Actively Recruiting
Investigation of the Effects of Electrical Stimulation Applied to Trunk and Lower Extremity Muscles on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women
Led by Okan University · Updated on 2026-04-28
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the trunk and lower extremity muscles on pelvic floor muscle strength in healthy women aged 18 to 45 years. This study aims to explore whether stimulating these related muscle groups can indirectly improve pelvic floor strength, which can be difficult to activate voluntarily. The research compares three groups to determine the effectiveness of this non-invasive approach in physiotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an EMS plus exercise group, a sham-EMS plus exercise group, or an exercise-only group. All groups will complete a standardized exercise program targeting core and lower limb muscles twice a week for 6 weeks. The EMS groups will wear a special garment with electrodes delivering electrical stimulation synchronized with exercises, while the sham group will receive no therapeutic stimulation to control for placebo effects. During the study, pelvic floor muscle strength will be measured using a digital perineometer at the start and after the 6-week intervention. The same investigator will perform all assessments to ensure consistency. Participants will be monitored for their ability to follow the protocol, and the primary outcome is the change in pelvic floor muscle strength over time, including follow-up at 12 weeks to assess lasting effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Impact of Trunk and Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Females
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Biological female volunteers aged between 18 and 45 years
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m²
- Sedentary or low level of physical activity, not regularly exercising in the last 6 months
- Willingness to participate and signing informed consent
- Mentally and physically able to follow the 12-week exercise and EMS protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- History of pelvic floor or major abdominal surgery
- Pregnant or gave birth within the last 6 months
- Diagnosed neurological disorder affecting muscle control
- Active urinary tract infection or symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse
- Cardiac pacemaker or metal implants in trunk/hip area
- Chronic diseases interfering with exercise (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease)
- Skin lesions, infections, or severe sensitivity where EMS electrodes will be applied
- Use of medications affecting muscle metabolism or neuromuscular system
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants attend a 6-week intervention program with sessions twice weekly involving a standardized exercise protocol. Depending on group assignment, electrical muscle stimulation is applied to trunk and lower extremity muscles synchronized with exercises.
Twice weekly sessions for 6 weeks
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants have pelvic floor muscle strength assessed at mid-intervention and post-intervention time points to evaluate the effects of the treatment.
2 visits (Week 7 and Week 12)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Istanbul Okan University Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34959
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dilara Taskiran, PT
A
Ahmet C Akgol, PhD, PT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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