Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Pilates Exercises on Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has a prevalence of 52.5% in diabetic male patients, as described in a meta-analysis of 145 studies, including 88,577 men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In men, ED can cause sexual dissatisfaction and distress, unsatisfactory relationships, and marital tension

Laser Therapy and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Stress Urinary Incontinence

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) in addition to high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence. Women with SUI will be randomly assigned to PFMT (Group I), Laser + PFMT (Group II), and placebo laser (Group III). PFMT will be administered twice weekly for 10 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. PFMT will be administered with biofeedback. HFMT will be applied to six points in the perineal region (2 minutes per point). The intensity will be 6W, the energy density will be 120J/cm2, and three sessions will be administered weekly for a total of six sessions. Women included in the study will be evaluated twice, at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, with the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Female Sexual Function Scale-(FSFI), and Global Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (GPTRA).

Training Models in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an exercise approach designed to improve the strength, endurance, power, relaxation, or coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. It is recommended as a first-line treatment for urinary incontinence (stress, urge, mixed), pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Evidence also suggests its potential to enhance sexual function in both men and women. To teach proper pelvic floor contraction, individuals must first learn the anatomical location, structure, and function of these muscles. Various teaching strategies can support motor learning, such as verbal cues (commands or imagery), visual input (anatomical models or illustrations), physical guidance (tactile feedback), and environmental adjustments (comfortable positions, safe space). Yet, the choice of teaching method in clinical practice is currently based only on experience, not evidence. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of four different PFMT teaching models-brochure-based, verbal instruction-based, visual instruction-based, and external palpation-aided-in teaching correct pelvic floor contraction and improving awareness in healthy adult women. It will be conducted as a four-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will be evaluated before the training, immediately after, and one week later. The findings from this study will help identify the most effective and practical approach for teaching PFMT. Although the study is conducted with healthy women without pelvic symptoms, the results will inform better training strategies for individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction, including those with urinary problems, chronic diseases, or pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues. Ultimately, this research seeks to fill a gap in the current literature and contribute to more evidence-based clinical practice.

Evaluation of the Impact of Preoperative Pelvic Floor Exercise on Incontinence After Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: a Feasibility Study.

The purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability and feasibility of including a pelvic floor muscle exercise program into the care provided to patients undergoing prostate enucleation, studying both patients and clinicians perpsectives. A second part of the study will be to compare two groups, one receiving pelvic floor muscle exercise before surgery and and the other receiving the standard treatment, which is surgery. We will evaluate patients' perceptions of integrating physiotherapy sessions before surgery and attempt to identify facilitators and barriers to pelvic floor muscle exercise among both patients and clinicians.

Video-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy

This study is a feasibility, pilot trial of remote, video-based pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) for patients with pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and anorectal dysfunction. PFMT has been shown to improve these symptoms in multiple studies.

Transperineal Ultrasound as a Biofeedback Tool for Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy in Postpartum Patients

Regular and effective pelvic floor muscle exercises after vaginal birth are crucial in reducing the risk of pelvic floor disorders in women. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are generally encouraged by healthcare providers to their patients after birth. However, it is often difficult to confirm whether a patient is performing pelvic floor muscle contractions correctly. A supervised pelvic floor physiotherapy session allows a professional to assess the pelvic floor and give their verbal feedback to patients. However even in this setting, patient's are reliant on the physiotherapist and have no way to assess their own performance. The 'biofeedback approach' allows for the clinician and patient to visually assess and modify their performance and can potentially allow for more effective therapy and better engagement. Transperineal ultrasonography is a widely available, safe and non-invasive biofeedback tool that can used at the bedside in order to assess pelvic floor muscle contractions. Our aim is to assess if using transperineal ultrasound can enhance the ability of postpartum patients to perform effective pelvic floor muscle therapy.