Photobiomodulation and pelvic floor training for genitourinary syndrome: RCT results

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Physical Therapy
• Menopause Research

Background:

• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) affects many postmenopausal women.
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can contribute to GSM symptoms.
• Existing treatments like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) offer partial relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate photobiomodulation (PBM) and PFMT's impact on PFM function, sexual and urinary function, and quality of life in women with GSM.
• To compare PBM + PFMT, sham PBM + PFMT, and isolated PFMT interventions.

Main Methods:

• A three-arm clinical trial involving 45-65-year-old menopausal women.
• Randomization into PFMT + active PBM, PFMT + sham PBM, or isolated PFMT groups.
• 8-week intervention with two 50-minute sessions weekly, with pre- and post-intervention assessments.

Main Results:

• No significant manometry differences, but numerical improvements in the intervention group.
• Significant improvements in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total score and orgasm subdomain for PFMT + active PBM vs. sham PBM.
• Clinically significant improvement in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - short form (ICIQ-SF) for PFMT + active PBM vs. sham PBM.

Conclusions:

• Active PBM combined with PFMT significantly enhances sexual function in women with GSM.
• While PFM pressure, urinary function, and quality of life showed positive trends, they did not reach statistical significance.
• PBM represents a promising adjunct therapy for improving sexual health in menopausal women.