Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Traditional Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation to Pilates in Increasing Pelvic Muscles Strength.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Muscle Weakness

• Registration Number: NCT00549458
• Lead Sponsor: Atlantic Health System

Brief Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to determine whether a standardized Pilates exercise program can effectively strengthen pelvic floor muscles when compared with conventional pelvic muscle rehabilitation.

Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem that affects 10-40% of all ambulatory women and pelvic floor muscle training is an effective treatment for this problem. However, its efficacy is proportionate to the effort expended. Even among women who are diligent with pelvic muscle rehabilitation, long term follow-up reveals that benefits are lost in the absence of maintenance exercises.

While this intervention is effective, recent studies demonstrate that long term adherence to treatment is low. As compliance appears to be a prerequisite to achieving sustained benefit, finding a method of pelvic muscle strengthening that better lends itself to long term commitment could prove beneficial.

The currently popular exercise program, known as Pilates (named after founder, Joseph Pilates) consists of a series of low impact, flexibility and muscle toning exercises. The philosophy centers around developing core strength which includes strengthening the pelvic floor. Its use has been described in the US since the 1920s.4 Five million Americans currently participate, as opposed to five thousand ten years ago.5 Given its mainstream popularity, Pilates would be an appealing as a therapeutic modality for women experiencing pelvic muscle weakness. Currently, there are no studies that assess the efficacy of Pilates in increasing pelvic muscle strength.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2006-04
• Study First Submitted: 2007-10-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-10-24
• Study First Posted: 2007-10-25
• Primary Completion: 2008-03
• Study Completion: 2009-03
• Status Verified: 2009-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-09-17
• Last Update Posted: 2009-09-18

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Women 18 yrs or older

Exclusion Criteria

• Pregnancy
• No pelvic organ prolapse beyond the hymenal ring.
• Age or medical condition that make it difficult for patient to tolerate exam or follow verbal instructions.
• Pacemakers
• IUDs
• Vaginal infections or urinary tract infections
• Medical or physical conditions which exclude the proper performance of Pilates.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Increase pelvic floor strength	Over a 12 week period of time

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Office of Urogynecolgy 95 Madison Avenue Suite 204; 🇺🇸 Morristown, New Jersey, United States