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Physiotherapy Treatment for Gynecological Cancer Survivors with Urinary Incontinence

Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Urinary Incontinence
Gynecologic Cancer
Interventions
Other: Physiotherapy
Registration Number
NCT03957434
Lead Sponsor
Université de Sherbrooke
Brief Summary

The aims of this pilot study are to examine the feasibility and to explore the effects of a physiotherapy treatment compared to standard usual care in gynecological cancer survivors with urinary incontinence in preparation of a large randomized controlled study.

Detailed Description

Epidemiological studies demonstrated a growing number of gynecological cancer survivors, and this population is at great risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction after cancer and its treatment. Representing the most prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence affects up to 70% of gynecological cancer survivors. International practice guidelines, in line with available meta-analysis, recommend physiotherapy as a first-line treatment to reduce urinary incontinence. However, there is limited evidence on its effectiveness in gynecological cancer survivors. Considering the current knowledge and the negative impacts of urinary incontinence, there is an urgent need to examine whether this population can benefit from this intervention in a pilot study, to conduct eventually a larger randomized controlled trial. The objectives of the present study are to examine the feasibility and to explore the effects of a physiotherapy treatment compared to standard usual care in gynecological cancer survivors with urinary incontinence. A total of 44 participants will be randomized to receive either physiotherapy or standard usual care (wait-list for physiotherapy). Baseline and post-treatment evaluations will be realized by a physiotherapist.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
44
Inclusion Criteria
  • History of gynecological cancer (endometrial, cervical, vaginal or other parts of the uterus)
  • Scheduled oncological treatments completed
  • Stress or mixed urinary incontinence with a frequency of at least three urinary leakage per
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation in the last year
  • Other conditions interfering with assessment

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy12-weekly physiotherapy treatment sessions.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Adherence ratesBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To determine acceptability by assessing adherence to exercises.

Retention rateBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To determine feasibility by evaluating attrition.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline in pelvic floor muscle morphometryBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To explore changes in pelvic floor muscle function at rest and during contraction (ultrasound).

Change from baseline in symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctionBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To explore changes in pelvic floor symptoms (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form ranging from 0 to 21), a high score represents high pelvic floor symptoms.

Change from baseline in pelvic floor muscle functionBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To explore changes in pelvic floor muscle function at rest and during contraction (dynamometry).

Change from baseline in number of urinary leaksBaseline to 2-week post-treatment

7-day voiding schedule will be used to evaluate the reduction of urinary leakage.

Change from baseline in sexual functionBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To explore changes in sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index ranging from 2 to 36), a low score represents a low sexual function.

Change from baseline in quality of lifeBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To explore changes in quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire ranging from 0 to 100), a high score for a functional scale represents a high / healthy level of functioning, a high score for the global health status / quality of life represents a high quality of life and a high score for a symptom scale / item represents a high level of symptomatology / problems.

Patient's global impression of changeBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To determine patient self-reported improvement (Patient's Global Impression of Change ranging from "very much worse" to "very much improved" on a 7-point scale.

Rate of adverse eventsBaseline to 2-week post-treatment evaluation

To document any adverse events.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke

🇨🇦

Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

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