Aerobic Exercise and Massage for Painful Bladder Syndrome in Women
Official title: Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training and Connective Tissue Massage in Individuals With Bladder Pain Syndrome
Run by Hacettepe University · NCT07839689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding aerobic exercise and connective tissue massage to patient education helps reduce bladder pain and improve symptoms for women with bladder pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07839689 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18 or older with bladder pain syndrome lasting at least 6 months and moderate symptom severity who are medically suitable for moderate-intensity exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience improvement with exercise and massage or who have contraindications to the exercise program may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized study, women with bladder pain syndrome receive either patient education alone or patient education plus an 8-week program of aerobic exercise and connective tissue massage. The goal is to see if the combined physiotherapy approach lowers bladder-related pain and improves urinary symptoms, sensitivity, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Assessments are done at baseline and after the intervention to compare outcomes between groups. The trial is led by Hacettepe University in Ankara and focuses on a non-pharmacologic treatment option. Participants must be medically suitable for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and meet specific symptom and health criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience greater pain relief and better overall symptoms without added medications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in non-pharmacologic approaches for bladder pain syndrome has shown mixed results; this study tests a combined physiotherapy approach in a randomized design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female individuals aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome * Bladder-related pain, discomfort, and/or burning symptoms lasting for at least 6 months * Bladder-related symptom severity, including pain, discomfort, and/or burning, of at least 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale during the last week * Receiving stable medical treatment * Being medically suitable for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire * Volunteering to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form * For individuals aged 65 years or older, a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of acute urinary tract or urogynecological infection * Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding * Diagnosis of pelvic, urological, and/or gynecological malignancy or history of pelvic radiotherapy * Pelvic or abdominal surgery within the last 6 months * Presence of congenital urinary system anomalies * History of neurological disease or diagnosis of neurogenic bladder * Open wound or active skin infection in the area where manual therapy will be applied
Where it's running
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Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.