Four ways to teach pelvic floor muscle exercises

Comparison of Training Models in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Healthy Adult Women

This study will test which of four teaching methods helps adult women learn pelvic floor muscle exercises best.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Izmir University of Economics (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Izmir, İzmir)
• Trial ID: NCT07099170 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial compares four teaching methods for pelvic floor muscle training: brochure-based, verbal instruction, visual aids, and external palpation. Adult women who are not pregnant, without recent deliveries or pelvic surgery, and who have not previously done PFMT will receive one of the teaching approaches. Outcomes will measure participants' ability to perform correct pelvic floor contractions and related muscle function. The goal is to identify which teaching method most effectively promotes proper technique and motor learning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older who are not pregnant, have not had a cesarean or vaginal delivery in the past six months, have no history of pelvic surgery, and have not previously undergone pelvic floor muscle training.

Not a fit: Women who are pregnant, recently postpartum, have had pelvic surgery, are being treated for pelvic organ prolapse, or who have already completed pelvic floor muscle training may not benefit from joining this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the teaching method that helps women learn pelvic floor exercises more effectively, improving continence and pelvic health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Although pelvic floor muscle training itself is well supported for incontinence and pelvic health, direct comparisons of different teaching methods are limited, so this head-to-head comparison is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Female
* Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* History of cesarean or vaginal delivery within the past 6 months
* Previous pelvic floor muscle training
* History of pelvic surgery
* Currently receiving or having received treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

Where this trial is running

Izmir, İzmir

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ipek Yavas, MSc, PT, Lecturer

Conditions: Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise, Healthy Adult Women, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic floor muscle exercise, Comparison Models