Effects of Action Observation and Metaphorical Imagery in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Geriatric Urinary Incontinence

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Urinary Continence

In brief

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 12-week Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) program applied via Action Observation Therapy (AOT) with metaphorical imagery on urinary incontinence, quality of life, and treatment adherence in geriatric women. The study will be conducted between June 2025 and June 2026 in nursing homes in Istanbul, targeting women aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, possess normal cognitive function (Standardized Mini Mental Test score ≥ 24), and walk independently. Eligible participants will be divided into groups, where both will undergo a progressive exercise regimen involving twice-weekly 45-50 minute group sessions that advance from supine positions to standing and jumping movements. However, the AOT study group will uniquely perform these exercises while observing and imagining projected metaphor-themed visuals to enhance motor learning and motivation. Efficacy will be evaluated pre- and post-intervention using various standardized tools, including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, a 24-hour pad test, the Incontinence Severity Index, the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3, and the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, to comprehensively assess improvements in incontinence severity, functional status, and overall well-being.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07551674
Run by: Fenerbahce University
People needed: 40
Starts: 2025-03-19
Expected to finish: 2026-09-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-05-11

Who can join

Age: 65 and older, up to 80. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Diagnosed with stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence by a physician
Women aged 65 years and older
Literate in Turkish to understand, interpret, and answer the questionnaires
Scoring 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Able to walk independently without the use of any walking aids (assistive devices)
Having signed the informed consent form

You may not qualify if…

Received pelvic floor muscle training within the past 6 months
Presence of fecal incontinence
Current genitourinary infection or use of medication for urinary incontinence
History of urinary incontinence surgery or presence of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse
Presence of neurological, orthopedic, psychiatric, hematological, or cardiovascular conditions that would preclude participation in exercise
Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m²
Hearing or visual impairments that would negatively affect participation
Presence of hematuria, urethral and/or bladder fistula, or a history of pelvic surgery

Where it is running

Fenerbahce University Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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