The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Menstrual Symptoms, Pain Severity, and Sleep Quality in Individuals with Primary Dysmenorrhea
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate if spinal manipulation (SM) combined with connective tissue massage (CTM) improves pain, menstrual symptoms, depression levels, and sleep quality in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Null Hypothesis (H0): SM has no effect on primary dysmenorrhea symptoms, pain severity, depression levels, or sleep quality. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): SM has a significant effect on primary dysmenorrhea symptoms, pain severity, depression levels, and sleep quality. Researchers will compare three groups to determine if the combined intervention improves menstrual health: An intervention group receiving both KDM and SM applied to the abdominal and lumbar areas, A sham group receiving KDM with a sham SM procedure, A control group receiving no intervention. Participants will: Undergo three weekly sessions for one menstrual cycle (approximately three weeks), continuing for two cycles (six weeks total), Complete assessments on pain (VAS), menstrual symptoms (Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) at the study's start and conclusion. This study aims to provide new insights into the combined effects of KDM and SM on menstrual health, potentially guiding future rehabilitation interventions for PD.
• Being 18 years or older,
• Having primary dysmenorrhea according to the criteria specified in the Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guide (1. Onset of pain 6 to 24 months after menarche, 2. Pain lasting between 8 to 72 hours, and 3. The most intense pain occurring on the 1st and/or 2nd day of menstruation),
• Having a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days).