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Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women - Conservative Group Treatment Compared to Standard Conservative Treatment.

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Pelvis Pain Chronic
Interventions
Other: Multidisciplinary group treatment
Other: Standard physiotherapy treatment
Registration Number
NCT02356796
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital of North Norway
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary group based treatment compared to standard physiotherapy for women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The hypothesis is that multidisciplinary group based treatment is more effective than standard physiotherapy for women with CPP. The participants will be randomized to one of two treatment arms, and the treatment effect will be evaluated 12 months after start of intervention.

Detailed Description

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common source of pain and reduced quality of life among women throughout the world. CPP is a complex condition, and the understanding of both etiology and effective treatment is limited. The newest/latest clinical guidelines recommend a holistic and multidisciplinary treatment approach to this condition.

In accordance with the guidelines a multidisciplinary group based treatment for women with CPP has been started at the University Hospital of North Norway. The treatment is offered to patients who are considered to benefit from conservative treatment approach.

Method: To investigate the effect of a group based treatment compared to standard conservative treatment by physiotherapists in primary or secondary health care, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted.

Patients who are found eligible and consent to participate in the trial, will be randomized to one of the two treatment options. Data will be registered at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months after start of treatment.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
62
Inclusion Criteria
  • Chronic pelvic pain lasting minimum 6 months
  • Motivated for group intervention
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pelvic pathology that needs medical treatment other than conservative
  • Pregnancy, or labour last 12 months.
  • Abdominal or pelvic surgery the last 6 months
  • Botox injections in pelvic areas last 4 months.
  • Drug addiction or using large dozes of analgesics
  • Serious psychiatric diagnosis. Consent capability is necessary.
  • Not speaking/writing Norwegian language
  • Previously treated by physiotherapist involved in the group intervention in this project

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Multidisciplinary group treatmentMultidisciplinary group treatmentMultidisciplinary group intervention at the University Hospital of North Norway. The group intervention is led by physiotherapists, with contributions from a gynecologist, nutritionist and a peer patient. The treatment consists of active exercises and theory lessons. The focus is to enhance the participants body awareness and to recognize the integration of mental and physical processes. The aim is to create change in patterns that influence the participants health negatively. The treatment lasts one year. The first meeting has a duration of 10 days, then follow-up after 3, 6 and 12 months.
Standard physiotherapy treatmentStandard physiotherapy treatmentStandard treatment in primary or secondary health care physiotherapy. Patients are referred to a physiotherapist with appropriate training/competence, as close to their home as possible.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in pelvic painFrom baseline to 3, 6 and 12 months after start of intervention.

Self reported pelvic pain the last 7 days. The worst, the least and the mean pain are recorded. Each item is scored 0-10 (0=no pain, 10 = pain as bad as can be).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in general health conditionFrom baseline to 3, 6 and 12 months after start of intervention

EQ-5D questionnaire recording mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

Changes in motor functions: posture, movement, gait, sitting posture, respirationFrom baseline to 12 months after start of intervention

A standardized Mensendieck test is used. Motor functions are recorded and evaluated by a trained physiotherapist.

Changes in sexual function concerning pain during intercourseFrom baseline to 12 months after start of intervention

Questionnaire recording sexual desire, orgasm problems and pain during intercourse. Each item is scored "all the time", "almost all the time", "often", "rarely" or "never".

Changes in fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence (UI), obstructed defecationFrom baseline to 12 months

Measured by the standardized St.Marks score, the ICIQ-UI_SF and the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome Score.

Changes in subjective health complaintsFrom baseline to 3, 6 and 12 months after start of intervention

Self reported health complaints last 30 days, using a standardized questionnaire.

Changes in fear of movement,From baseline to 12 months after start of intervention

Measured with Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, a self-completed questionnaire.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University Hospital of North Norway

🇳🇴

Tromso, Troms, Norway

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