Supervised Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Launched by WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · Jan 16, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking into how supervised exercise might help improve symptoms and quality of life for women suffering from Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS). The goal is to see if regular exercise can lessen discomfort related to the bladder and enhance overall well-being. The study is currently recruiting participants who are adult females between the ages of 18 and 80, and who have been diagnosed with IC/BPS by a specialist.

To join the trial, participants should be able to walk independently and tolerate moderate exercise, like brisk walking. They should also have been active for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, before starting the study. Participants will work with a team to ensure they are healthy enough for exercise and will engage in a supervised exercise program designed specifically for them. It’s important to note that women who are currently pregnant or have certain medical conditions, including some types of cancer or neurological disorders, will not be eligible to participate. This study aims to provide insights into how exercise can be a valuable tool for managing IC/BPS symptoms.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult females (\>18 years and \<80 years) with a previously established clinical diagnosis of Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) will be eligible to participate
• • Must speak English
• • The clinical diagnosis of IC/BPS will be based on the recently published American Urological Association Guidelines definition: "An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, or discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms for more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes"
• • The diagnosis will be confirmed by a urologist who specializes in the treatment of patients with IC/BPS
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Study participants must be fully ambulatory without the use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair
• • Study participants must be able to tolerate moderate aerobic exercise. It will also be required that a physician clear any subjects entering the exercise program who have signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and have been active 3 days per week for 30 minutes each day
• • Any history of bladder cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, the current placement of a catheter, urethral diverticulum, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cyclophosphamide treatment, radiation cystitis, bladder tuberculosis, or are experiencing an active genital herpes episode
• • Pregnant women are not eligible for this study