Physical Performance and Analgesic Effects of tDCS in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Physical Performance and Analgesic Effects of tDCS in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial

Technological advances and non-invasive techniques to modulate brain function have been developed, including transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Basically, electrodes are placed on the brain regions to stimulate or inhibit it. Subsequently, a continuous electrical current (0.4-2 mA) is imposed, for a period of 3-20 minutes, to modify cortical excitability. Few are the research groups that work on the topic of primary dysmenorrhea and the use of tDCS as the focus of study. Preliminary studies associated the use of tDCS with pain reduction, but the outcomes of physical and behavioral function needs further investigation.

Inclusion Criteria:

- to have primary dysmenorrhea symptoms for more than 6 months with a mean perception of at least 3 (on a scale of 0 to 10) on the visual analogue scale, to have a regular menstrual cycle from 28 to 32 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Participants will be excluded if they have history of genitourinary disease (infectious oncology or infection), neurogenic bladder dysfunction, to have alcohol or drug abuse in the last 6 months, to have severe depression (score greater than 30 on the Beck depression inventory), to have previously neurological disorders diagnosis and to be pregnant.