Combined Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Chain Stabilization Reduces Menstrual Pain and Improves Pelvic Alignment in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Prospective Study
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 30
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in menstrual pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
研究概览
简要总结
This prospective clinical trial evaluates the effects of a non-pharmacological intervention combining muscle energy technique (MET) and myofascial chain (MFC)-based pelvic stabilization training in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The study aims to determine whether this combined approach can improve pelvic alignment, reduce menstrual pain, and enhance static balance. Participants are assigned to either an experimental group receiving MET + MFC-based training or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes include radiographic pelvic parameters, pain intensity, and balance performance.
详细描述
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition characterized by cyclic lower abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause. Biomechanical factors such as pelvic misalignment and myofascial imbalance are increasingly recognized as contributing to the persistence and severity of PD.
This prospective non-randomized controlled trial investigates whether a combined intervention of muscle energy technique (MET) and myofascial chain (MFC)-based pelvic stabilization training can improve pelvic structure and reduce clinical symptoms in women with PD. Participants are women aged 18-45 years with moderate-to-severe PD and radiographic evidence of pelvic misalignment. They are assigned to one of two groups:
Experimental group: MET plus MFC-based core stabilization exercises. Control group: Interferential current therapy and deep friction massage. Interventions are administered three times per week for four weeks. The primary outcomes include changes in pelvic sagittal parameters (pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence), pelvic symmetry, menstrual pain (measured by VAS), and static balance (eyes-closed single-leg stance). Assessments are conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-intervention.
The study aims to explore whether biomechanical correction of pelvic alignment contributes to pain modulation and functional improvement in women with PD, providing a basis for non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Non Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
盲法说明
This was an open-label study without any masked parties.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 45 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Females aged 18-45 years
- •Regular menstrual cycles
- •Clinically diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea
- •Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥ 4 during menstruation for at least six consecutive months
- •Radiographic evidence of pelvic tilt, sacral slope deviation, or frontal pelvic asymmetry
排除标准
- •Secondary dysmenorrhea or diagnosed gynecological pathologies (e.g., endometriosis, ovarian cysts)
- •Pregnancy or lactation
- •Current use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy
- •Ongoing or recent physical therapy targeting the pelvis
- •History of pelvic or spinal surgery
- •Congenital or structural musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lumbopelvic region
结局指标
主要结局
Change in menstrual pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
时间窗: Baseline (pre-intervention), Week 4 (immediate post-intervention), and Week 12 (telephone follow-up to assess sustainability of treatment effects)
The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity before and after intervention, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS，0-10). Participants rated their average menstrual pain during the most painful day of menstruation. A reduction in VAS score indicated improvement in dysmenorrhea symptoms.
次要结局
- Change in Pelvic Tilt (PT) Angle(Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention))
- Change in Sacral Slope (SS) Angle(Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention))
- Change in Pelvic Incidence (PI) Angle(Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention))
- Change in Pelvic Asymmetry Score(Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention))
- Change in Static Balance(Baseline and Week 4 (end of intervention))
研究者
Shanjiao Luo
PhD Candidate / Principal Investigator
Shenzhen Jianan Hospital