Effects of Hypopressive Exercises on Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
The Effects of Hypopressive Exercises on Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bartın Unıversity
30 participants
Jun 1, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of hypopressive exercises on urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction in men following radical prostatectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving home-based pelvic floor muscle exercises and an experimental group receiving both pelvic floor muscle exercises and supervised hypopressive exercises twice per week. The study aims to determine whether the addition of hypopressive techniques, which target coordinated activation of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles without increasing intra-abdominal pressure, offers greater improvements in urinary and sexual function. Primary outcomes include pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance, while secondary outcomes include urinary incontinence severity, erectile function, and quality of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria8
- Male individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy
- Experiencing both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction
- Age \> 55 years
- A score of 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
- Literate (able to read and write)
- Willingness to participate in the study (signed informed consent)
- Ability to voluntarily contract pelvic floor muscles
- Ability to cooperate with the assessments and interventions used in the study
Exclusion Criteria8
- History of urinary incontinence before surgery
- Congenital abnormalities of the urinary system
- Presence of neurological disorders
- History of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or chronic restrictive pulmonary disease
- History of inguinal hernia
- Previous or current history of radiation therapy
- Surgical or postoperative complications that prevent early physiotherapy intervention (e.g., urinary tract infection, bladder neck stenosis)
Interventions
Participants in the control group will receive an individualized home-based pelvic floor muscle exercise program. Exercises will be performed once daily for 8 weeks, focusing on voluntary pelvic floor contractions in various positions (supine, sitting, standing). Participants will receive initial training and written instructions from a physiotherapist, and will be contacted weekly to monitor adherence.
Participants in the experimental group will attend supervised hypopressive exercise sessions twice per week for 8 weeks. These sessions involve specific postural sequences combined with breathing and apnea techniques aimed at reducing intra-abdominal pressure while activating pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Sessions will be led by a physiotherapist and adapted based on individual performance and posture tolerance.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07101731