ENDOGYM: A Holistic Approach With Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Yoga for Endometriosis Pain Relief

NCT ID: NCT07245537

Last Updated: 2025-11-24

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

82 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-04-01

Study Completion Date

2025-08-31

Brief Summary

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of Yoga practice and pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFP) on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia in endometriosis patients.

This is a retrospective study carried out from April 2024 to November 2024 conducted by University Hospital Modena (Italy). A total of 82 women with confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis were initially enrolled in the ENDOGYM program. Among them, 50 patients (61%) were therefore included in the final analysis. ENDOGYM consists of 12 weekly sessions over a period of 3 months. It includes two PFP sessions, lasting 1 hour each (one at the start and one at the end of the program), and 12 Yoga sessions, once a week, each lasting 60 minutes. EHP-30 questionnaire was used before and after the program to evaluate women's QoL; NRS scale was used before, half-way and after the program to evaluate CPP and dyspareunia.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Endometriosis

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and/or dyspareunia under medical treatment

ENDOGYM consists of 12 weekly sessions over a period of 3 months. It includes two PFP sessions, lasting 1 hour each (one at the start and one at the end of the program), and 12 Yoga sessions, once a week, each lasting 60 minutes. EHP-30 questionnaire was used before and after the program to evaluate women's QoL; NRS scale was used before, half-way and after the program to evaluate CPP and dyspareunia

Yoga

Intervention Type OTHER

The Yoga sessions were designed to address specific physiological needs related to endometriosis, such as CPP, myofascial pain, chronic fatigue, and hormonal imbalance. The asanas were selected to stimulate the nervous system, promote blood circulation, and relax the pelvic muscles. The poses were adapted to avoid any direct pressure on the pelvic organs, fostering a sense of lightness and awareness. Deep breathing techniques were taught to reduce stress and improve tissue oxygenation, with a positive impact on pain management and immune function. The breathing exercises were often hypopressive to reduce the load on the pelvic area. The use of mindfulness was encouraged to increase awareness of bodily sensations, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional balance. The practice was not just "a physical activity" but an opportunity for the participant to deeply connect with her body, promoting an overall improvement in the QoL.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Intervention Type OTHER

During the two one-hour sessions of PFP, various tools were used, such as balls of different textures and a cylindrical cushion provide tactile biofeedback and help identify the boundaries of the perineum. Patients were free to adjust the intensity of the feedback by choosing or removing the appropriate aid. By perceiving the different muscular layers of the perineum and altering the posture of the pelvis and lower limbs, patients learned about perineal movements, muscle activation, and myofascial tensions. The goal was to internalize the therapeutic exercises demonstrated and apply them in various daily life situations to maintain improvements in the perineal-pelvic structures.

Interventions

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Yoga

The Yoga sessions were designed to address specific physiological needs related to endometriosis, such as CPP, myofascial pain, chronic fatigue, and hormonal imbalance. The asanas were selected to stimulate the nervous system, promote blood circulation, and relax the pelvic muscles. The poses were adapted to avoid any direct pressure on the pelvic organs, fostering a sense of lightness and awareness. Deep breathing techniques were taught to reduce stress and improve tissue oxygenation, with a positive impact on pain management and immune function. The breathing exercises were often hypopressive to reduce the load on the pelvic area. The use of mindfulness was encouraged to increase awareness of bodily sensations, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional balance. The practice was not just "a physical activity" but an opportunity for the participant to deeply connect with her body, promoting an overall improvement in the QoL.

Intervention Type OTHER

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

During the two one-hour sessions of PFP, various tools were used, such as balls of different textures and a cylindrical cushion provide tactile biofeedback and help identify the boundaries of the perineum. Patients were free to adjust the intensity of the feedback by choosing or removing the appropriate aid. By perceiving the different muscular layers of the perineum and altering the posture of the pelvis and lower limbs, patients learned about perineal movements, muscle activation, and myofascial tensions. The goal was to internalize the therapeutic exercises demonstrated and apply them in various daily life situations to maintain improvements in the perineal-pelvic structures.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* women with an ultrasound and/or post-operative histological diagnosis of endometriosis
* aged between 18-50 years
* currently undergoing medical treatment (for at least 3 months before the start of the study), and/or who have previously undergone surgical treatment
* with myofascial pain ≥ 7 (NRS scale) and deep dyspareunia ≥ 7 (NRS scale).

Exclusion Criteria

* being pregnant
* undergoing surgery in the past 6 months
* concurrent diagnosis of fibromyalgia
* documented pelvic and/or spine trauma within 5 years of recruitment
* patients with interstitial cystitis and \> 2 urinary tract infections per year, unless possibly related to endometriosis (non-bacterial)
* patients with recurrent vaginal infections, mucocutaneous inflammations of the vulva and vagina.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

50 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Carlo Alboni, MD, PhD

MD

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Carlo Alboni, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

AOU Policlinico di Modena

Locations

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AOU Policlinico di Modena

Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Site Status

Countries

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Italy

References

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Other Identifiers

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511/2024/OSS/AOUMO

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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