CompletedNot Applicable

Physical Therapy Intervention for Pelvic Organ Prolapses

Taiwan28 participantsStarted 2024-08-05

Plain-language summary

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and pessaries are first-line non-surgical conservative treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field (HIFEM) is a noninvasive and painless device, designed to promote muscle strengthening and growth and has become a popular treatment option for urinary incontinence in the field of gynecology. However, HIFEM has not yet been rigorously compared to traditional physical therapy for POP. The objectives of this pilot study are to explore clinical effects of HIFEM on POP symptoms; to compare the effectiveness of HIFEM versus PFMT with biofeedback, and usual care on patient-centered outcomes; and to explore the acceptability of the interventions. This is a prospective, single-center randomized controlled trial with a nested qualitative interview study. Twenty-one women with POP, aged \>20 years, will be recruited and randomly allocated to three groups, 'HIFEM' group, 'Biofeedback' group, and 'Usual care' group.The 'HIFEM' group will be asked to sit straight in the center of an electromagnetic chair and remained fully clothed for 28 minutes. The 'Biofeedback' group will receive PFMT with biofeedback and/or electrostimulation. Both 'HIFEM' and 'Biofeedback' groups will receive the interventions twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants allocated to the 'Usual care' group will receive the lifestyle advice leaflet only. All participants will be assessed for pelvic floor muscle function, symptom severity of POP, occurrence and distress related to pelvic floor dysfunction, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunction at baseline and immediately post-intervention.

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged over 20 years * Prolapse severity of stages 1, 2, or 3 in one or more compartments (anterior vaginal wall, uterine/cervical, vaginal vault, posterior vaginal wall) Exclusion Criteria: * Stage 4 prolapse * Tumor in the pelvic region * A recent surgical procedure (within 6 months) * Metal implants * Severe physical/psychiatric impairments * Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the next 2 months * Severe vaginal atrophy * Vaginal infectious disease * Neurologic disorders * Receiving physical therapy treatments for prolapse or urinary incontinence * Any contraindication listed in the investigational device manual

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

POP Symptom Severity

Timeframe: absolute values at baseline and 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06532292

SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-06

Results submitted2026-04-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pelvic Organ Prolapse trials