Efficacy of physiotherapy for stress urinary incontinence in women with known puborectalis muscle avulsion injuries: A randomized controlled trial

Investigators: Mélanie Morin, PhD, Chantale Dumoulin, PhD

Collaborators: Marie-France Dubois, PhD, Isabelle Girard, MD, Jenny Kruger, PhD, Marie-Hélène Mayrand, MD,  Le Mai Tu, MD, Vivian Wong, MD, Martine Jolivet-Tremblay, MD, Marie-Claude Lemieux, MD, Nathalie Leroux, MD, Stéphane Ouellet, MD, Jens-Erik Walter, MD

Funding organization: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

During vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles undergo considerable stretching, especially the puborectal muscle. In 21-36% of women, stretching may cause the pubic muscle insertions  to detach from the pubis (pubic avulsion). Avulsions cause women to be more susceptible to developing urogynecological problems such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse (organ descent). Currently, there is no treatment or surgical technique to reattach the muscle insertions.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle avulsion compared to a control group (massage therapy).

Who may participate in this research? 

Women age 18 to 45, who:

  • Had at least one vaginal delivery

  • Experience 3 or more bladder leaks per week

  • Have risk factors for avulsion injury

*Other admission criteria may apply.

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