AzTrials
AzTrials

Urinary Incontinence , StressLIFTNCT07727460

The Reliability of Pelvic Floor Measures From Ultrasound Images Acquired at Rest and During Weightlifting Tasks.

An observational study of Urinary Incontinence , Stress, run by University of Ottawa at 2 sites in Canada.

Recruiting

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

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

We will evaluate the inter-and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry obtained from transperineal ultrasound images collected at rest and during standardized weight lifting tasks. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Urinary Incontinence , Stress
How many people
40 participants
Where
2 sitesCanada
Study dates
4 May 2026to 31 Dec 2026
Phase
Observational
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 years and older
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Participants will be recruited from the Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC regions through local gyms, university facilities, and social media platforms. The study population includes active females aged 18 years or older who engage regularly in resistance training activities such as back squats and deadlifts and are able to lift > 80% of their body weight and are willing to attend a single in-person session at the University of Ottawa's Motor Function Measurement Laboratory or designated locations in the greater Vancouver area of BC.

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals with female or vulvo-vaginal anatomy
  • Age 18 years or older
  • No history of urogenital surgery
  • Not currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum, if applicable
  • Be able to safely perform a barbell back squat and deadlift exercises with a submaximal load of 80% of their body weight
  • Able to communicate in English to sufficiently understand study procedures and provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Presence of significant medical conditions that could affect safety, including cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic or neurological conditions
  • Currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum
  • Current pelvic, hip, or low back injury that limits lifting or impairs safe performance of squats or deadlifts with a barbell
  • Unable to safely lift 80% of their body weight
  • Known pelvic organ prolapse > stage 2

Trial locations and contacts

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

Canada2 sites, 2 recruiting
  • Eclipse Physiotherapy and Sport Injury Clinic

    Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 1N5

    Adrienne Sim, 613-562-5800 ext. Ext. 4102, mfmlab_LIFT@uottawa.ca

    Linda McLean

    Recruiting
  • beSTRONG Training

    North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7M 3G6

    Adrienne Sim, 613-562-5800 ext. Ext. 4102, mfmlab_LIFT@uottawa.ca

    Linda McLean

    Recruiting

Other trials in Canada

About this study

Official title: The Reliability of Pelvic Floor Morphometry Measured From Ultrasound Images Acquired at Rest and During Weightlifting Tasks.

We will evaluate the inter-and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry obtained from transperineal ultrasound images collected at rest and during standardized weight lifting tasks.

Read the detailed description

The aim is to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry at rest and during dynamic, externally loaded barbell resistance training tasks using 2-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) imaging in individuals with female pelvic anatomy. Establishing measurement reliability under these conditions is a necessary methodological prerequisite for future research in which we plan to investigate pelvic floor behaviour during resistance training and its potential relationship to exercise-induced urinary incontinence.

After a standard bladder filling protocol, TPUS imaging will be performed by two trained assessors using 2D ultrasound. Images and cine loops will be acquired under four standardized conditions: supine; standing; three loaded barbell back squats at 40%, 60%, and 80% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM); and three loaded barbell deadlifts at 40%, 60%, and 80% of 1RM. Images and cine loops will be processed offline to measure levator plate length, levator plate angle, bladder neck height and anorectal junction height. The inter and intra-rater reliability of image acquisition and analysis will be determined for each measure under each condition.

Keywords
exercise-induced urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, pelvic floor morphometry, ultrasound imaging, reliability
Medical subject headings
Urinary Incontinence, Stress

What is being measured

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

  1. Bladder Neck Height

    Bladder neck height will be measured from 2D ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck.

    Measured: Day 1

  2. Levator Plate Length

    The levator plate length will be measured from the ultrasound images as the linear distance between the posterior margin of the pubic sympysis and the anterior margin of the anorectal junction.

    Measured: Day 1

  3. Ano-rectal Junction Height

    Ano-rectal junction height will be measured from the ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the anterior margin of the anorectal junction.

    Measured: Day 1

  4. Levator Plate Angle

    Levator plate angle will be assessed using ultrasound imaging.The images will be recorded under the standardized conditions.

    Measured: Day 1

  5. Bladder Neck Funnelling

    Bladder neck funnelling will be assessed dichotomously as present or absent based on the visualization of an opening of the proximal urethra.

    Measured: single visit

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)

    The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) is a questionnaire that includes three questions about urinary incontinence frequency, severity, and impact on daily life, resulting in a score of 0-21. The fourth question aims to classify the type of urinary incontinence. The questionnaire has been established as valid, reliable, and responsive. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.

    Measured: At enrolment

  2. Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ)

    The APFQ consists of 42 questions in 4 domains (bladder, bowel, and sexual function and pelvic organ prolapse); the total score for both bladder and bowel function domains combined ranges from 0 to 20. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.

    Measured: At enrolment

  3. Five-part questionnaire on hypermobility (5PQ)

    The 5PQ is comprised of 5 questions and was designed as a screening tool for hypermobility. It has been validated and is frequently used in clinical and research settings. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.

    Measured: At enrolment

  4. Beighton Score

    The Beighton score is a 9-point physical screening test used to measure generalized joint hypermobility (joints that move beyond the normal range). It evaluates the pinkies, thumbs, elbows, knees, and spine. Participants will be asked to complete this screening test for descriptive purposes.

    Measured: At enrolment

Timeline

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

  1. First posted27 Jul 2026
  2. Study start4 May 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 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
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07727460
Sponsor's protocol ID
H-02-26-12513
Acronym
LIFT
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
21 Jul 2026
Last updated
27 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Spreadsheets will be provided by email upon request and based on the planned use of the data.

Publications

  • Forner LB, Cyr MP, Beckman EM, Hodges PW, Smith MD. The Immediate Impact of Heavy Weightlifting on Pelvic Floor Morphometry in Vaginally Parous Women: A Repeated Measures Study. Int Urogynecol J. 2026 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s00192-026-06772-8. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42322404
  • Chen Y, Peng L, Liu M, Shen H, Luo D. Diagnostic value of transperineal ultrasound in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI): a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Urol. 2023 Mar;41(3):687-693. doi: 10.1007/s00345-022-04264-0. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

    PubMed 36598556
  • Braekken IH, Majida M, Ellstrom-Engh M, Dietz HP, Umek W, Bo K. Test-retest and intra-observer repeatability of two-, three- and four-dimensional perineal ultrasound of pelvic floor muscle anatomy and function. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2008 Feb;19(2):227-35. doi: 10.1007/s00192-007-0408-7. Epub 2007 Jun 29.

    PubMed 17599234
  • Czyrnyj CS, Labrosse MR, Graham RB, McLean L. UROKIN: A Software to Enhance Our Understanding of Urogenital Motion. Ann Biomed Eng. 2018 May;46(5):726-735. doi: 10.1007/s10439-018-1989-7. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

    PubMed 29417352
  • Dietz HP. Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor. Part I: two-dimensional aspects. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jan;23(1):80-92. doi: 10.1002/uog.939.

    PubMed 14971006
  • Dietz HP, Rojas RG, Shek KL. Postprocessing of pelvic floor ultrasound data: how repeatable is it? Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Dec;54(6):553-7. doi: 10.1111/ajo.12250. Epub 2014 Oct 22.

    PubMed 25338743
  • Almousa S, Bandin Van Loon A. The prevalence of urinary incontinence in nulliparous female sportswomen: A systematic review. J Sports Sci. 2019 Jul;37(14):1663-1672. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1585312. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

    PubMed 30822258
  • Teixeira RV, Colla C, Sbruzzi G, Mallmann A, Paiva LL. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in female athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Dec;29(12):1717-1725. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3651-1. Epub 2018 Apr 13.

    PubMed 29654349
  • Blazek D, Stastny P, Maszczyk A, Krawczyk M, Matykiewicz P, Petr M. Systematic review of intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressures initiated by the Valsalva manoeuvre during high-intensity resistance exercises. Biol Sport. 2019 Dec;36(4):373-386. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.88759. Epub 2019 Oct 17.

    PubMed 31938009
  • Berube ME, Niederauer S, Graham R, Hitchcock R, McLean L. Is pelvic floor loading in female runners associated with post-run changes in pelvic floor morphometry or function? BJU Int. 2025 Oct;136(4):707-718. doi: 10.1111/bju.16842. Epub 2025 Jun 30.

    PubMed 40586130
  • Vesting S, Rodrigues MP, McLean L. Measurement and Interpretation of Intra-Abdominal Pressure During Physical Activity: A Scoping Review. Int Urogynecol J. 2026 May 30. doi: 10.1007/s00192-026-06635-2. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42217021
  • Wikander L, Kirshbaum MN, Waheed N, Gahreman DE. Urinary Incontinence in Competitive Women Weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Nov 1;36(11):3130-3135. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004052. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

    PubMed 34100787
  • Wikander L, Kirshbaum MN, Waheed N, Gahreman DE. Urinary Incontinence in Competitive Women Powerlifters: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Sports Med Open. 2021 Dec 7;7(1):89. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00387-7.

    PubMed 34874496
  • Huebner M, Ma W, Harding S. Sport-related risk factors for moderate or severe urinary incontinence in master female weightlifters: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 30;17(11):e0278376. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278376. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 36449558
  • Wikander L, Cross D, Gahreman DE. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in women powerlifters: a pilot study. Int Urogynecol J. 2019 Dec;30(12):2031-2039. doi: 10.1007/s00192-019-03870-8. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

    PubMed 30666426

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Urinary Incontinence , Stress, run by University of Ottawa at 2 sites in Canada.

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 5 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 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Canada. 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 Adrienne Sim (613-562-5800 ext. Ext. 4102, mfmlab_LIFT@uottawa.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Bladder Neck Height (time frame: Day 1). The study lists 5 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 NCT07727460, which also lists 19 linked publications.

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 Jul 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in