Linking pelvic floor problems to core endurance and leg muscle activation in people with MS

Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Core Endurance, Hip Rotation Muscle Strength, Tibialis Anterior and Tibialis Posterior Muscle Activation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

This project will test whether pelvic floor problems are linked to core endurance, hip external rotation strength, and tibialis anterior/posterior muscle activation in people with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 73 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Biruni University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
• Trial ID: NCT06777134 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project will measure pelvic floor dysfunction, quality of life, core endurance, hip external rotation strength, and tibialis anterior/posterior muscle activation in people with multiple sclerosis. Eligible participants are community-dwelling adults with mild-to-moderate MS (EDSS 0–4.0) who can ambulate (Functional Ambulation Scale ≥3), have preserved cognition (MoCA ≥21), and have internet access. Assessments combine standardized questionnaires and physical tests, including core endurance and hip strength measures and recordings of lower leg muscle activation. The study excludes people with recent relapses or medication changes, other major neurological, cardiovascular, or orthopedic conditions, sensory impairments, active exercise programs, or comorbidities that impair oxygen transport.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with MS who have EDSS scores between 0 and 4.0, Functional Ambulation Scale stage 3 or higher, MoCA scores ≥21, no recent relapse or medication change, no major comorbid neurological/cardiovascular/orthopedic conditions, and access to a high-speed smartphone or computer.

Not a fit: People with more advanced disability (EDSS >4.0), significant cognitive or sensory (vision/hearing) impairments, recent MS relapse or medication change, active participation in exercise programs, or comorbid conditions that impair oxygen transport are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If the links are confirmed, clinicians could better target rehabilitation to pelvic floor or lower limb muscles to reduce symptoms and improve mobility and quality of life in people with MS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked muscle weakness and pelvic floor symptoms in other populations, but studies directly linking core and lower-limb muscle activation with pelvic floor dysfunction specifically in MS are limited, so this work is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* EDSS score between 0 and 4.0
* Having access to the internet via a high-speed smartphone or computer
* Scoring at least 21 points on the MoCA
* Having a score of Stage 3 or higher on the Functional Ambulation Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having hearing or vision problems.
* Participating in any exercise program.
* Having accompanying other neurological, cardiovascular, or orthopedic disorders.
* A history of an MS relapse or medication change within the last 6 months.
* Being in a physical condition that prevents participation in exercises.
* Comorbid conditions that negatively affect oxygen transport (e.g., severe anemia, peripheral artery disease, etc.)

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Istanbul

• Biruni University — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: BERİL KILIÇ, Asst. Prof.

Conditions Multiple Sclerosis; Pelvic Floor Dysfunction; pelvic floor; multiple sclerosis; core endurance; tibialis anterior; tibialis posterior; electromyography