Pain Neuroscience Education and Basic Body Awareness Therapy in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain

Investigation of the Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education and Basic Body Awareness Therapy on Pain, Autonomic Nervous System Responses, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Pain Neuroscience Education and Basic Body Awareness Therapy, when added to standard physiotherapy and rehabilitation, on pain, autonomic nervous system responses, and pelvic floor muscle activity in women with chronic pelvic pain. A total of 45 women diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain will be randomly allocated into three groups: (1) standard physiotherapy and rehabilitation, (2) standard physiotherapy plus Pain Neuroscience Education, and (3) standard physiotherapy plus Basic Body Awareness Therapy. The study will assess pain intensity (algometry, NRS, SF-MPQ), pain catastrophizing, autonomic responses (electrodermal activity), pelvic floor muscle activation (EMG), and related psychological, cognitive, and body awareness parameters. Secondary outcomes will include sexual function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The aim is to compare two awareness-based interventions-one primarily mind-to-body (Pain Neuroscience Education) and the other body-to-mind (Basic Body Awareness Therapy)-to determine their relative and complementary effects on pain perception and physiological regulation in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with any type of chronic pelvic pain, including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, endometriosis, vulvodynia, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, or bladder pain syndrome, with pain persisting for six months or longer.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of pelvic infections, inflammatory conditions, or pelvic malignancy.
• Pregnancy.
• History of urogynecological surgery within the last six months.
• Presence of advanced pelvic organ prolapse.
• Patients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Patients whose primary complaint is not chronic pelvic pain.