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Urinary Incontinence (UI)NCT06988683

Posture, Core Stabilization, Respiratory Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Women With Urinary Incontinence

An observational study of Urinary Incontinence (UI), run by Izmir Democracy University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

When the literature was examined, it was observed that there were studies on parameters such as quality of life, pelvic floor muscle strength in women with urinary incontinence, but there were not enough studies on posture, respiratory function, constipation and cough strength. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Urinary Incontinence (UI)
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
How many people
62 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
5 Jan 2024to 24 Jun 2024
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: This study, in which we aimed to evaluate individuals diagnosed with urinary incontinence, was conducted in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital. Individuals diagnosed with UI by an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist were included in the study. Thirty-two volunteer individuals diagnosed with UI who met the inclusion criteria and 30 individuals without urinary incontinence were included in the study.

Who may be able to join

  • Inclusion Criteria for Women with Urinary Incontinence
  • Being diagnosed with urinary incontinence
  • Volunteer to participate in the study
  • To be over 18 years of age
  • To be able to communicate verbally and in written Turkish
  • Inclusion Criteria for Women without Urinary Incontinence
Show all 10Show fewer
  • No symptoms of urinary incontinence
  • Volunteer to participate in the study
  • To be over 18 years of age
  • Establish written and verbal communication in Turkish

Who cannot join

  • The presence of any pathology that may affect pelvic floor function
  • Trauma to the lumbopelvic, abdominal, thoracic or lower extremities within the last six months
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Grade III or higher urogenital prolapse
  • Neurological or psychiatric illness
  • Being pregnant

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Izmir Democracy University

    Izmir, Karabağlar/İzmir, 35140

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation of Posture, Core Stabilization, Respiratory Muscle Strength and Function, and Quality of Life in Women With Urinary Incontinence

When the literature was examined, it was observed that there were studies on parameters such as quality of life, pelvic floor muscle strength in women with urinary incontinence, but there were not enough studies on posture, respiratory function, constipation and cough strength. Therefore, in this study, the researchers aimed to investigate posture, constipation, core muscle stabilisation, respiratory muscle strength and function, cough strength and quality of life of women with urinary incontinence and to compare these parameters with women without urinary incontinence.

Read the detailed description

Urinary incontinence (UI) is involuntary urinary leakage and may lead to social and economic problems. There are different types of UI such as stress type, urge, mixed type. Risk factors include age, gender, genetics, menopause, obesity, labour and surgical history. Posture is the position of the body during movement or posture and can also be defined as muscle balance. Studies have reported that there may be a relationship between UI and respiratory problems and postural motor control disorder. Various methods are used in posture assessment, but there is no study evaluating posture with artificial intelligence in women with UI in the literature.Constipation is a particularly serious risk for the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Severe constipation in women leads to differences in the neural function of the pelvic floor by reducing the neural effect of the external anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Many conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure (IAB) cause the onset or development of UI. Constipation also leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and thus an increase in intra-bladder pressure. Recently, researchers have investigated the relationship between constipation and urinary incontinence, but the results have been inconsistent. Core stabilisation is the ability to regulate the posture and movement of the body over the pelvis. During forced exhalation activities (Valsalva, coughing, laughing, etc.), the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), abdominal muscles and diaphragm work together to increase intra-abdominal pressure and prevent incontinence. The trunk stabilisation muscles work in concert to keep the abdomen and lumbopelvic region stable by regulating intra-abdominal pressure during various activities of daily living. The activity of these muscles alters intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn can affect the activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Cough is associated with urinary incontinence in women by affecting the concerted contraction of thoracic, abdominal and pelvic muscles. Women with chronic cough are 55-63.3% more likely to develop severe UI than women without chronic cough. Chronic cough has been shown to be one of the common risk factors for UI, along with advanced age, high BMI, history of vaginal delivery and surgical interventions. Urinary incontinence is a public health problem that seriously affects women's quality of life and social participation, as well as being common among older women. UI has a negative impact on individuals' sleep, sexual function, work performance and psychosocial aspects. As symptoms increase, quality of life decreases, but women usually realise the effects of UI years later by seeking professional help. When the literature was reviewed, it was observed that there were studies on parameters such as quality of life and pelvic floor muscle strength in women with urinary incontinence, but there were not enough studies on posture, respiratory functions, constipation and coughing strength. Therefore, in this study, the researchers aimed to investigate posture, constipation, core muscle stabilisation, respiratory muscle strength and function, cough strength and quality of life of women with urinary incontinence and to compare these parameters with women without urinary incontinence.

Keywords
Core stabilization, cough force, posture, respiratory muscle strength, urinary incontinence, maximal expiratory pressure
Medical subject headings
Urinary Incontinence

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

Study groups in NCT06988683
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Study Group (Urinary incontinance)The study included 32 volunteer individuals who were diagnosed with urinary Incontinance and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Pad test was applied to evaluate the degree of urinary incontinence of the patients. Posture analyses of the individuals were evaluated with Fizyosoft Becure Mobile Posture Application. Stabiliser Pressure Biofeedback Unit® (BBU) (Chattanooga Medical Suplly Inc, Chattanooga, TN) was used for core muscle stabilisation, Cosmed® Pony FX was used for respiratory muscle strength and functions and ExpiRite Peak Flow Meter (ExpiRite Peak Flow Meter, China) was used for cough strength assessment. Modified Constipation Rating Scale (MCAS), Rome IV Criteria, Bristol Stool Scale (BGS) were used to evaluate constipation, while quality of life and pelvic floor symptoms were evaluated using Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Global Pelvic Floor Discomfort Questionnaire (GPTRA).
Control GroupThe study included 30 asymptomatic volunteers without urinary incontinence without a diagnosis of UI. In this study, demographic information form was used to evaluate the socio-demographic status. Posture analyses of the individuals were evaluated with Fizyosoft Becure Mobile Posture Application. Stabiliser Pressure Biofeedback Unit® (BBU) (Chattanooga Medical Suplly Inc, Chattanooga, TN) was used for core muscle stabilisation, Cosmed® Pony FX was used for respiratory muscle strength and functions and ExpiRite Peak Flow Meter (ExpiRite Peak Flow Meter, China) was used for cough strength assessment. Modified Constipation Rating Scale (MCAS), Rome IV Criteria, Bristol Stool Scale (BGS) were used to evaluate constipation, while quality of life and pelvic floor symptoms were evaluated using Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Global Pelvic Floor Discomfort Questionnaire (GPTRA).

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)

    The MIP which shows respiratory muscle strength will be evaluated using a portable mouth pressure measuring device based on American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society criteria.

    Measured: 1 year

  2. Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)

    The MEP which shows respiratory muscle strength will be evaluated using a portabl mouth pressure measuring device based on American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society criteria.

    Measured: 1 year

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Forced vital capacity (FVC)

    Pulmonary function (Forced vital capacity (FVC)) will be evaluated with a spirometer. In the study, measurements will be made using the Cosmed Omnia microQuark 1.5 (Cosmed, Rome, Italy) device. Considering that dizziness may occur during forced expiration, measurements will be made while individuals are in a sitting position. While participants are sitting in a comfortable position in a chair with a backrest, nose clip will be attached and they will be asked to bite the mouthpieces with their teeth and close their lips in a way that does not allow air to escape. The tests will be performed at least 3 times by the participants and care will be taken to ensure that the expiration time is at least 6 seconds and the plateau time is 1 second. Due to the device software that records all three data, it saves the average of the two best data and processes it as a value.

    Measured: 1 year

  2. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)

    Pulmonary function (Forced expiratory volume in the rst second (FEV1)) will be evaluated with a spirometer.

    Measured: 1 year

  3. FEV1/FVC

    Pulmonary function (FEV1/FVC) will be evaluated with a spirometer.

    Measured: 1 year

  4. Flow rate 25-75% of forced expiratory volume (FEF 25-75%)

    Pulmonary function (Flow rate 25-75% of forced expiratory volume (FEF 25-75%)) will be evaluated with a spirometer.

    Measured: 1 year

  5. Peak flow rate (PEF)

    Pulmonary function (Peak ow rate (PEF)) will be evaluated with a spirometer.

    Measured: 1 year

  6. Posture Assessment

    Posture assessment will be performed using an artificial intelligence based posture analysis package developed by Fizyosoft and Becure.

    Measured: 1 year

  7. Core Stabilization Assessment

    Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit (Chattanooga, USA) will be used for core stabilization assessment. The five-level core stabilization test developed by Sahrmann will be used to assess the participants' core stabilization levels.

    Measured: 1 year

  8. Cough Force Assessment

    Cough force will be measured using a portable peak flow meter (PEF meter) (ExpiRite Peak Flow Meter, China). During the test, participants cough vigorously into the device following a deep inspiration in an upright position. The peak flow rate (PEF) reached is recorded and a disposable mouthpiece is used for each participant. Three measurements are taken and the highest value is taken for analysis, with a 30 second rest period between measurements.

    Measured: 1 year

  9. Modified Constipation Assessment Scale

    This scale was developed by McMillan et al. in 1989 to determine the status and severity of constipation. It is a valid and reliable questionnaire consisting of nine questions and can be used in children and adults. Respondents rate each question as "no problem" (0), "some problem" (1) or "severe problem" (2). The total score ranges from zero (no constipation) to 18 (most severe constipation).

    Measured: 1 year

  10. Rome IV Criteria

    It is a clinical guideline defining the presence of constipation. The Rome IV criteria have been modified with regard to the frequency of abdominal pain, emphasizing the need for more frequent episodes of abdominal pain for diagnosis. At least two of these symptoms must occur at least once a week for a month, without any other underlying medical condition.

    Measured: 1 year

  11. Bristol Stool Scale

    Developed in 1990 by Lewis and Heaton at the University of Bristol, the Bristol Stool Scale (BGS) is a scale that assesses the physical properties and intestinal transit time of stool. Stool is divided into seven types: Types 3, 4 and 5 indicate normal stools; Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation; and Types 6 and 7 indicate diarrhea. Low scores indicate slow and high scores indicate fast intestinal transit.

    Measured: 1 year

  12. Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7)

    UDI-6 and IIQ-7 are short forms that assess the quality of life in urinary incontinence. The UIQ-6 consists of 6 questions including symptoms of urge, stress and emptying and the score is between 0-18. The IIQ-7 consists of 7 questions assessing physical activity, travel, social relationships and emotional health, with a score between 0-21. Higher scores indicate a reduced quality of life.

    Measured: 1 year

  13. Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire

    This questionnaire is a scale that assesses women's pelvic floor symptoms and severity. It covers symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and fecal incontinence. It consists of nine questions; respondents answer "yes/no" and rate severity from 1-5. The total score is 0-100, with a higher score indicating more symptoms.

    Measured: 1 year

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 May 2025
  2. Study start5 Jan 2024
  3. Primary completion30 May 2024
  4. Study completion24 Jun 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrolment
62 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06988683
Sponsor's protocol ID
urinary incontinence
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
15 Jan 2025
Last updated
25 May 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Talasz H, Kofler M, Kalchschmid E, Pretterklieber M, Lechleitner M. Breathing with the pelvic floor? Correlation of pelvic floor muscle function and expiratory flows in healthy young nulliparous women. Int Urogynecol J. 2010 Apr;21(4):475-81. doi: 10.1007/s00192-009-1060-1. Epub 2009 Dec 8.

    PubMed 19997721
  • Stein TA, DeLancey JO. Structure of the perineal membrane in females: gross and microscopic anatomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Mar;111(3):686-93. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318163a9a5.

    PubMed 18310372
  • Steenstrup B, Pelleray M, Cornu JN, Verdun S, Gilliaux M. Neutral posture education during cough can reduce urine leakage in women with cough-related stress urinary incontinence. Prog Urol. 2023 Dec;33(17):1083-1091. doi: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.002. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

    PubMed 37758607
  • Shi ZH, Jonkman A, de Vries H, Jansen D, Ottenheijm C, Girbes A, Spoelstra-de Man A, Zhou JX, Brochard L, Heunks L. Expiratory muscle dysfunction in critically ill patients: towards improved understanding. Intensive Care Med. 2019 Aug;45(8):1061-1071. doi: 10.1007/s00134-019-05664-4. Epub 2019 Jun 24.

    PubMed 31236639
  • Ptaszkowski K, Paprocka-Borowicz M, Slupska L, Bartnicki J, Dymarek R, Rosinczuk J, Heimrath J, Dembowski J, Zdrojowy R. Assessment of bioelectrical activity of synergistic muscles during pelvic floor muscles activation in postmenopausal women with and without stress urinary incontinence: a preliminary observational study. Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Sep 23;10:1521-8. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S89852. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26445533

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Urinary Incontinence (UI), run by Izmir Democracy University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 May 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (time frame: 1 year). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06988683, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 May 2025.

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