Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises to reduce stress urinary leakage in women

Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Urinary Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Muscle Functions in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Single-Blind Non-Inferiority Clinical Study

It will test whether dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises help reduce stress urinary leakage in women aged 18–62 compared with standard pelvic floor muscle training.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 62 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 62 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Izmir University of Economics (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Izmir, İzmir)
• Trial ID: NCT07009249 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares a dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercise program with standard pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in women who report stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Participants who meet eligibility receive supervised exercise sessions delivered by trained therapists, focusing on DNS techniques or conventional pelvic floor training, possibly with biofeedback. Outcomes include changes in urinary symptoms and measures of pelvic floor function. The trial is conducted at a single center with in-person treatment and follow-up visits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 18–62 who report stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, can read and write Turkish, have no prior pelvic floor muscle training, and can attend in-person sessions at the study site are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, pelvic organ prolapse stage II or higher, fecal incontinence, pregnancy, recent hysterectomy, active urinary infection, significant lower-extremity or respiratory conditions are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, DNS could provide an additional exercise-based option to reduce leakage and improve pelvic floor function for women with stress urinary incontinence.

How similar studies have performed: Pelvic floor muscle training has strong supporting evidence for SUI, while using DNS specifically for urinary incontinence is relatively novel with limited prior data.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female gender,
* Voluntary participation in the study,
* Aged between 18 and 62 years,
* Ability to read and write in Turkish,
* No mental disorders that would impair cooperation or comprehension,
* Complaint of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior history of pelvic floor muscle training,
* Presence of any neurological disorder,
* Pelvic organ prolapse stage II or higher,
* Presence of fecal incontinence,
* Pregnancy,
* Lower extremity conditions that may affect pelvic alignment (e.g., leg length discrepancy, total hip arthroplasty),
* Active lower urinary tract infection,
* Presence of respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma,
* History of hysterectomy.

Where this trial is running

Izmir, İzmir

• Izmir University of Economics — Izmir, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Seda Yakıt Yeşilyurt — Izmir University of Economics
• Study coordinator: Seda Yakıt Yeşilyurt, Asst. Prof., PhD

Conditions: Stress Urinary Incontinence, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Urinary Symptoms, Biofeedback Training