Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

Using intravaginal devices to help female runners with urinary incontinence

Official title: Do Intravaginal Devices Reduce or Eliminate Exercise Induced Urinary Incontinence in Female Runners?

Run by University of Ottawa · NCT05773378 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether using intravaginal devices like pessaries and tampons can help female runners who experience urine leakage while exercising.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Ottawa
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 14, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2025
Study endsSeptember 1, 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 17, 2024
Trial IDNCT05773378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are females aged 18 and over who run at least twice a week and experience urine leakage while running.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have a history of urogenital surgery, neurological disorders, or are currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intravaginal devices, specifically pessaries and tampons, in reducing urinary incontinence (UI) among female runners. It aims to address the significant issue of UI that affects many women during physical activity, particularly running, which can lead to decreased participation in exercise and negatively impact their quality of life. The study will involve female participants who regularly experience urine leakage while running and will assess the impact of these devices on their symptoms. By focusing on a specific population of active women, the research seeks to provide targeted solutions for managing UI during high-impact activities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide female runners with effective tools to manage urinary incontinence, allowing them to maintain their physical activity and improve their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While there is existing evidence for the use of pelvic floor muscle training and pessaries in general populations, this specific approach targeting female runners is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Females aged 18 years and over who run at least twice a week for a minimum of 10K/week (minimum speed of 6 km/h to ensure high impact), who have done so for at least 6 months (to ensure adequate duration of exposure), and who commit to continue the same amount during the study period
* Who regularly (≥ 1 per week) experience urine leakage while running.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any risk factors related to exercise;
* Pain or musculoskeletal injury at the time of the screening;
* History of urogenital surgery;
* Symptoms of the female athlete triad;
* Have a known neurologic disorder (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis);
* Pregnancy or partum within the previous year;

For the in-lab assessment:

* Ability to run with a moderately full bladder for 38 minutes on a treadmill
* BMI ≥ 30
* Pelvic organ prolapse ≥ 2

Where it's running

  • McLean Function Measurement Lab
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.