Biofeedback-Assisted Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to Improve Radiation-Induced Sexual and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Cervical Cancer Survivors A Randomized Controlled Treatment Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training compared to conventional pelvic floor muscle training for treating sexual dysfunction caused by radiation in cervical cancer survivors. This study focuses on women who have undergone pelvic radiotherapy and experience complications such as pain during sex, reduced vaginal lubrication, and pelvic pain. It aims to provide high-quality evidence on whether adding biofeedback enhances pelvic floor rehabilitation outcomes in this specific cancer survivor group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for 8 weeks. One group will receive supervised biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation three times a week, including exercises with an intravaginal electromyographic probe providing real-time visual and auditory feedback. Sessions last 45-60 minutes and include muscle training, coordination, breathing, relaxation, stretching, and a home exercise program. The other group will receive supervised conventional pelvic floor muscle training without biofeedback but with similar exercise frequency, lifestyle advice, vaginal care, and a home program. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, after 8 weeks, and at a 3-month follow-up. These include the Female Sexual Function Index to measure sexual function, pelvic floor electromyographic activity to assess muscle performance, and anxiety and depression scales. Researchers will monitor treatment progress and safety throughout. The total participation involves supervised sessions and home exercises over 8 weeks with follow-up evaluations to measure both subjective and objective treatment effects.

Biofeedback-Assisted Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for Radiation-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Cervical Cancer Survivors