A 4-Week Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Program in Female Medical Students: Knowledge and Ultrasound Assessment

N/ACompletedNCT07742072

Medical University of Gdansk49 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-week pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training program using different activation strategies on pelvic floor muscle function in healthy women. An additional objective was to assess participants' knowledge of pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function, and voluntary activation. Healthy female medical students were assigned to one of three training groups: a breathing exercise group, an isolated pelvic floor muscle contraction group, or a combined pelvic floor muscle contraction with breathing group. The training program lasted four weeks. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed before and after the intervention using transabdominal ultrasound imaging. Prior to the intervention, participants completed an author-developed questionnaire assessing their knowledge of pelvic floor muscles.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pelvic Floor Disorder Pelvic Floor Awareness Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness

Interventions

Breathing exercisesBEHAVIORAL

Participants performed breathing exercises for four weeks. The training focused on diaphragmatic breathing and improving coordination between respiratory patterns and pelvic floor muscle function. Participants received instructions on proper breathing technique and performed exercises regularly according to the study protocol.

Pelvic floor muscle contraction trainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants performed isolated voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions for four weeks. The training focused on conscious activation and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Participants received instructions on correct pelvic floor muscle contraction technique and performed exercises regularly according to the study protocol.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 28 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * female aged 18-28 years * student status * no history of injuries or surgeries involving the pelvis or lower urinary tract * no previous pregnancies or childbirths * no pelvic disorders or conditions (e.g., endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent bladder infections, kidney stones) * no active infection * no inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract * no diseases or disorders of the respiratory system Exclusion Criteria: * previous therapy with a urogynecological physiotherapist * pregnancy or history of childbirth * history of surgery involving the pelvis, lower urinary tract, spine, or abdominal cavity * pelvic diseases and disorders * ongoing infections or inflammatory conditions * lack of consent to participate in the study * cancer * inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract * age below 18 or above 28 years * active smoking of cigarettes or e-cigarettes * diseases and disorders of the respiratory system

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in pelvic floor muscle function assessed by transabdominal ultrasound

Change in pelvic floor muscle function after a four-week pelvic floor muscle training program, assessed using transabdominal ultrasound imaging. The assessment was performed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle activation.

Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention