Pelvic floor exercises versus mat Pilates for postmenopausal urinary leakage

Comparison Between Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Pilates Exercises for Postmenopausal Women With Urinary Incontinence

We will test whether pelvic floor muscle training or mat Pilates better reduces urinary leakage in postmenopausal women.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Jacarezinho, Paraná)
• Trial ID: NCT07212478 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial will enroll 24 postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence and assign them to three months of either pelvic floor muscle training or mat Pilates. Outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention using symptom questionnaires and pelvic floor muscle function tests. The trial uses randomization and statistical comparisons with baseline covariates to compare group changes. The small sample size is powered to detect differences on the ICIQ-SF symptom score between the two exercise programs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Postmenopausal women aged 50–70 with stress urinary leakage who are independent in daily activities and can voluntarily contract their pelvic floor muscles are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Women who have had hysterectomy or oophorectomy, received hormone cancer therapy, have major pelvic organ prolapse, current urinary infection, cognitive or neurological deficits, regular recent exercise, or cannot voluntarily contract pelvic floor muscles were excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce urinary leakage and improve pelvic floor muscle function, offering a non-surgical exercise option.

How similar studies have performed: Pelvic floor muscle training is an established, evidence-backed treatment, while Pilates has been studied for urinary incontinence but prior results remain inconclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being naturally post-menopause (at least one year without menstruating);
* Demonstrate independence to carry out activities of daily living;
* Have a report of urinary loss when performing physical exertion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women who have had hysterectomy or oophorectomy surgery;
* Women who underwent cancer treatment with hormone therapy;
* Present cognitive deficits or neurological diseases;
* Practice any type of physical activity regularly in the last six months; Present inability to hire PFM (Oxford Scale \< 1);
* Report pain or discomfort in the vulva or vagina;
* Present dyspareunia, vaginismus or pelvic organ prolapse greater than grade II in the Baden-Walker classification;
* Present symptoms of urinary infection at the time of evaluation;
* Have participated in previous pelvic floor reeducation programs.

Where this trial is running

Jacarezinho, Paraná

• Laís Campos de Oliveira — Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Laís Campos de Oliveira, PhD — Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná
• Study coordinator: Laís Campos Oliveira, Study Principal Investigator

Conditions Urinary Incontinence , Stress; Post-menopause; Pilates; Muscle training of pelvic floor