Hypopressive exercises for urinary leakage and erectile problems after prostate removal
The Effects of Hypopressive Exercises on Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether adding supervised hypopressive breathing and posture exercises to home pelvic-floor workouts helps men over 55 who have urinary leakage and erectile problems after prostate removal.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Bartın Unıversity Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07101731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls men over 55 who have urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy and randomizes them to two groups. The control group performs home-based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) while the experimental group does the same PFMT plus supervised hypopressive exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance as primary endpoints, with urinary incontinence severity, erectile function, and quality of life as secondary endpoints. The protocol excludes patients with preoperative incontinence, significant pulmonary or neurological disease, prior pelvic radiation, or surgical complications that prevent physiotherapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men over 55 who have had radical prostatectomy and currently experience both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, are cognitively intact (MMSE ≥24), literate, and able to voluntarily contract their pelvic floor and attend supervised sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with preexisting urinary incontinence, significant lung disease (eg, COPD), neurological disorders, prior pelvic radiation, or postoperative complications that prevent early physiotherapy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding hypopressive exercises could improve pelvic floor strength and lead to better bladder control and sexual function after prostatectomy.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller studies show hypopressive techniques activate pelvic-floor and abdominal muscles without raising intra-abdominal pressure, but evidence specifically demonstrating improved post-prostatectomy continence or erectile recovery is limited and not yet conclusive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Male individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy * Experiencing both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction * Age \> 55 years * A score of 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) * Literate (able to read and write) * Willingness to participate in the study (signed informed consent) * Ability to voluntarily contract pelvic floor muscles * Ability to cooperate with the assessments and interventions used in the study Exclusion Criteria * History of urinary incontinence before surgery * Congenital abnormalities of the urinary system * Presence of neurological disorders * History of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) * Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or chronic restrictive pulmonary disease * History of inguinal hernia * Previous or current history of radiation therapy * Surgical or postoperative complications that prevent early physiotherapy intervention (e.g., urinary tract infection, bladder neck stenosis)
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Ankara
- University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Training and Research Hospital — Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Betül Erbay, M.Sc.
- Email: fztbetulerbay@gmail.com
- Phone: +905072650111
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.