Actively Recruiting
National Program to Overcome Pelvic Pain studY (POPPY) comparing pelvic floor yoga and physical conditioning for chronic pelvic pain in women
Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2026-03-06
220
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
N
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two fully remote, videoconference-based programs for women experiencing chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This randomized, parallel-group, investigator-blinded trial compares a pelvic floor yoga program with a physical conditioning program to understand which approach may better reduce pelvic pain and improve related symptoms. Participants will join either an 8-week pelvic floor yoga program or an 8-week physical conditioning program, both delivered as group classes twice weekly via Zoom. Each class lasts 75 minutes and includes 6-10 participants led by trained instructors. After the initial 8 weeks, optional once-weekly 75-minute group classes continue for another 8 weeks to support maintenance. During the study, women will report their pelvic pain intensity using numerical rating scales and complete questionnaires measuring psychological impact, sexual function, pain interference, stress, and sleep quality. These assessments occur over the 4-month intervention period, covering both instruction and maintenance phases. The research team will monitor these outcomes to compare the two programs' effects on chronic pelvic pain and related quality of life.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
National Program to Overcome Pelvic Pain studY (POPPY)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women (including those assigned female at birth who identify as women or non-binary) aged 18 years or older
- Have chronic or recurrent pelvic pain lasting at least 6 months
- Report at least moderate pain intensity based on screening logs
- Have had a clinical evaluation of pelvic pain including a superficial pelvic exam
- Willing to avoid starting new treatments that may affect pain during the study period
You will not qualify if you...
- Pelvic pain only during menstruation or sexual intercourse, without pain at other times
- Participation in yoga or muscle strengthening classes (like Pilates) in past 4 weeks or prior pelvic pain yoga therapy
- Lack of access to broadband internet or a Zoom-compatible device with a screen of at least 7 inches (device loans may be available)
- Currently pregnant, recently pregnant within 12 weeks, or planning pregnancy during the study
- Diagnosed with a reversible pelvic pain cause needing other treatments (e.g., infection, dermatosis)
- Recent or upcoming surgery or radiation to pelvic/genital area within 12 weeks
- Recent changes (within 4 weeks) in medications affecting pelvic pain, except stable doses
- Use or planned use of psychological therapies for pelvic pain within 4 weeks
- Unable to walk up stairs or 2 blocks or stand up from lying down without help
- Participation in conflicting interventional studies or scheduling conflicts
- Inability to understand consent or complete study forms
- Serious physical or mental conditions interfering with participation (e.g., advanced dementia, uncontrolled substance use, life expectancy under 6 months)
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 screening and enrollment visit (in-person or virtual)
Duration - Up to 4 months (8-week instruction period plus 8-week maintenance period)
Participants attend twice-weekly 75-minute group classes for 8 weeks, either pelvic floor yoga or physical conditioning, delivered via secure Zoom videoconference. Following this instruction period, optional once-weekly 75-minute drop-in group classes are offered for an additional 8 weeks to maintain the intervention.
Twice-weekly classes for 8 weeks, then optional once-weekly classes for 8 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States, 94115
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alison Huang, MD, MAS, MPhil
C
Carolyn Gibson, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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