Pelvic floor training with action observation and metaphorical imagery for urinary leakage in older women
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Applied Via Action Observation Method Accompanied by Metaphorical Imagery on Urinary Incontinence in Geriatric Women
Run by Fenerbahce University · NCT07551674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week program will see if pelvic floor muscle exercises done with action observation and metaphor-themed imagery help women 65 and older with stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence reduce leakage, improve quality of life, and stick with the program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fenerbahce University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 27, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07551674 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 65 or older with physician-diagnosed stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, MMSE ≥ 24, literate in Turkish, able to walk independently, and who have not received PFMT in the past 6 months are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People unlikely to benefit include those with fecal incontinence, current genitourinary infection or active UI medication, prior UI surgery or symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, BMI ≥ 25, significant neurological/orthopedic/psychiatric/cardiovascular conditions that preclude exercise, or sensory impairments that prevent participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This intervention enrolls women 65+ living in nursing homes in Istanbul to take part in a 12-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program delivered in small group sessions. All participants follow a progressive twice-weekly 45–50 minute exercise regimen that advances from supine positions to standing and jumping movements. One group performs the same exercises while observing projected action videos and imagining metaphor-themed visuals to enhance motor learning and motivation. Outcomes including urinary symptoms, quality of life, and treatment adherence are measured before and after the intervention to compare effects between groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined PFMT and action observation with metaphorical imagery approach could reduce urinary leakage, improve quality of life, and increase exercise adherence in older women.
How similar studies have gone: Standard pelvic floor muscle training is a proven treatment for stress urinary incontinence, but combining PFMT with action observation and metaphorical imagery is relatively novel and has limited prior clinical evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence by a physician * Women aged 65 years and older * Literate in Turkish to understand, interpret, and answer the questionnaires * Scoring 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) * Able to walk independently without the use of any walking aids (assistive devices) * Having signed the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Received pelvic floor muscle training within the past 6 months * Presence of fecal incontinence * Current genitourinary infection or use of medication for urinary incontinence * History of urinary incontinence surgery or presence of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse * Presence of neurological, orthopedic, psychiatric, hematological, or cardiovascular conditions that would preclude participation in exercise * Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² * Hearing or visual impairments that would negatively affect participation * Presence of hematuria, urethral and/or bladder fistula, or a history of pelvic surgery
Where it's running
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Fenerbahce University Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: ARZU ÖZDİNÇLER, Prof
- Email: arzu.ozdincler@fbu.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 216 910 1907
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.