Motor Imagery Plus Therapeutic Exercise in Women With Menstrual Pain

University of Valencia48 enrolled

Overview

The researchers will conduct a study that combines motor imagery with therapeutic exercise in women experiencing menstrual pain. Previous research suggests that motor imagery, when used alongside physical exercise, may help improve motor control and alleviate pain, potentially enhancing outcomes for individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions. Through this study, the investigators aim to explore the effectiveness of these interventions in targeting key variables such as pain perception, motor coordination, and overall quality of life, building on existing evidence of motor imagery's benefits in pain management.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Motor Imagery Training

Interventions

Motor Imagery Plus Therapeutic ExerciseBEHAVIORAL

This group will perform three days of lumbo-pelvic motor control exercise intervention along with a motor imagery intervention program during active breaks between exercises.

Therapeutic ExerciseBEHAVIORAL

This group will perform a lumbo-pelvic motor control exercise program for three consecutive days.

Minimal interventionBEHAVIORAL

This group will carry out a therapeutic counseling and minimal education intervention during a one-day intervention.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Women who have experienced menstrual pain for more than 6 months. * Pain intensity rated higher than 3/10 on a pain scale. * Participants do not take pain-relief medication during the study period. * Ages between 18 and 35 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of hormonal contraceptives or other treatments that affect menstrual cycles. * Any chronic pain condition unrelated to menstrual pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain). * Diagnosed gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Current use of psychoactive medications that could affect pain perception. * Any significant psychiatric condition that could interfere with study participation. * History of recent pelvic surgery (within the last 6 months).

Locations (1)

University of Valencia

Valencia, Valènica, Spain

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Intensity

The main variable is the intensity of menstrual pain, which will be evaluated before, during and after the intervention using a verbal numerical scale (0-10), where 0 is no pain and 10 is maximum pain.

Time frame: Menstrual pain intensity will be assessed pre-intervention (T0), mid-intervention (T1-day 1, T2-day 2) and Post-intervention (T3-day 3).

Secondary Outcomes

Lumbopelvic Motor Control

Lumbopelvic motor control will be assessed by a visual feedback system starting from a pressure of 40 mmHg.

Time frame: Lumbopelvic motor control will be assessed pre-intervention (T0), mid-intervention (T1-day 1, T2-day 2) and Post-intervention (T3-day 3).

Pain Sensitivity

Pain sensitivity will be assessed with an algometer using pressure pain thresholds (in various areas, such as the abdomen, lumbar and thiabial region), as well as through conditioned pain modulation.

Time frame: Pain sensitivity will be assessed pre-intervention (T0), mid-intervention (T1-day 1, T2-day 2) and Post-intervention (T3-day 3).

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.