Consent & Info
First, we need your informed consent, so we are allowed to process the data you report anonymously.
Menstrual Pain Intervention Among Students Study
This study investigates an easy-to-implement intervention as a self-care practice for managing menstrual symptoms with a series of N-of-1 trials.
It is conducted entirely online and collects only anonymized, self-reported data!
The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Potsdam.
What are N-of-1 Trials?
In an N-of-1 trial, you compare periods where you try a treatment to periods without it. For example, you've heard that waking up early boosts productivity. You try it out for a couple of days, track how much you get done, and compare it to your usual routine. Click here to find out more.
What is the intervention?
The intervention is a special self-massage of your belly and pelvic area, developed by a physiotherapist to reduce menstrual cramps. It targets specific pressure points and takes around 5 to 20 minutes. We'll guide you through it step-by-step.
How long does the study take?
You can join at any time between August 20 and September 20, 2025. Once you begin, the study runs for up to 60 days to ensure at least two menstruations are captured. The daily tracking takes just 1-5 minutes.
Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria
Who can join?
We are happy to invite you to participate, if you:
- are female ♀️
- are a student 👩🎓
- are between 18-45 years old
- live in Germany 🇩🇪
- experienced menstrual pain during the last three menstrual cycles
- have a smartphone 📱
- are comfortable with English or German
Who can't join?
If you:
- are using hormonal treatments affecting your cycle 💊
- are pregnant 🤰 or breastfeeding
- are part of another intervention study
- have conditions that make massage unsafe
- have a surgery planned in the next 4–5 months 🏥
- are dealing with ongoing substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)
- live with a psychiatric condition hindering informed consent or reliable participation
- Your doctor advises against it
Procedure
01
02
Quick Screening
To ensure your participation is safe, you answer a few questions to check whether you're eligible based on our criteria you've seen above.
03
Initial Questionnaire
A survey asks you some basic information about your lifestyle and menstrual experiences. It will take up to 20 minutes.
At the end, you will receive a code allowing you to join the study.
04
Join StudyU
Log in to the StudyU app with your code & begin the study before your next menstruation.
The app guides you through a 60-day program based on your menstrual cycle.
You'll go through 2 (potentially 3) phases:
Control Phase A
→
↓
Intervention Phase B
→
↓
Control Phase A
Each phase covers a menstruation. During the control phases you only track your symptoms. During the intervention phase we ask you to perform an intervention.
05
Your Results
After completing the study, you will gain access to a report with insights on your data.
You Want to Participate?
We truly appreciate your contribution to women's menstrual health research!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I miss a day of tracking?
That's completely okay! The most important data for us is collected around and during your menstruation.
Do I need to do the massage daily during the intervention phase?
No, regularity is enough. For example, you can do it 2–3 times per week or concentrate the sessions in the 5 days before and during menstruation. However, you are asked to perform it daily for 5–20 minutes and the app will send you reminders.
How can I change or delete my data?
Visit survey.questionstar.com/0b7e1a61. You can request to correct or delete the data you provided in the initial questionnaire or over StudyU. This can be done anonymously using your participant code.
Who can I ask in case of general/technical/data protection/medical questions?
For general questions & technical problems with StudyU or UP Survey: the main investigators, Valeria Tisch via email valeria.tisch@student.hpi.uni-potsdam.de and Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Konigorski via stefan.konigorski@hpi.de.
For data protection: the Data Protection Officer of University of Potsdam, Dr. Marek Kneis, via datenschutz@uni-potsdam.de.
For medical questions: the study physician, Dr. Philipp Stoffers, via philipp.stoffers@hpi.de.
What happens with my data?
Your data stays completely anonymous and is only linked to a random code. We don't need personal details like your name or address.
To help other researchers, we'll make the anonymous data available in the end in a public research repository for future studies.
What if I have a condition (like endometriosis)?
No problem, suspected or diagnosed conditions that are associated with menstrual pain are fine.
Can I quit the study?
Yes, you can withdraw at any point without giving a reason.
Does it cost anything?
No! It's completely free.
Will I receive an expense allowance?
You will not receive an expense allowance.
Where can I find more information?
You can find a detailed study information sheet here: content.questionstar.com/uploads/b6ecf87b1f4041e83bc108fb54fed070.pdf
Contact
In case of questions or concerns, please contact the main investigators.
Valeria Tisch
Email: valeria.tisch@student.hpi.uni-potsdam.de
Mobile: +49 176 75890213
Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Konigorski
Email: stefan.konigorski@hpi.de
Mobile: +4933155094858
Dr. Philipp Stoffers
Email: philipp.stoffers@hpi.de
© Copyright Valeria Tisch All Rights Reserved
Designed by BootstrapMade