Training Models in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise, Healthy Adult Women, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07099170

Run by

Izmir University of Economics

People needed

60

Starts

2025-08-04

Expected to finish

2026-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-27

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18 years or older
• Female
• Willingness to participate in the study

You may not qualify if…

• Pregnancy
• History of cesarean or vaginal delivery within the past 6 months
• Previous pelvic floor muscle training
• History of pelvic surgery
• Currently receiving or having received treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

Where it is running

• Izmir University of Economics — Izmir, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.