Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition characterized by painful menstruation. This three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of a warm-water footbath containing magnesium sulfate on primary dysmenorrhea pain. A total of 120 women were randomized to a magnesium sulfate warm-water footbath group, a warm-water footbath group, or a no-intervention control group. Pain was assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale at baseline, 20 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after the intervention.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Women aged 18-35 years
* Having regular menstrual cycles
* Experiencing primary dysmenorrhea
* Having a menstrual pain score of at least 3 on the Visual Analogue Scale
* Engaging in physical activity no more than twice per week
* Having a body mass index of 29.9 kg/m² or lower
* Willing to participate and providing informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous childbirth
* Presence of varicose veins, open wounds, or skin lesions on the feet or lower legs
* Presence of an acute or chronic foot condition
* Medical advice against warm-water footbath use
* Use of hormonal contraceptives
* Frequent use of anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Visual Analogue Scale Pain Score
Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the 20-minute intervention, 1 hour after the intervention, and 2 hours after the intervention