A 4-Week Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Program in Female Medical Students: Knowledge and Ultrasound Assessment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-week pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training program using different activation strategies on pelvic floor muscle function in healthy women. An additional objective was to assess participants' knowledge of pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function, and voluntary activation.

Healthy female medical students were assigned to one of three training groups: a breathing exercise group, an isolated pelvic floor muscle contraction group, or a combined pelvic floor muscle contraction with breathing group. The training program lasted four weeks. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed before and after the intervention using transabdominal ultrasound imaging. Prior to the intervention, participants completed an author-developed questionnaire assessing their knowledge of pelvic floor muscles.

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Key information

Conditions

Pelvic Floor Disorder Female Urogenital Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Male Urogenital Diseases Pelvic Floor Awareness Pelvic Floor Disorders Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness Pregnancy Complications Urogenital Diseases

Age range

18 year–28 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Medical University of Gdańsk

Gdansk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, 80-211, Poland

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

female aged 18-28 years
student status
no history of injuries or surgeries involving the pelvis or lower urinary tract
no previous pregnancies or childbirths
no pelvic disorders or conditions (e.g., endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent bladder infections, kidney stones)
no active infection
no inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
no diseases or disorders of the respiratory system

Exclusion criteria

previous therapy with a urogynecological physiotherapist
pregnancy or history of childbirth
history of surgery involving the pelvis, lower urinary tract, spine, or abdominal cavity
pelvic diseases and disorders
ongoing infections or inflammatory conditions
lack of consent to participate in the study
cancer
inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
age below 18 or above 28 years
active smoking of cigarettes or e-cigarettes
diseases and disorders of the respiratory system

Treatment and study plan

breathing exercises

Behavioral

Participants performed breathing exercises for four weeks. The training focused on diaphragmatic breathing and improving coordination between respiratory patterns and pelvic floor muscle function. Participants received instructions on proper breathing technique and performed exercises regularly according to the study protocol.

Pelvic floor muscle contraction training

Behavioral

Participants performed isolated voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions for four weeks. The training focused on conscious activation and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Participants received instructions on correct pelvic floor muscle contraction technique and performed exercises regularly according to the study protocol.

Primary outcomes

Change in pelvic floor muscle function assessed by transabdominal ultrasound

Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Change in pelvic floor muscle function after a four-week pelvic floor muscle training program, assessed using transabdominal ultrasound imaging. The assessment was performed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle activation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of Gdansk

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Knowledge and Ultrasound Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Before and After a 4-Week Training Program in Female Medical Students.

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Aug 3, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 3, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed