Comparative Effects of Kegel Versus Clamshell Exercises on Low Back Pain in Women With Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Clinical Trial

NCT ID: NCT07094633

Last Updated: 2025-07-30

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 30 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-02-14
• Study Completion Date: 2025-05-30

Brief Summary

Uterine fibroids represent a significant health concern for many women of reproductive age. Common symptoms include a tilted pelvis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and lower back pain (LBP). Nonspecific LBP is particularly prevalent among individuals aged 30 to 50 years, and it is one of the major symptoms experienced by women with uterine fibroids. Exercise therapy has been shown to be an effective approach for managing this condition. In particular, Kegel exercises and Clamshell exercises have emerged as promising options. Kegel exercises primarily focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, while Clamshell exercises target the pelvic region and play a vital role in alleviating LBP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kegel exercises and Clamshell exercises in reducing lower back pain in women with uterine fibroids.

Conditions

Low Back Pain; Uterine Fibroids (UF)

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Kegel Exercise Group

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Kegel Exercise Group

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

The patient was positioned in a supine lying position, with the therapist standing beside them for guidance. They were instructed to engage and contract their pelvic floor muscles for 3 to 5 seconds, followed by a relaxation phase of 3 to 5 seconds.

Clamshell Exercise Group

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Clamshell Exercise Group

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

The patient was positioned in a side-lying posture with both knees flexed at 90 degrees. One hand was placed on the hip for stability, while the other supported the head. The therapist, standing nearby, instructed the patient to lift the top knee as high as comfortably possible while keeping the feet together. The position was held for 3 to 5 seconds, after which the knee was slowly lowered back to the starting position.

Interventions

Kegel Exercise Group

The patient was positioned in a supine lying position, with the therapist standing beside them for guidance. They were instructed to engage and contract their pelvic floor muscles for 3 to 5 seconds, followed by a relaxation phase of 3 to 5 seconds.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Clamshell Exercise Group

The patient was positioned in a side-lying posture with both knees flexed at 90 degrees. One hand was placed on the hip for stability, while the other supported the head. The therapist, standing nearby, instructed the patient to lift the top knee as high as comfortably possible while keeping the feet together. The position was held for 3 to 5 seconds, after which the knee was slowly lowered back to the starting position.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 30-50 years
• Chronic low back pain for the last 6 months
• History of dysmenorrhea
• Able to perform exercise independently
• Not undergoing other treatments for treating LBP
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• History of any surgery or trauma in last 3 months
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Any neurological issue
• History of any form of cancer
• History of recent abortion in the previous 3 months
• Cardiac or renal diseases that affect the exercise participation of the patient

• Minimum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Faisalabad

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Dr Izza Ayub; PT

Dr Izza Ayub; PT

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, , Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Other Identifiers

TUF/PB/34/1027/34

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id