Measuring pelvic floor muscle health in women with chronic pelvic pain
Quantitative Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Fitness in Myofascial Pelvic Pain
This study is looking at how well the pelvic floor muscles are working in women with myofascial pelvic pain, using a gentle method that measures blood flow and oxygen levels during muscle contractions, to help improve understanding and treatment of this common pain condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10954686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates myofascial pelvic pain (MPP), a common yet often overlooked cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. It aims to develop a non-invasive method using near infra-red spectroscopy to assess pelvic floor muscle fitness by measuring oxygenation and blood flow during muscle contractions. By quantifying the functional changes in pelvic floor muscles, the study seeks to better understand the mechanisms behind MPP and improve treatment options. Participants will undergo assessments that correlate muscle function with symptoms related to pelvic pain, bowel, bladder, and sexual health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, particularly those diagnosed with myofascial pelvic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction or chronic pelvic pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for women suffering from chronic pelvic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative imaging techniques for assessing muscle function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ackerman, a. Lenore — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ackerman, a. Lenore
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.