Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Exploring the association between lifetime physical activity and pelvic floor disorders: study and design challenges
Ingrid Nygaard1, Janet Shaw, Marlene J Egger
1Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-0001, USA. Ingrid.nygaard@hsc.utah.edu
Contemporary Clinical Trials
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Physical activity levels may influence pelvic floor disorders in women. This study outlines methods to investigate the association between lifetime physical activity and pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Epidemiology
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Pelvic floor disorders affect a significant portion of women, with moderate to severe symptoms.
- Lifetime physical activity is a modifiable risk factor that may influence the development of pelvic floor disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the methods of the Physical Activity Study (PHACTS), including two case-control studies and a registry.
- To determine the association between current and lifetime physical activity and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Main Methods:
- Two case-control studies are designed to compare women with POP or SUI to matched controls.
- Enrollment of 1500 women from primary care clinics to obtain 175 cases for POP, 175 for SUI, and matched controls.
Main Results:
- The study encountered challenges in minimizing bias, community clinic recruitment, and data management.
- Lessons learned from these challenges are documented to inform future research.
Conclusions:
- The experiences from PHACTS provide guidance for future investigators studying physical activity and pelvic floor disorders.
- Understanding the role of physical activity in pelvic floor disorders is crucial for prevention and management strategies.
