Comparison of Training Models in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Healthy Adult Women

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an exercise approach designed to improve the strength, endurance, power, relaxation, or coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. It is recommended as a first-line treatment for urinary incontinence (stress, urge, mixed), pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Evidence also suggests its potential to enhance sexual function in both men and women. To teach proper pelvic floor contraction, individuals must first learn the anatomical location, structure, and function of these muscles. Various teaching strategies can support motor learning, such as verbal cues (commands or imagery), visual input (anatomical models or illustrations), physical guidance (tactile feedback), and environmental adjustments (comfortable positions, safe space). Yet, the choice of teaching method in clinical practice is currently based only on experience, not evidence. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of four different PFMT teaching models-brochure-based, verbal instruction-based, visual instruction-based, and external palpation-aided-in teaching correct pelvic floor contraction and improving awareness in healthy adult women. It will be conducted as a four-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will be evaluated before the training, immediately after, and one week later. The findings from this study will help identify the most effective and practical approach for teaching PFMT. Although the study is conducted with healthy women without pelvic symptoms, the results will inform better training strategies for individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction, including those with urinary problems, chronic diseases, or pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues. Ultimately, this research seeks to fill a gap in the current literature and contribute to more evidence-based clinical practice.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• Age 18 years or older

• Female

• Willingness to participate in the study

Locations
Other Locations
Turkey
Izmir University of Economics
RECRUITING
Izmir
Contact Information
Primary
Ipek Yavas, MSc, PT, Lecturer
ipekkyavas@gmail.com
+90-555-875-9645
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-08-04
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-11-07
Participants
Target number of participants: 60
Treatments
Experimental: Brochure-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Experimental: Verbal Instruction-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Experimental: Visual-Aided Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Experimental: External Palpation-Aided Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Sponsors
Collaborators: Dokuz Eylul University
Leads: Izmir University of Economics

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov