Physiotherapy of the Pelvic Floor in Women With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

Summary

The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor physiotherapy in symptomatic patients affected by deep infiltrating endometriosis, using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound for evaluation of pelvic floor morphometry, NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) for evaluation of symptoms and validated questionnaires investigating intestinal, sexual and urinary functions.

These results will be compared with those obtained from symptomatic patients affected by deep infiltrating endometriosis following the standard care procedure that does not provide pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Conditions

• Endometriosis

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

assessment of symptoms at the first medical examination

assessment of endometriosis related symptoms using NRS (Numerical Rating Scale); intestinal, sexual and urinary functions are evaluated with validated questionnaires (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom Questionnaire (KESS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS)); pelvic floor morphometry at rest, during pelvic floor contraction and during Valsalva manoeuvre is evaluated using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound through the assessment of the levator hiatus area (LHA) at the first medical examination

PROCEDURE

pelvic floor physiotherapy

six individual sessions (weeks 1, 3 , 5, 8, 11 from the randomization) with pelvic floor consciousness exercises with mild contractions and relaxation (ex. 'kegel reverse' exercises); respiratory rate control exercises; extra exercises to perform at home are suggested.

PROCEDURE

standard care protocol

the treatment is the same as usual in our center

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

assessment of symptoms after four months

assessment of endometriosis related symptoms using NRS (Numerical Rating Scale); intestinal, sexual and urinary functions are evaluated with validated questionnaires (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom Questionnaire (KESS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS)); pelvic floor morphometry at rest, during pelvic floor contraction and during Valsalva manoeuvre is evaluated using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound through the assessment of the levator hiatus area (LHA) after four months from the randomization.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-06-15

Primary Completion

2019-09-30

Completion

2019-10-31

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations