiced on a regular basis. Isometric exercises are easy and safe for sedentary population as the protocol is non-invasive and implemented at low intensity, and they are widely used in rehabilitation settings. Also, it is inexpensive as no special facilities or equipment are required, and not time-consuming. Hence, isometric exercises seems to be an appropriate non-pharmacological method for reducing the pain intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. So, this study is an attempt to increase the body of knowledge in the field of physical therapy, as it will be the first one to investigate the difference between the effect of progressive relaxation exercises and isometric exercises in management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Conditions

• Primary Dysmenorrhea

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Progressive Relaxation Exercises	Progressive relaxation exercises will be performed using controlled breathing combined with sequential muscle contraction and relaxation. Participants will be instructed to contract specific muscle groups during inspiration for 5-7 seconds, followed by relaxation during expiration for 15-20 seconds while focusing on the sensation of release. The sequence will include movements of the toes (flexion/extension, abduction/adduction), subtalar inversion/eversion, ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, finger flexion/extension and abduction/adduction, as well as wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation. This protocol will be carried out in a structured manner for approximately 25 minutes.
OTHER	Isometric Exercises	Participants will be instructed on the nature and correct performance of the exercises prior to the first session. The program will be performed 5 days per week, twice daily, with each session lasting 10 minutes for 12 weeks. Each session will consist of seven stages performed in a supine position, including pressing the feet together, crossing and pressing the legs, squeezing a pillow between the knees, pressing the lower back against the ground, and performing head and neck lifting and directional movements toward each thigh. Each contraction will be held for 5 seconds followed by relaxation.
BEHAVIORAL	Lifestyle modification advices	All groups will receive lifestyle modification advice, including reducing caffeine, salt, and animal fat intake, quitting smoking, practicing relaxation techniques, applying heat, using herbal remedies, avoiding cold foods and drinks, and wearing loose cotton clothing. Participants in groups A and B will also receive the same lifestyle modification guidance alongside their respective interventions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-11
• Primary completion: 2025-07-04
• Completion: 2025-10-20
• First posted: 2026-04-13
• Last updated: 2026-04-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt