The Effect of DNS-Based Training Combined With PFMT on LUTS and Pelvic Floor Functions in Women With MS

NCT ID: NCT07166809

Last Updated: 2025-09-10

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 24 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-09-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-08-27

Brief Summary

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether adding Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)-based training to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) can improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and pelvic floor functions in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), aged 28-54 years.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does DNS combined with PFMT improve lower urinary tract symptoms more effectively than PFMT alone?

Does DNS combined with PFMT enhance pelvic floor muscle function more effectively than PFMT alone?

Researchers will compare PFMT alone versus PFMT combined with DNS-based stabilization exercises to see if DNS provides additional benefits.

Participants will:

Perform an 8-week remotely monitored Pelvic Floor Muscle Training program.

In the DNS+PFMT group, complete supervised Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises three times a week.

Undergo assessments including:

Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire and uroflowmetry for objective evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms,

International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form,

Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (8-item version),

Vaginal palpation using the PERFECT (Power, Endurance, Repetitions, Fast contractions, Every Contraction Timed) scheme,

Electromyography (muscle electrical activity measurement) for pelvic floor muscles,

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diaphragm function evaluation.

Conditions

Women With Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Lower Urinary Track Symptoms; Pelvic Floor Disorder

Study Design

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

Study Groups

PFMT

Participants in the PFMT group received only an 8-week remotely monitored pelvic floor muscle training program without additional DNS-based exercises.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

Intervention Type: OTHER

A structured pelvic floor muscle training program delivered remotely for 8 weeks, including exercises designed to strengthen and improve the endurance, coordination, and control of the pelvic floor muscles.

PFMT+DNS

Participants in the PFMT+DNS group received the same 8-week remotely monitored pelvic floor muscle training program, in addition to supervised Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises three times per week.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

Intervention Type: OTHER

A structured pelvic floor muscle training program delivered remotely for 8 weeks, including exercises designed to strengthen and improve the endurance, coordination, and control of the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training combined with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (PFMT+DNS)

Intervention Type: OTHER

Participants received the same 8-week remotely monitored pelvic floor muscle training program as the PFMT group, in addition to supervised Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises three times per week. DNS exercises aimed to enhance core stability, postural control, and coordination to support pelvic floor muscle function.

Interventions

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

A structured pelvic floor muscle training program delivered remotely for 8 weeks, including exercises designed to strengthen and improve the endurance, coordination, and control of the pelvic floor muscles.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training combined with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (PFMT+DNS)

Participants received the same 8-week remotely monitored pelvic floor muscle training program as the PFMT group, in addition to supervised Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises three times per week. DNS exercises aimed to enhance core stability, postural control, and coordination to support pelvic floor muscle function.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

PFMT; PFMT+DNS

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged 18-65 years
• Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score below 6
• Pelvic floor muscle strength greater than grade 1 according to the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS)
• No pelvic floor muscle training received in the previous six months

Exclusion Criteria

• Multiple sclerosis relapse within the past month
• Pregnant or within six months postpartum
• Diagnosis of urinary tract infection
• Any medical condition that could interfere with participation

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 65 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

OTHER

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Ondokuz Mayıs University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Seda Kilic

Lecturer

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

SEDA KILIC, DR.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Locations

Ondokuz Mayis Üniversitesi

Samsun, Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

2022/554

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id