Effects of Clinical Pilates on Pain and Quality of Life in Women With Dyspareunia

NCT07540195 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IOU-FTR-KNK-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises on pain, self-esteem, body image, depression, and quality of life in women with dyspareunia. The study addresses dyspareunia as a multifaceted health problem with psychological, social as well as physical implications. it evaluates the effects of pelvic floor-focused clinical Pilates interventions on physiological symptoms and psychosocial well-being. it also demonstrates this approach as effective, safe, and evidence-based method in the treatment of dyspareunia among women in Turkish society.

Conditions

Dyspareunia

Keywords

Dyspareunia;; Female;; Sexual Dysfunction;; Exercise Therapy;; Quality of Life;; Depression

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

  The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is one of the most valid and reliable numerical scales used to assess an individual's pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. A score of "0" represents "no pain," whereas "10" represents "the worst pain imaginable."\*\*

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Carol Postpartum Sexual Function and Dyspareunia Assessment Scale

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Short Form-36 (SF-36)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Body Image Scale

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Intervention Group (Clinical Pilates Exercises)

EXPERIMENTAL

Clinical Pilates exercises were administered to strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles, three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 50-60 minutes. The sessions included a warm-up phase, a main exercise program, and a cool-down phase. A total of 8 different exercises were performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, with progressively increased spring resistance.\*\*

Other: Clinical Pilates Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

A group of 10 participants with dyspareunia received education on the fundamental principles of Pilates, pelvic floor anatomy, and dyspareunia. Assessments were conducted for both groups before the intervention and were repeated 8 weeks after the intervention.\*\*

Interventions

Clinical Pilates Exercise OTHER

Pelvic Floor-Focused Clinical Pilates Exercises

Also known as: Exercise

Intervention Group (Clinical Pilates Exercises)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Female participants aged 18-55 years
• Sexually active
• Willing to participate in the study
• No communication problems
• Experiencing dyspareunia

You may not qualify if:

• Having respiratory or neurological problems
• Being pregnant
• History of urogenital surgery

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Okan University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, Tuzla, 34959, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dyspareunia; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Depression

Interventions

Exercise

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Genital Diseases, Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Urogenital Diseases; Genital Diseases; Genital Diseases, Male; Male Urogenital Diseases; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Mental Disorders; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Central Study Contacts

Emine ATICI, PhD, Assoc. Prof.

CONTACT

+90 532 478 86 48; emine.atici@okan.edu.tr

Kübra Nur Kavaklı, PT

CONTACT

+90 532 496 02 76; kkavakli@stu.okan.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Two groups: intervention (clinical Pilates exercises) and control (no intervention but Information on the fundamental principles of Pilates, pelvic floor anatomy, and dyspareunia )

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 13, 2026
• First Posted: April 20, 2026
• Study Start: April 6, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 5, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 20, 2026
• Last Updated: April 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

TU (1)