Impact of Physical Activity for Chronic Pelvic Pain

The primary aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the impact of moderate-intensity physical activity on pelvic pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. We will develop a moderate-intensity physical activity program for patients with chronic pelvic pain in conjunction with exercise physiologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians. Based on prior research in fibromyalgia and other centralized pain disorders, we hypothesize that eight weeks of moderate-intensity physical activity will reduce pain intensity and pain interference in women with chronic pelvic pain. We will also evaluate the impact of moderate-intensity physical activity on physical function, fatigue, sexual function, sleep, anxiety, depression, catastrophization and patient global impression of change in women with chronic pelvic pain. We hypothesize that eight weeks of moderate-intensity physical activity will result in improvements in these measures of function and quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• 18-65 years old
• ≥ 6 months of noncyclic pelvic pain
• Pain that is severe enough to cause functional limitations, defined here as an average self-reported daily pain score of 4 on a 10 point scale
• Willing to attend activity session in Ann Arbor, MI at least 3 times per week
• English speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Pelvic surgery within the previous 3 months or plan for pelvic surgery within the following 3 months
• Participation in pelvic floor physical therapy during the 12 week study period
• Medical co-morbidities that prohibit participation in an exercise program, such as significant cardiovascular, pulmonary or orthopedic disease
• Pregnancy
• Documented history of significant dementia