Understanding the causes of overactive bladder through muscle analysis
Official title: Assessing multifactorial etiology of overactive bladder using a novel PFM-Hip-Trunk muscle network analysis
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11146223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tight pelvic floor muscles might be linked to overactive bladder and chronic pelvic pain, with the goal of finding better ways to treat people who have these issues by understanding their muscle patterns and movements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $440,651 |
| NIH project number | 7R21HD112985-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, particularly those diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and pelvic floor muscle tenderness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pelvic pain or those without symptoms related to overactive bladder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex factors contributing to overactive bladder, particularly focusing on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) overactivity and its relationship with chronic pelvic pain. By analyzing the muscle network involving the pelvic floor, hips, and trunk, the study aims to identify specific patterns that could help in tailoring individualized treatment plans for patients. The approach includes assessing muscle activity and movement impairments, which are often overlooked in current therapies. This could lead to a better understanding of the condition and improve treatment outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatment strategies for patients suffering from overactive bladder and related pelvic pain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing muscle networks in relation to pelvic pain is innovative, there is limited existing research specifically targeting this multifactorial analysis in overactive bladder conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yingchun — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yingchun
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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.