Comparing core stabilization (DNS) and pelvic floor exercises for women with stress urinary leakage
Comparison of Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether a 12-week home program of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) reduces stress urinary leakage and improves quality of life for women with SUI.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 51 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Izmir Katip Celebi University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Izmir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07075900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this randomized controlled design, women aged 18–65 with specialist-diagnosed stress or stress-dominant mixed urinary incontinence are randomized to DNS, PFMT, or a control group. DNS and PFMT arms follow 12-week home exercise programs performed five days per week and at least three times per day, use exercise diaries, and attend twice-weekly supervised physiotherapy sessions; the control group receives a brochure with lifestyle and bladder health recommendations. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pelvic floor muscle function and morphometry, urinary symptoms, quality of life, sexual function, and physical activity. The trial compares functional and anatomical changes between the two exercise approaches and a non-exercising control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18–65 with specialist-diagnosed stress or stress-dominant mixed urinary incontinence who can voluntarily contract their pelvic floor muscles, are literate in Turkish, and are willing to follow a 12-week program.
Not a fit: Patients with urgency-predominant incontinence, fecal incontinence, advanced pelvic organ prolapse, recent pelvic or spinal surgery, neurological or severe systemic disease, pregnancy, current urinary infection, or inability to perform pelvic floor contractions are unlikely to benefit from these exercise interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-surgical, low-cost exercise approach that reduces leakage and improves quality of life for women with SUI.
How similar studies have performed: Pelvic floor muscle training is an established, evidence-based treatment for SUI, whereas applying DNS to pelvic floor function is relatively novel with limited prior evidence in this condition.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged between 18 and 65 years * Diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence or stress-dominant mixed urinary incontinence by a specialist physician * Having the ability to voluntarily contract the pelvic floor muscles * Literate in Turkish * Willing and voluntarily consenting to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Presence of urgency-predominant urinary incontinence symptoms or fecal incontinence * Inability to understand or cooperate with assessment procedures * Presence of any neurological or rheumatological disease * Severe cardiac or pulmonary disease * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or hypertension * Chronic liver and/or kidney failure * Advanced pelvic organ prolapse (greater than grade 2) * History of abdominal or pelvic surgery (including cesarean section) within the past year * History of spinal surgery * Current urinary tract infection * History of pelvic radiation therapy * Presence of spinal deformity * History of acute low back pain within the past 4-6 weeks * Receiving pelvic floor muscle training within the past three months
Where this trial is running
Izmir
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology — Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayse Kardelen ACAR, MSc — Izmir Katıp Celebi University, Institute of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sevtap GUNAY UCURUM, Professor
- Email: sevtapgunay.tfd@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 232 3293535/4717
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.