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NCT Number: NCT07727460

The Reliability of Pelvic Floor Measures 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.

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Key information

Conditions

Urinary Incontinence , Stress Female Urogenital Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Male Urogenital Diseases Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Urinary Incontinence Urinary Incontinence, Stress Urination Disorders Urogenital Diseases Urologic Diseases Urological Manifestations

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Eclipse Physiotherapy and Sport Injury Clinic, Langley, British Columbia, Canada

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About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Bladder Neck Height

    Time frame: Day 1

    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.

  2. Levator Plate Length

    Time frame: Day 1

    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.

  3. Ano-rectal Junction Height

    Time frame: Day 1

    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.

  4. Levator Plate Angle

    Time frame: Day 1

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

  5. Bladder Neck Funnelling

    Time frame: single visit

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

Secondary outcomes

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

    Time frame: At enrolment

    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.

  2. Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ)

    Time frame: At enrolment

    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.

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

    Time frame: At enrolment

    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.

  4. Beighton Score

    Time frame: At enrolment

    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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Adrienne Sim

CONTACT

[email protected]

613-562-5800 ext. Ext. 4102

Linda McLean

CONTACT

[email protected]

613-562-5800 ext. Ext. 4102

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Ottawa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Acronym: LIFT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 27, 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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