Rugby-tailored pelvic floor training to reduce urinary leakage in women rugby players

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, two-arm trial will compare a remotely supervised rugby-tailored pelvic floor muscle training program against usual rugby training in 48 female rugby players aged 18 to 45 with self-reported urinary leakage. The intervention combines pelvic floor contractions, breathing and posture coordination, the Knack technique, progressive functional exercises, and rugby-specific tasks, delivered by certified pelvic health physiotherapists and sport scientists. Assessments at baseline and after the intervention will measure urinary incontinence severity and neuromuscular performance, alongside self-reported pelvic floor outcomes. Allocation is 1:1 with concealed randomization, and control participants are offered the program materials after post-intervention assessment. This study examines whether sport-specific pelvic floor training can improve participation, confidence, and performance in women athletes exposed to high-impact rugby demands.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female rugby player aged 18 to 45 years.
* Competing at professional or semi-professional level.
* Currently participating in an active rugby training and competition schedule.
* Self-reported urinary leakage during the previous four weeks, an ICIQ-UI SF total score ≥3, and reported leakage during physical activity/exercise, coughing or sneezing on the self-diagnostic item.
* Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant at the time of enrolment.
* Childbirth within the previous 12 months.
* Previous pelvic surgery.
* Significant musculoskeletal injury during the previous 6 months, defined as any injury that prevented full participation in rugby training or competition for ≥7 consecutive days, or that could compromise the safe completion of study assessments.

Where it's running

• Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada
  Granada, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Javier Courel-Ibáñez, PhD
• Email: courel@ugr.es
• Phone: +34952 69 87 00

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.