Training for Urinary Leakage Improvement After Pregnancy

Training for Urinary Leakage Improvement After Pregnancy

This is a multi-center, randomized single-blind nonsurgical trial conducted in approximately 216 primiparous postpartum women at high risk for prolonged/sustained pelvic floor disorders with symptomatic, bothersome urinary incontinence (UI) amenable to nonsurgical treatment.

TULIP is a 3-Arm trial with two active interventions (Arms 1 and 2) and a Patient Education control arm (Arm 3). Arm 1 consists of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Arm 2 uses a home biofeedback device (leva®).

The primary outcome will be assessed at 6 months postpartum by blinded outcomes assessors, and follow-up will continue until 12 months postpartum.

TULIP is a 3-Arm trial with two active interventions (Arms 1 and 2) and a Patient Education control arm (Arm 3). Arm 1 consists of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) sessions with a skilled interventionist. Arm 2 uses a home biofeedback device (leva®).

All groups will have access to basic education on stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic floor muscle function and continence mechanisms.

Arm 1 will consist of interventionist-guided training at baseline (approximately 8 weeks postpartum), followed by a Home Exercise Prescription (HEP), a second interventionist-guided training session (approximately 4 weeks later), and then continued HEP until 12 months postpartum. Home exercises will be encouraged using a PFDN research smartphone app, resources to help participants with home exercises and prompts for participants to confirm the number of exercise sets completed.

Arm 2 will consist of home pelvic floor exercises guided by the leva® device and its accompanying app/software for gradually increasing strength and duration of pelvic floor contractions. The Arm 2 exercise regimen begins at approximately 8 weeks postpartum and continues until 12 months postpartum. As in Arm 1, the PFDN research smartphone app resources to help participants with home exercises and prompts for participants to confirm the number of exercise sets completed.

Arm 3 participants will only be provided basic education materials. No specific prescription or verbal direction will be given regarding the suggested number and frequency of home pelvic floor muscle exercises.

The primary outcome is change in UI as measured by the ICIQ-SF, comparing scores from baseline to 6 months postpartum. The questionnaire will be sent to participants monthly from baseline through 12 months postpartum, and change through 12 months postpartum is a secondary outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18yo primiparous patient s/p singleton vaginal delivery (>32 weeks), approximately 6wk postpartum

2. At increased risk of sustained pelvic floor disorders, as defined by

   1. neonate ≥3.5kg, and/or
   2. operative delivery (i.e., forceps or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery), and/or
   3. ≥2nd-degree perineal laceration

3. Symptomatic, bothersome UI as defined by a score of ≥6 on the ICIQ-SF.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to complete study assessments or procedures, per clinician judgment, or not available for 6mo postpartum follow-up
2. Stillbirth or significant maternal or neonatal illness
3. Non-English or non-Spanish speaking
4. Perineal wound breakdown or cloaca observed on exam
5. Severe pain with assessments of PFM integrity and/or strength/function
6. Already engaged (since delivery) in in-person physical therapy for strengthening of the pelvic floor
7. Unwilling or unable to upload and use external smartphone app(s)