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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 14, 2023 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05773378 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
- Principal investigator: Linda McLean — University of Ottawa
- Study coordinator: Linda McLean
- Email: lmclea2@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 613-562-5800
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Urinary incontinence in older adults: how leakage and bladder residuals relate to frailty
This study tests whether the severity of urinary leakage and leftover urine after voiding are linked to frailty and other geriatric outcomes in older adults visiting a urology clinic.
-
Compare two pelvic floor stimulation devices to see which helps with urinary incontinence in women
We’re testing if electromagnetic chair therapy can help women with mixed urinary incontinence as well as standard electrostimulation with biofeedback.
-
Educational video before urodynamic testing to see if it lowers anxiety
This study tests whether watching a short educational video before urodynamics helps reduce anxiety for women undergoing the test.
-
Improving Uroflowmetry: Do Pre-Procedure Reminders Help Women Undergoing Urodynamics
This study tests whether sending reminder calls before a urodynamics test helps women with pelvic floor disorders feel more prepared and less anxious, and whether it makes the procedure go more smoothly.
-
Rehabilitation and Sex Therapy to Improve Recovery After Prostate Cancer Treatment
This study tests whether adding telehealth sex therapy to pelvic floor physical therapy helps men recover sexual function after prostate cancer treatment.
-
Multimodal approach to reduce urinary incontinence in young female athletes
A multimodal program combining pelvic health education and core stability training is tested to see if it reduces urinary incontinence in young nulliparous female athletes.
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.