Multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trial of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Prolapse (POPPY)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Pelvic Organ Prolapse focused on measuring Pelvic organ prolapse, Pelvic floor muscle training, Prolapse symptoms, Urinary symptoms, Sexual function, randomised controlled trial
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- New attendee at outpatient gynaecology clinic
- Any type of prolapse
Exclusion Criteria:
- Stage 0 or IV prolapse
- Women reporting no symptoms of prolapse
- Previous treatment for prolapse (surgery or formal instruction in Pelvic Floor Muscle Training [PMFT,]unless completed more than 5 years ago, pessary, unless pessary removed more than 12 months ago)
- Unable to comply with PFMT
- women who have urogenital atrophy requiring treatment with local oestrogens (after an 8 week course of local oestrogen such women can be included);
- Pregnant or less than 6 months post-natal
- Unable to give informed consent
Sites / Locations
- St George Hospital
- Antrim Area Hospital
- Belfast City Hospital
- Dunedin School of Medicine
- Crosshouse Hospital / Ayrshire Maternity Hospital
- Forth Park Hospital
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- St John's Hospital
- Birmingham Women's Hospital
- Bradford Royal Infirmary
- Addenbrooke's Hospital
- Chester Hospital
- St Richard's Hospital
- Ninewells Hospital
- Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary
- Western Infirmary
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Victoria Infirmary
- Southern General Hospital
- Castle Hill Hospital
- St James's University Hospital
- St Mary's Hospital
- Borders General Hospital
- James Cook University Hospital
- Worcestershire Royal Hospital
- York Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Other
No Intervention
1
2
It consists of five outpatient appointments (weeks 0, 2, 6, 11 and 16) with a local trial physiotherapist at a trial centre. At the first appointment a standardised history is taken from the woman, anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles are taught, and types of prolapse described, using diagrams and a model pelvis. Women are taught how to contract the muscles, and also how to contract and hold prior to an event that increases intra-abdominal pressure ("the Knack"). Pelvic floor muscles are assessed by vaginal examination and recorded on a dedicated form at each appointment thus determining the content of a single set of exercises for each woman. At least three sets of exercises daily is recommended. Women use an exercise diary to record compliance. Tailored advice is given on ways of reducing intra-abdominal pressure, e.g. advice on weight loss, chronic cough, heavy lifting and general exercise.
Women allocated to the control group will be sent a lifestyle advice leaflet only, and will have no planned contact with the centre until their consultant review appointment at six months. The leaflet gives instructions on seeking advice where appropriate about weight loss, constipation, and avoidance of heavy lifting, coughing and high impact exercise, with a view to minimising increases in intra-abdominal pressure which may cause prolapse to worsen.