Exercise program to help with bladder pain syndrome

Supervised Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05699551

This study is testing whether a guided exercise program can help people with bladder pain syndrome feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, cyclophosphamide
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05699551 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program led by a trained exercise physiologist to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for patients suffering from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. The research aims to assess not only the physical benefits of exercise on bladder-related symptoms but also its impact on depressive symptoms, which often accompany this condition. Additionally, the study will evaluate urinary markers of inflammation before and after the exercise regimen. This approach seeks to provide a non-invasive, cost-effective therapeutic strategy for managing a challenging condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult females aged 18 to 80 with a clinical diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fully ambulatory or unable to tolerate moderate aerobic exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using exercise as a therapeutic strategy for this condition is relatively novel, similar studies in other chronic pain conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult females (\>18 years and \<80 years) with a previously established clinical diagnosis of Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) will be eligible to participate
* Must speak English
* The clinical diagnosis of IC/BPS will be based on the recently published American Urological Association Guidelines definition: "An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, or discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms for more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes"
* The diagnosis will be confirmed by a urologist who specializes in the treatment of patients with IC/BPS

Exclusion Criteria:

* Study participants must be fully ambulatory without the use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair
* Study participants must be able to tolerate moderate aerobic exercise. It will also be required that a physician clear any subjects entering the exercise program who have signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and have been active 3 days per week for 30 minutes each day
* Any history of bladder cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, the current placement of a catheter, urethral diverticulum, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cyclophosphamide treatment, radiation cystitis, bladder tuberculosis, or are experiencing an active genital herpes episode
* Pregnant women are not eligible for this study

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Interstitial CystitisBladder Pain Syndromeexerciseinterstitial cystitisbladder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.