A Clinical Trial for the Efficacy of Paula Method ( Circular Muscle Exercise) in Women With Multiple Sclerosis Who Suffer From Urinary Incontinence
A Clinical Trial for the Efficacy of Paula Method ( Circular Muscle Exercise) in Women With Multiple Sclerosis Who Suffer From Urinary Incontinence
This study will examine whether the Paula method is an effective treatment for UI and the correlating LUTD symptoms. We assume that the Paula method, a simple, non-aerobic exercise method that significantly decreased urinary incontinence in women with MIX in two randomized controlled trials, would also be effective in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients with UI. The secondary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness in terms of MS general physical functioning, quality of life and sexual function and to detect adherence and continuity six months post intervention.
The patient will be examined by the neurologist at the MS clinic, at the Hadassah University Medical Center. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will receive an explanation, and will sign informed consent. She will be asked to complete the baseline questionnaires. Than the patient will be assigned to an exercise group. After 12 weeks the patient will be asked to complete post intervention questionnaire. Apart from the weekly lesson, women will be asked to exercise at home for 15 minutes a day. After six months she will be invited again for a neurological examination and filling an additional questionnaire.
Inclusion Criteria:
women ≥18 years old; who have complained of urine leakage in the past four weeks; MS diagnosed with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)≤7.5; literate in Hebrew and/or English; suffering from UI at least in the 4 last weeks prior to recruitment
Exclusion Criteria:
pregnant or breastfeeding women, those within 12 weeks of delivery; 6 weeks of abortion; six months of pelvic surgery; symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI); more than grade 2 genital prolapse, permanent catheterization for urination; women taking medications for UI less then 3 months and women who exercise on regular basis in Paula method.