Urinary Incontinence
Conditions
Keywords
Training, Physiotherapy, Pelvic floor muscles
Brief summary
A randomized controlled trial pilot study to test the efficacy of a pelvic muscular training intervention led by a physiotherapist on urinary incontinence, quality of life and sexual health in women who report urinary urgency and incontinence following surgery and radiation treatment for gynecological cancer vs. usual care (a 1-page sheet on Kegel exercises).
Interventions
The participants randomized to the pelvic floor muscle training intervention will receive pelvic floor muscle training (0-12 weeks) delivered by a physiotherapist with clinical expertise and training in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. The intervention is 9 individual, one-on-one, 45-minute sessions; weekly for weeks 0-6 and bi-weekly for weeks 7-12 (first session will be 60 minutes). The sessions will provide pelvic floor muscle training based on the latest evidence, including biofeedback, to teach the correct technique for pelvic floor contractions, and participants will be asked to complete daily pelvic floor exercises at home.
The participants randomized to the educational pamphlet intervention (usual care control) will receive a 1-page sheet on pelvic floor muscle training, specifically Kegel exercises, which is equivalent to current standard care. Individuals randomized to this group will be placed on the clinic waiting list and be eligible for treatment following completion of the 12 week (end of study) measures.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
\- treated with surgery and adjuvant treatment, including radiation, for gynecological cancer within the last 3 years
Exclusion criteria
* stage IV cancer or stage III and IV cervical cancer * radiation not part of treatment * known spinal or long bone metastases diagnosis with a neuromuscular disorder that may impact pelvic floor muscle function * urinary incontinence issues prior to cancer diagnosis * scheduled or previous surgical treatment of incontinence * fecal incontinence * body mass index (BMI) \> 35 * use of medications to improve bladder function * unable to complete questionnaires in English or unable to actively participate in physiotherapy treatment provided in English.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary incontinence | 12 weeks | Urinary incontinence, measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI Short Form) and bladder diary |
Countries
Canada