Technological advances and non-invasive techniques to modulate brain function have been developed, including transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Basically, electrodes are placed on the brain regions to stimulate or inhibit it. Subsequently, a continuous electrical current (0.4-2 mA) is imposed, for a period of 3-20 minutes, to modify cortical excitability. Few are the research groups that work on the topic of primary dysmenorrhea and the use of tDCS as the focus of study. Preliminary studies associated the use of tDCS with pain reduction, but the outcomes of physical and behavioral function needs further investigation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
20
For electrode placement, the criteria used by the 10/20 electroencephalography system will be obeyed and the electrodes will be positioned over Primary motor cortex, C3 area for the anode and Fp2 (contralateral supraorbital area) for the cathode electrode. A constant current of 2mA will be applied for 20 minutes.
For electrode placement, the criteria used by the 10/20 electroencephalography system will be obeyed and the electrodes will be positioned over primary motor cortex, C3 area for the anode and Fp2 (contralateral supraorbital area) for the cathode electrode, but the stimulator will be turned off after 30 seconds of stimulation.
Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Changes in pain
Pain diary will be used to assess pain levels
Time frame: It will be used throughout the first and second menstrual cycle (approximately 60 days).
Changes in pain
Visual Analogue Scale will be used to measure pain levels
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in anxiety levels
Hamilton anxiety rating scale will be used to measure anxiety levels
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in affectivity
Positive And Negative Affect Scale will be used to measure affectivity
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in local pain levels
Digital pressure algometry will be used to measure local pain levels
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in hand strength
Hydraulic hand dynamometer will be used to measure hand strength
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in functional capacity
Six-minute walk test will be used to measure functional capacity
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
Changes in flexibility
Thomas test will be used to measure flexibility
Time frame: First evaluation will be done between the first and third days of initial menstrual cycle. The second evaluation will be done between the first and third days of the next menstrual cycle
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