NCT07145216

Effect of Knack Pelvic Floor Contraction on Sexual Dysfunction

Effect of Knack Pelvic Floor Contraction on Sexual Dysfunction in Females With Stress Urinary Incontinence

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 25 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of knack pelvic floor contraction on sexual dysfunction in females with stress urinary incontinence.

Detailed description

Stress urinary incontinence may have a tremendous effect on psychological and social well-being. Women with SUI report an inferior health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to continent women. Sexual well-being is an important aspect of women's health, and dysfunction can lead to a decrease in HRQOL and affect the marital relationship. It has been reported that women with UI also have problems with sexual activity. The presence of urinary leakage during intercourse can adversely affect sexual function. Physiotherapy treatments for female SUI include PFMT such as knack maneuver, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, core stabilization, diet modifications, and behavioral therapy. The knack is a simple, quick exercise technique that improves bladder control and increases PFM strength; it increases the urethral closure pressure, improves bladder stabilization and increases the structural support during PFM contraction. A previous study compared the knack effect on SUI using different methods like EMG biofeedback, verbal instructions, and vaginal palpation. It was found to have a positive impact on urinary symptoms, regardless of the teaching methods. Another previous study investigated the knack effect on vaginal laxity and found that it improved PFM contraction and sexual function and reduced vaginal laxity. Up to now, no study has investigated the effect of the knack maneuver on female SUI associated with sexual problems, so this study will be the first one on this issue; therefore this study will be of valuable benefits and increase the knowledge of the physical therapist and health care provider in the women's health field.

Conditions

• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
• Sexual Dysfunction

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Interfrential stimulation	The participant will be positioned in semi-Fowler's position. Interferential therapy was given using the quadripolar method. Two electrodes were placed on the lower abdomen just above the outer half of the inguinal ligament, and another two on the inner aspect of the thigh near the origin of the adductor muscle. At the first treatment session, every participant will be examined for pelvic floor contraction by the finger palpation method using sterilized gloves to ensure the correct position of the electrodes. It will be set with intensity up to the tolerable limit of subjects, carrier frequency of 2000Hz, vector 900, rhythmic sweep frequency of 10-100Hz, and duration 20 minutes. Interferential therapy will be applied for the treatment procedure of all women in both groups for 20 minutes, 3days per week for 8 weeks.
OTHER	Knack pelvic floor training	The knack technique (Fitz et al., 2021): * The patient will be instructed to lie in supine lying position with flexed knees. * Ask the patient to contract the pelvic floor muscles for 2-4 seconds and relax for 4 seconds for 15 repetitions with 3 sets before and during coughing or sneezing . * Contract the PFM before and during all daily activities involving effort, before and during coughing, sneezing, laughing, walking up and down stairs, jumping, running, bending, lifting a weight from the floor, holding a child, pushing furniture to prevent urine leakage. * Contract PFM and hold for 2-4 seconds, relax 4 seconds, with 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-01-30
• First posted: 2025-08-28
• Last updated: 2025-08-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt