Current Women’s Health Research Projects
The effect of pelvic floor muscle training for the management of incontinence in older women: a single blind randomised controlled trial
This as an NH & MRC funded trial investigating the effectiveness of two interventions, delivered as exercise classes, in the management of stress incontinence in older women. This project is also investigating the utility of trans-abdominal realtime ultrasound in the measurement of pelvic floor muscle activity.
The effect of a physiotherapy treatment program on pelvic function following gynaecological surgery
This study has two phases. The first phase was a survey of physiotherapists to investigate how physiotherapists treat patients who have bladder, bowel or gynaecological surgery. The second phase is a randomised clinical trial for patients undergoing hysterectomy or prolapse repair, with pelvic floor muscle exercises forming the basis of the intervention. As well as the clinical study, the reliability of commonly used assessment tools of the pelvic floor muscles (manual muscle testing and perineometry) is being investigated. The effect of different body positions and correlations between manual muscle testing, perineometry and trans-abdominal ultrasound have also been investigated.
Urinary Incontinence in Women with Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Women with lung disease frequently report urinary incontinence. Our objective is to understand the mechanisms behind urinary incontinence in young nulliparous women with CF compared to older women with COPD, and healthy age matched controls. This two-phase study consisted firstly of a questionnaire mailed to women with CF and COPD at the Alfred Hospital and other Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs and to control women in the community. This was followed by an assessment and treatment study to establish mechanisms and optimal physiotherapy management. The study is currently being completed and conclusions drawn. Numerous oral and poster presentations have been made at national and international conferences in Australia, the UK and Europe. The next phase will be to develop a written and illustrated information brochure for physiotherapists and their patients to use in conjunction with clinical treatment.
Ultrasound biofeedback in the management of incontinence in the elderly
The objectives of the project are to investigate the use of trans-abdominal real-time ultrasound to visualise and retrain pelvic floor muscle function in elderly people. Participants undertake a 12 week physiotherapy intervention and are randomized to receive standard physiotherapy pelvic floor muscle training or training using ultrasound as their feedback mechanism.
Women’s Health Research Program Links