Movement-Based Pelvic Health Education for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

(PHEd Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Disqualifiers: Pelvic pain, Pregnancy without clearance

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single session of movement-based pelvic health education in helping women understand and adhere to pelvic floor exercises. It focuses on women in underserved areas of Western Arkansas who may have underactive or overactive pelvic floors. Women aged 18 or older, who identify as female, and can speak English or have a translator, are suitable candidates, especially if they have internet access and can complete questionnaires. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance pelvic health education for women in similar communities.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.

What prior data suggests that this movement-based pelvic health education is safe?

Research shows that movement-based pelvic health education is generally safe for participants. Studies on similar programs have found improvements in the quality of life for women with pelvic floor issues, such as stress urinary incontinence. These programs teach exercises to strengthen and relax pelvic muscles, aiding bladder control and reducing pelvic pain.

No reports of serious side effects have emerged from these educational sessions. The focus remains on education and exercise, which most people manage well. Since this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, safety is not a major concern for this type of program. The main goal is to assess how well the program helps people. Overall, this approach involves learning and practicing exercises in a safe environment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Movement-based pelvic health education is unique because it takes a proactive, physical approach to addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, unlike the typical treatments like medication or surgery. Researchers are excited about this method as it empowers individuals to actively engage in their recovery through targeted movement and education, which could lead to improved long-term outcomes and self-management. This approach is non-invasive and emphasizes body awareness and control, offering a promising alternative for those seeking a more holistic and less intrusive solution.

What evidence suggests that movement-based pelvic health education is effective for pelvic floor dysfunction?

Research has shown that learning about pelvic health through movement can improve pelvic floor health. A review of studies found that these programs enhance bladder, bowel, vaginal, and sexual function, as well as mental well-being and overall quality of life. In a small trial, participants with pelvic floor pain experienced relief from urinary symptoms after engaging in movement-focused physical therapy. Women who joined group education programs reported long-lasting benefits for pelvic floor issues. These findings suggest that learning through movement can effectively improve pelvic health. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women over 18 in underserved communities who have internet access and can understand English or bring a translator. They should be able to fill out questionnaires and, if pregnant, need doctor's approval to join. It's not for those with pelvic pain without this clearance.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to complete the questionnaires

Clearance from physician if pregnant

I identify as female.

Exclusion Criteria

Experiencing pelvic pain and/or pregnant and does not have physician clearance to participate

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Education Session

Participants attend a single movement-based pelvic health education session

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for knowledge acquisition and exercise adherence after the education session

4 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Movement-based pelvic health education

Trial Overview The study tests a single session of movement-based pelvic health education designed to improve knowledge and adherence to exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles among women in Western Arkansas.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Women in the Community Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Movement-Based pelvic health education

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Lead Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

1,200+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-pelvic-floor-muscle-weakness-2022-fc9bb

Movement-Based Pelvic Health Education for Pelvic Floor ... The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a single movement-based pelvic health education session on general pelvic health knowledge, ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39875627/

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle and Education-based ... This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence regarding their effectiveness on bladder, bowel, vaginal, sexual, psychological function, quality of life, ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10174754/

A pilot trial of movement-based pelvic floor physical ... In this pilot trial, participants with pelvic floor myofascial pain demonstrated an improvement in their LUTS after movement-based PT.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955321000539

Women report sustained benefits from attending group ... This study aimed to explore the perspectives of women participating in a group education program about the pelvic floor and PFD.

5. bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-024-03475-4

Clinical outcomes of a digital musculoskeletal women's pelvic ... This longitudinal, observational study of a digital women's pelvic health program examined pelvic pain, anxiety, and depression at 4 and 12 weeks.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10301414/

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Quality ... This study confirmed the effectiveness of PFMT on the QoL in women with UI, mainly for patients with stress urinary incontinence.

7. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/heapro/article/39/6/daae180/7918035

Increasing access to pelvic health education for women in ... The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a single virtual movement-based pelvic health education session on women's pelvic health ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1083318815003174

A Pelvic Health Curriculum in School Settings: The Effect ... Pelvic health education that effectively delivers information regarding pelvic anatomy, muscle and organ function can improve knowledge about pelvic “life ...

9. urology.stanford.edu urology.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/urology/JJimages/publications/Pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-pelvic-floor-dysfunction-in-women.pdf

Pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of pelvic floor ... PFPT is a program of functional retraining to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, power, and relaxation in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.