Evaluation of the Effect of a Structured Yoga Exercise in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Evaluation of the Effect of a Structured Yoga Exercise Program on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Primary Dysmenorrhea
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Yoga Exercise Program

Detailed Description

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.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 30
• Phase: Not Applicable

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy young women with primary dysmenorrhea
• Aged between 18-25 years
• Having a regular menstrual cycle (30-35 days)
• Menstrual bleeding duration of 3-10 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having secondary dysmenorrhea
• Participation in regular physical activity or other exercise programs
• Use of medication
• Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having bleeding disorders
• Positive pregnancy test
• Being in the breastfeeding period
• Primary dysmenorrhea attributed to medical disorders or other causes
• Participants who miss three consecutive sessions or four alternating sessions during the study will be excluded from the research

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: control grup
Experimental: Yoga Group	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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Pain Intensity (VAS)	Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention.	Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Ankara University
• Collaborators: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 30, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 2, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 9, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 9, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 2, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: YOGA52U

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No