The feasibility and acceptability of a somatosensory rehabilitation program and an educational pain management program will be investigated in women with provoked vestibulodynia. Forty-four women will be randomized into the two groups. The secondary objective is to explore the effects of the somatosensory rehabilitation program compared to the pain management program. Each participant will receive 12 weekly sessions with a physiotherapist. The somatosensory rehabilitation program includes minimizing contact with the painful zone of the vulva and uses repeated tactile stimulation at a tolerated distance, proximal to the vulva. The pain management program includes teaching participants about vulvar hygiene, chronic pain mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and approaches to reduce skin irritations in painful regions. Participants in both groups will also receive advice on sexual function and steps toward resuming sexual activities with vaginal penetration. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes will be assessed and analyzed using descriptive statistics for the adherence rates to treatment sessions and home exercises, the recruitment rate, retention rate, satisfaction, and adverse effects. The results will be compared to predetermined thresholds to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a future clinical trial. Secondary measures will be assessed at baseline, two weeks after the treatment, and at three months follow-up. These outcomes will be assessed using validated questionnaires (pain, sexual function, global impression of change, psychological variables, quality of life) as well as evaluations of tactile and pressure sensitivity in vulvar regions using monofilaments, a 2-point aesthesiometer and an algometer. Linear mixed models for repeated measurements (2 groups, 3 measurement times) will be used to explore the treatment effects and will contribute to determining the feasibility of a future clinical trial. Hypothesis and expected results: It is expected that both programs will meet the pre-determined criteria for acceptability and feasibility in women with provoked vestibulodynia. This study will provide guidance for a future randomized clinical trial.
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Adherence rate to home exercises
Timeframe: From first to last session (baseline to 12th week)
Patients' adherence rate to treatment sessions
Timeframe: From first to last session (baseline to 12th week)
Adherence rate to assessment sessions
Timeframe: Baseline to 3 months post-treatment evaluation
Retention rate
Timeframe: Baseline to 3 months post-treatment evaluation
Recruitment rate
Timeframe: At baseline only (during the recruitement period)
Therapists treatment adherence
Timeframe: From first to last session (baseline to 12th week)