Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Chain Training for Menstrual Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea (METPD-25)

Shanjiao Luo

Status: Completed

Conditions: Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)

Treatments: Device: Interferential current therapy (ICT); Behavioral: Deep Friction Massage (DFM); Behavioral: Combined MET and MFC-Based Pelvic Stabilization Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07058480

JAH-METPD-2025-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 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

Exclusion criteria

• 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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Combined MET and MFC-Based Pelvic Stabilization

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for iliac dysfunction and sacral torsion, plus myofascial chain-based pelvic stabilization training (curl-ups, planks, anti-rotation). 3 sessions/week, 50 minutes/session, for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Combined MET and MFC-Based Pelvic Stabilization Training

Interferential current therapy (ICT) and Deep Friction Massage (DFM)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive medium- and low-frequency electrotherapy and deep friction massage targeting the lumbar (lower back), sacroiliac, and iliac crest regions. 3 sessions/week, 50 minutes/session, for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Deep Friction Massage (DFM)

Device: Interferential current therapy (ICT)