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Urinary Incontinence,StressNCT06848517

Synchronous and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation for Women With Urinary Incontinence

A study testing BSATP Group and FtFS Group in people with Urinary Incontinence,Stress, run by University of Patras at 1 site in Greece.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

In the adult female Greek population,approximately 27% suffer from urinary incontinence (UI). Nowadays, the conservative, evidence-based and 'gold standard' therapy of UI involves pelvic floor muscles (PFM) training programs, which are effective when performed intensively (daily) and for at least three months'… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Urinary Incontinence,Stress
What is being tested?
BSATP Group and FtFS Group
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteGreece
Study dates
15 Feb 2025to 30 May 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Greek women,
  • 18-75 years old,
  • Diagnosis of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Mixed UI (via Urodynamic examination).
  • Writing and reading of the Greek language
  • Having ease in using synchronous communication platforms (e.g., Zoom) and asynchronous educational videos via smart phones, tablets, computers etc
  • Able to voluntarily contract the PFM, during the initial clinical examination.

Who cannot join

  • 6 months after postpartum,
  • Systemic diseases
  • Malignancy,
  • Major gynecological surgery (i.e. total hysterectomy) over the last 10 years,
  • Neurological dysfunction,
  • Mental impairment

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Evdokia Billis, Professor contact

6973047170

billis@upatras.gr

Greece1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Patras, School of Health Rehabilitation Science, Department of Physiotherapy

    Pátrai, Rion, Achaia, GR26504

    Evdokia Billis, Professor, +302610962406 ext. +30, billis@upatras.gr

    Professor

    Recruiting

Other trials in Greece

About this study

Official title: The Effectiveness of a Blended Synchronous and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Program for Greek Adult Women With Urinary Incontinence. A Randomized Controlled Trial

In the adult female Greek population,approximately 27% suffer from urinary incontinence (UI). Nowadays, the conservative, evidence-based and 'gold standard' therapy of UI involves pelvic floor muscles (PFM) training programs, which are effective when performed intensively (daily) and for at least three months' duration. Unfortunately, patients' adherence to PFM exercises programs is often compromised for various reasons (lack of patient interest, inability to exercise daily etc.). Therefore, the development of synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation programs has revolutionized UI treatment, because they offer an interactive environment which might increase patient motivation and improve patient's adherence to this demanding PFM exercise regime. Synchronous Telerehabilitation Programs (STP) have developed via communication platforms that allow users to connect with video, audio, phone, and chat applications (e.g. Zoom), where users can interact in real time with their therapist and follow their treatment through the PFM exercise program. Furthermore, Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Programs (ATP) have emerged via mobile applications, educational videos etc., where users can follow their treatment using the PFM exercise program at a more convenient time that fits into their personal schedule. Although some studies have examined either STP or ATP with or without face-to-face sessions, no study has investigated a blended approach of STP and ATP for the management of UI.

Given the above, the primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a blended STP and ATP, in comparison to face-to-face therapy sessions. A secondary objective is to investigate the level of patients' adherence, and the amount of supervision required, in a blended STP and ATP. Furthermore, the necessity of telerehabilitation programs (whether provided in a synchronous or asynchronous manner) in the field of pelvic floor dysfunctions specifically in UI, will be explored. Finally, the study will assess the usability of a telerehabilitation program (whether provided in a synchronous or asynchronous manner) in women with UI.

Read the detailed description

The study is designed to be conducted with three groups.

  1. st. In the Blended STP and ATP (BSATP) group, participants will use communication platforms and educational videos to follow their PFM exercise treatment. No face-to face meetings will take place between participants and the therapist while supervision will occur remotely.
  2. nd.In the Face-to-face Sessions (FtFS) group, participants will follow their PFM exercise treatment in a healthcare setting under the continuous supervision of their therapist.
  3. rd. In the Control Group (CG), participants will follow their PFM exercise treatment without any supervision or face-to-face sessions with their therapist.

Three assessments sessions will take place at baseline (0 week), half-way at 6 weeks and at the end of the treatment (after 12 weeks). A follow-up assessment will be conducted at 6 and 9 months after the baseline.

Participants will be selected voluntarily through the University Urology clinic, social networks (e.g. facebook), etc. This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee (R.E.C.). All participants' data will be archived anonymously in a secure cloud platform accessible only to members of the research team.

To guarantee complete allocation concealment of the groups, a randomization process will be employed by a 'blind' researcher with no knowledge of the assessment or treatment procedures. The distribution of the participants to the three groups will be undertaken through a pre-defined computer-generated list, in blocks of six people. Each participant will receive a randomly assigned number from the list (through sealed envelopes), after which participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups using sealed envelopes.To accomplish a homogeneous sample distribution between the groups, each block will encompass three envelopes for every group. Given the nature of the treatment, the intervention is not blinded between participants and therapists. However, the data analysis will be carried through a 'blind' assessor.

An intention-to-treat analysis will performed, based on the initial allocation of participants into groups. The data will be gathered in excel tables and through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for Windows. An analysis within the groups before and after the intervention, will be conducted using repeated measurements ANOVA. An analysis between the groups after the intervention will be carried out by the Student t-test (independent measurements). Furthermore, the effect size with 95% confidence intervals will be measured for each outcome measure with continuous variables. Results will be deemed statistically significant if p<.05. Finally, the results will be provided by means (M) values and their standard deviations (SD).

Being tested
BSATP Group, FtFS Group, Control Group (CG)
Medical subject headings
Urinary Incontinence, Stress

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • BSATP GroupOther

    Also called Blended Synchronous and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Programs

    Participants and the therapist will communicate once weekly synchronously (e.g. through video calls with a 30 minute duration), regarding the proper execution of the PFM exercises, providing motivation etc. Additionally, participants will be advised to watch the educational videos (10 mins duration) asynchronously twice a week. In total, participants will follow a BSATP three times a week (for 12 weeks). The PFM exercise program will include endurance training (slow velocity contractions), speed training (quick contractions) and "Knack maneuver" training (pre-contraction before the increment of the intra-abdominal pressure).The PFM exercise program will be based on three assessments conducted by the therapist throughout the study (baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks). As a result, the PFM exercise program will be individualized to meet their needs and progressively increases in difficulty, with the exercise position being modified every two weeks (e.g. supine, side, prone ect)

  • FtFS GroupOther

    Also called Face-to face Sessions

    Participants will attend one weekly face-to-face session with their therapist, to discuss the progress of their treatment and ensure its seamless continuation (intra-vaginal assessment, adjustments, motivation etc.). Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. Participants will also be advised to perform the PFM program twice a week on their own e.g. at home. In total, participants will follow a PFM program three times a week (for 12 weeks), once with their therapist and twice independently. The participants in the FtFS group will follow the same PFM exercise treatment program as the BSATP group, which will be an individualized program where the position will change every two weeks and include endurance training, speed training and 'Knack maneuver' training.

  • Control Group (CG)Other

    Also called PFM exercises without supervision

    The participants will be advised to follow a PFM exercise treatment program at home, based on an educational home leaflet (with instructions and images about PFM exercises) that they received during their first assessment session (baseline). The participants of this group will follow a PFM exercise therapy program (through the leaflet) which will last 12 weeks and they will be advised to attend it three times a week. No face-to-face meetings or supervision will occur by the therapist during the treatment period. Similarly to the other two intervention groups, the provided PFM exercise treatment program will be individualized, will include endurance training, speed training, and 'Knack maneuver' training, and the participants will be encouraged to change their exercise position on their own every two weeks.

Study groups in NCT06848517
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
BSATP (Blended Synchronous and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Programs) GroupExperimentalIn the BSATP Group, participants will use synchronous telerehabilitation methods such as communications platforms (e.g. Zoom etc.) and asynchronous methods like educational videos (created by the researchers to meet the needs of this study). Through these, they will follow a PFM exercise treatment program at a convenient location of their choice such as their home. No face-to face meetings will take place between participants and the therapist while supervision (regarding the execution, frequency of the PFM exercises etc.) will occur remotely.
Receives: Other: BSATP Group
FtFS (Face-to face Sessions) GroupActive comparatorParticipants will undertake their PFM exercise treatment in a healthcare setting under the continuous supervision of their therapist, drawing on the"realistic" treatment of UI, presently used in rehabilitation clinics etc.
Receives: Other: FtFS Group
CG (Control Group)OtherIn the CG, participants will follow their PFM exercise treatment program without any supervision or face-to-face sessions with their therapist.
Receives: Other: Control Group (CG)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF)

    The ICIQ-UI-SF is a patient-centered questionnaire. It includes questions that evaluate the frequency, severity, and impact of incontinence. The ICIQ-UI SF (range 0-21) is assessed using four scoring categories: (a) slight symptoms (1-5), (b) moderate symptoms (6-12), (c) severe symptoms (13-18) and (d) very severe symptoms (19-21).

    Measured: At baseline (0 weeks), in the middle (6 weeks), at the end of the intervention (12 weeks), and at 6 and 9 months after baseline during the follow-up period

  2. 1-hour Pad test

    The 1-hour Pad test is a clinician-administered test. The pad is weighed, the participant wear the pad and executes a set of standardized exercises (squats, running on the spot etc.). After one hour the pad re-weighed and estimated the difference in the amount of urine leakage before and after the exercises in the pad.Τhe 1-hour Pad test is assessed using three scoring categories:(a) mild incontinence (<10 ml), (b) moderate incontinence (11-50ml) and (c) severe incontinence (>50 ml)

    Measured: At baseline (0 week) and at the end of the intervention (12 weeks)

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. PERFECT assessment scheme

    The PERFECT assessment scheme is a clinician-administered test. PERFECT assessment scheme will be used for digital intravaginal evaluation of PFM contraction. It assesses a) the PFMs' Power (via Modified Oxford scale) b) the PFMs' Endurance, c) the number of Repetitions the Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) is performed d) the number of fast PFM contractions the participant is able to complete) the elevation of the PFMs, f) the co-contraction with other muscles (like lower abdominals) and g) the involuntary contraction of the PFM on coughing

    Measured: At baseline (0 week), in the middle (6 weeks), and at the end of the intervention (12 weeks)

  2. Electromyographic (EMG) PFM's activity

    The EMG is a clinician-administered test. The intravaginal probe is inserted into the vagina to measure the PFMs electromyographic (EMG) activity of the PFM contraction, displaying the results on the computer as feedback (NeuroTrac® Software). Similarly to the PERFECT assessment scheme above, it evaluates the following PFM parameters: endurance, repetitions, fast contractions and involuntary PFM contraction during coughing.

    Measured: At baseline (0 week), in the middle (6 weeks), and at the end of the intervention (12 weeks)

  3. Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ)

    The APFQ is a patient-centered questionnaire. Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ), which is standardized in the Greek language, evaluates 42 questions in four categories: bladder (1-15 question), bowel ( 16-27 question), pelvic organ prolapsed (28-32 question) and sexual function (33-42 question).The scores for each category are calculated by dividing the total score by the number of relevant questions and multiplying by 10. As a result, the scores for each area range from 0 to 10 with a total score ranging from 0 to 40 (2 questions are not included in the total score). A higher score reflects more severe symptoms

    Measured: At baseline (0 weeks), at the end of the intervention (12 weeks), and at 6 and 9 months after baseline during the follow-up period

  4. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I Scale)

    The PGI-I Scale is a patient-centered questionnaire. The participants evaluate their perceived improvement on a scale from 1 ('much better') to 7 ('much worse').

    Measured: At the end of the intervention (12 weeks)

  5. Adherence Questionnaire (AQ)

    The AQ is a patient-centered questionnaire. It includes 28 questions in total and most of them are closed type (yes/no). It is categorized into the following sections: a) social and demographic factors (1 to 4 questions), b) therapy-related factors (5 to 9 questions) c) healthcare team and system-related factors (physical therapists) (10 to 12 questions), d) patient-related factors (13 to 23 questions) and e) condition-related factors (24 to 26 questions). Question 27 pertains to a 10-point scale of adherence while question 28 pertains to an open-ended answer where the patient explains the reason of low or moderate adherence.

    Measured: At the middle (6 weeks), and at the end of the intervention (12 weeks)

  6. Adherence Exercise Diary (AED)

    A PFM AED, designed to meet the needs of the current research. Participants record the daily and weekly frequency of performing the PFM exercises, along with the sets, repetitions and the rest periods they follow throughout their treatment.

    Measured: At baseline (0 week) the PFM AED is supplied to the participants, who will then re-submit it at the end of the intervention(12 weeks)

  7. Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ)

    The Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) is a patient-centered questionnaire, standardized in the Greek language, and consists of 21 questions. The patients rate their opinion on a scale from 1 ('strongly disagree') to 7 ('strongly agree'). The total score is calculated and then the average of the responses to all statements, is determined. The higher the total average, the higher the usability of the telehealth system.

    Measured: At the end of the intervention(12 weeks)

  8. "The Necessity of Creating Tele-rehabilitation Services for Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions (PFD)" through a Questionnaire

    It is a patient-centered questionnaire, which was developed in the Greek language and underwent pilot testing as part of a Master's dissertation. It was created through a multi-stage process. The questionnaire consists of 23 items which are divided into the following 5 sections: a) Socio-demographic questions, b) questions regarding technology, c) questions regarding participants' intention to use telerehabilitation programs for PFD d) questions related to compliance with telerehabilitation programs and e) questions regarding the cost of telerehabilitation programs for PFD. Participants respond using closed-ended multiple choice answers. Finally, the purpose of this questionnaire is to gather information regarding the extent to which women are aware of the existence of telerehabilitation services for PFD, and whether they would be willing to participate in such a program.

    Measured: At baseline (0 weeks)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Feb 2025
  2. Study start15 Feb 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 May 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06848517
Sponsor's protocol ID
Incontinence&Telerehab Methods
Status last verified
Feb 2025
First submitted
21 Feb 2025
Last updated
27 Feb 2025
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Papanikolaou DT, Lampropoulou S, Giannitsas K, Skoura A, Fousekis K, Billis E. Pelvic floor muscle training: Novel versus traditional remote rehabilitation methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis on their effectiveness for women with urinary incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn. 2023 Apr;42(4):856-874. doi: 10.1002/nau.25150. Epub 2023 Feb 18.

    PubMed 36808744

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing BSATP Group and FtFS Group in people with Urinary Incontinence,Stress, run by University of Patras at 1 site in Greece.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Greece. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Evdokia Billis, Professor (6973047170, billis@upatras.gr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) (time frame: At baseline (0 weeks), in the middle (6 weeks), at the end of the intervention (12 weeks), and at 6 and 9 months after baseline during the follow-up period). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06848517, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Feb 2025.

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