An interventional study of Yoga Exercise Program in Primary Dysmenorrhea, sponsored by Ankara University. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 25 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-21.
Sponsored by Ankara University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
Exclusion Criteria:
Other: Yoga Exercise Program
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.
Pain intensity (VAS)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention
Secondary Outcome Measure: Participant Experiences
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.
Time frame: after 8 weeks of intervention
Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale
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.
Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Health-Related Quality of Life
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.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Menstrual Attitudes
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.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
No contact was published for this record. The registry link below has the sponsor’s details.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Ankara University