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Background and Aim:
Dyspareunia, or pain during sexual intercourse, is a common component of female sexual dysfunction and may have multifactorial origins, including musculoskeletal and autonomic factors. While pelvic floor rehabilitation is an established treatment approach for musculoskeletal dyspareunia, it may not sufficiently address the autonomic dysregulation commonly observed in chronic pain conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises and diaphragm manual therapy to standard pelvic floor rehabilitation on pain severity, pelvic floor function, and autonomic nervous system regulation in women diagnosed with musculoskeletal-origin dyspareunia.
Methods:
This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted between September 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, at the Kurbaa Training and Consultation Center in Istanbul. A total of 45 participants aged 18-45 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 15):
Group I: Pelvic floor rehabilitation only
Group II: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Group III: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + diaphragm manual therapy
Interventions will be administered once per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pelvic floor muscle function (ultrasonography), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), anxiety level (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and autonomic regulation (Heart Rate Variability using Elite HRV). Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS with significance set at p < 0.05.
Expected Contribution:
This study is expected to contribute to the development of more comprehensive treatment protocols for dyspareunia by integrating physical and neurophysiological rehabilitation components. It may also provide evidence supporting the role of autonomic regulation in improving treatment outcomes for female sexual pain disorders.
Background and Aim:
Dyspareunia, or pain during sexual intercourse, is a common component of female sexual dysfunction and may have multifactorial origins, including musculoskeletal and autonomic factors. While pelvic floor rehabilitation is an established treatment approach for musculoskeletal dyspareunia, it may not sufficiently address the autonomic dysregulation commonly observed in chronic pain conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises and diaphragm manual therapy to standard pelvic floor rehabilitation on pain severity, pelvic floor function, and autonomic nervous system regulation in women diagnosed with musculoskeletal-origin dyspareunia.
Methods:
This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted between September 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, at the Kurbaa Training and Consultation Center in Istanbul. A total of 45 participants aged 18-45 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 15):
Group I: Pelvic floor rehabilitation only
Group II: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Group III: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + diaphragm manual therapy
Interventions will be administered once per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pelvic floor muscle function (ultrasonography), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), anxiety level (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and autonomic regulation (Heart Rate Variability using Elite HRV). Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS with significance set at p < 0.05.
Expected Contribution:
This study is expected to contribute to the development of more comprehensive treatment protocols for dyspareunia by integrating physical and neurophysiological rehabilitation components. It may also provide evidence supporting the role of autonomic regulation in improving treatment outcomes for female sexual pain disorders.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I: Pelvic floor rehabilitation | Experimental | Pelvic floor rehabilitation only |
|
| Group II: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises | Experimental | Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises |
|
| Group III: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + diaphragm manual therap | Experimental | Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + diaphragm manual therapy |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvic floor rehabilitation | Other | Participants in this group will receive standard pelvic floor rehabilitation. This includes education about pelvic floor anatomy and function, supervised pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises), relaxation techniques, and manual release of trigger points if necessary. The aim is to improve muscle strength, coordination, and reduce pelvic floor hypertonicity contributing to dyspareunia. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Measured by Ultrasonography (mm displacement) | Change in displacement of pelvic floor muscle during contraction, measured via transabdominal ultrasonography. Higher values indicate stronger muscle activity. | Baseline and Week 8 |
| Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Total Score | FSFI is a validated 19-item questionnaire (Score range: 2-36), with higher scores indicating better sexual function. | Baseline and Week 8 |
| Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Index Measured with Elite HRV | Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters. Higher HRV indicates better autonomic balance. | Baseline and Week 8 |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity During Intercourse Assessed by VAS (0-10 cm) | VAS line score from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate worse pain. | Baseline and Week 8 |
| Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) Total Score |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Female participants aged between 18 and 45 years
Experiencing dyspareunia of musculoskeletal origin for at least 6 months
In a stable sexual relationship and sexually active
Willing and able to attend weekly treatment sessions for 8 weeks
Able to provide informed consent
No pelvic surgery within the last 6 months
Normal cognitive function and ability to follow instructions
Baseline FSFI score indicating sexual dysfunction (e.g., ≤ 26.55)
Exclusion Criteria:
Pregnancy or postpartum period within the last 6 months
Diagnosed psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depression, psychosis)
Use of medications that affect autonomic nervous system function (e.g., beta-blockers, antidepressants)
History of pelvic radiation, cancer, or pelvic trauma
Participation in other rehabilitation or psychotherapy programs during the study period
Inability to tolerate manual therapy or perform breathing exercises
BMI > 35, which may interfere with ultrasonographic assessment
Non-compliance risk, such as irregular attendance or language barriers
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdurrahim Yıldız, Assoc. Prof. | Contact | +905077516363 | abdurrahimyildiz@subu.edu.tr |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Abdurrahim Yıldız, Assoc. Prof. | Sakarya Applied Sciences University | Principal Investigator |
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| PubMed Identifier | Type | Citation | Retractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27823751 | Result | Nappi RE, Cucinella L, Martella S, Rossi M, Tiranini L, Martini E. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD): Prevalence and impact on quality of life (QoL). Maturitas. 2016 Dec;94:87-91. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.09.013. Epub 2016 Sep 28. | |
| 20092441 | Result | Basson R, Wierman ME, van Lankveld J, Brotto L. Summary of the recommendations on sexual dysfunctions in women. J Sex Med. 2010 Jan;7(1 Pt 2):314-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01617.x. |
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Individual participant data (IPD) will be shared after publication upon reasonable request.
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A total of 45 participants aged 18-45 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 15):
Group I: Pelvic floor rehabilitation only
Group II: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Group III: Pelvic floor rehabilitation + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + diaphragm manual therapy
Interventions will be administered once per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pelvic floor muscle function (ultrasonography), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), anxiety level (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and autonomic regulation (Heart Rate Variability using Elite HRV).
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|
| Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises | Other | In addition to the standard pelvic floor rehabilitation, participants in this group will practice diaphragmatic breathing exercises. These exercises focus on deep, slow nasal inhalation using the diaphragm, encouraging abdominal expansion while minimizing chest movement. Sessions are performed twice daily for 10 minutes. This technique is aimed at promoting parasympathetic activation, reducing anxiety, and improving autonomic regulation. |
|
| Diaphragm Manual Therapy | Other | an additional manual therapy intervention targeting the diaphragm. Diaphragm manual therapy involves hands-on techniques applied to the thoracic and abdominal regions to reduce fascial restrictions, improve diaphragmatic mobility, and support deeper, more effective breathing. The therapy is delivered for 15 minutes at the start of each weekly session by a trained physiotherapist. |
|
BAI includes 21 items scored 0-3 each (Total Score: 0-63); higher scores indicate worse anxiety.
| Baseline and Week 8 |
| 27008217 | Result | Bornstein J, Goldstein AT, Stockdale CK, Bergeron S, Pukall C, Zolnoun D, Coady D; consensus vulvar pain terminology committee of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS). 2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH and IPPS Consensus Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain and Vulvodynia. Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Apr;127(4):745-751. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001359. |
| 24074537 | Result | Buster JE. Managing female sexual dysfunction. Fertil Steril. 2013 Oct;100(4):905-15. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.08.026. |
| 29318334 | Result | Berghmans B. Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 May;29(5):631-638. doi: 10.1007/s00192-017-3536-8. Epub 2018 Jan 9. |
| Result | Ege E, Akın B, Yaralı Arslan S, Bilgili N. (2010). Cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğu ve risk faktörleri. TÜBAV Bilim Dergisi, 3(2), 137-144. |
| 16407018 | Result | Oksuz E, Malhan S. Prevalence and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction in Turkish women. J Urol. 2006 Feb;175(2):654-8; discussion 658. doi: 10.1016/S0022-5347(05)00149-7. |
| 18978095 | Result | Shifren JL, Monz BU, Russo PA, Segreti A, Johannes CB. Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Nov;112(5):970-8. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181898cdb. |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D004414 | Dyspareunia |
| D012735 | Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D005831 | Genital Diseases, Female |
| D052776 | Female Urogenital Diseases |
| D005261 | Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications |
| D000091642 | Urogenital Diseases |
| D000091662 | Genital Diseases |
| D005832 | Genital Diseases, Male |
| D052801 | Male Urogenital Diseases |
| D020018 | Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological |
| D001523 | Mental Disorders |
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