Pelvic floor muscle training for women with myotonic dystrophy

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence in Women with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: a Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Not applicable Interventional Université de Sherbrooke · NCT06316778

This study is testing if pelvic floor muscle training can help women with myotonic dystrophy who have trouble with urinary incontinence feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jonquière, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT06316778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and effects of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training in women diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) who experience urinary incontinence. The intervention aims to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may alleviate urinary incontinence symptoms that are common in this population. A quasi-experimental design will be employed, involving 12 women with confirmed DM1 and varying types of urinary incontinence. The study seeks to determine both the acceptability of the training and its potential benefits for improving urinary function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women with a confirmed diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 who experience urinary incontinence.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or have significant medical conditions affecting urinary incontinence may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce or eliminate urinary incontinence in women with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

How similar studies have performed: While pelvic floor muscle training has shown effectiveness in the general population, this specific application in myotonic dystrophy type 1 is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* confirmed medical diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) with adult phenotype
* symptoms of stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence
* able to give a free and informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* being pregnant, have given birth by vaginal delivery in the last year or plan to become pregnant in the next six months
* present post-void residual urine ≥ 150 ml
* have medical conditions that may have an impact on the symptoms of urinary incontinence and the response to treatments
* present fecal incontinence (≥ 1/week) or significant prolapse (beyond the hymen)
* have already received physiotherapy treatments in pelvic floor rehabilitation or surgery on the perineum
* have a defibrillator, pacemaker or bladder stimulator

Where this trial is running

Jonquière, Quebec

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 Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1Urinary IncontinenceNeuromuscular diseasePhysiotherapyExercisesUrinary incontinence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.