Core Massage and Exercise in Pediatric LUTD

April 29, 2026 updated by: SERAP ÖZGÜL, Hacettepe University

Core-Based Massage and Exercise Training in Children With Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) are common in the pediatric population and include symptoms related to functional disorders. LUTD limits children and their parents socially, physically, and financially; leads to secondary comorbidities in the long term and negatively affects quality of life. Therefore, effective treatment of LUTD is important. Treatment options in children with LUTD include standard urotherapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices, pharmacologic approaches, and Botulinum toxin type A injections. Pharmacologic treatment and invasive approaches have high side effect rates and compliance problems; therefore, conservative treatment methods should be completed first. The literature focuses on standard urotherapy, pharmacologic approaches and biofeedback therapy. However, standard urotherapy and biofeedback are first-line treatments for pediatric LUTD, but their success rates are often limited. In addition, the pelvic floor contributes to abdomino-lumbopelvic stability and works in synergy with diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles and spinal segments. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in this population that comprehensively addresses the anatomical structures closely related to the pelvic floor with a more holistic perspective beyond the standard patient education and pelvic floor. Therefore, The aim of our study is to demonstrate the additional effects of core-based massage and exercise training in children with LUTD compared to standard urotherapy and pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in a randomized controlled design.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Pediatric lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common and multifactorial health problem. A holistic perspective is required in treatment. Therefore, the aim of our study is to demonstrate the additional effects of massage therapy and exercise training for the abdomino-lumbopelvic area in children with LUTD compared to standard urotherapy and pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in a randomized controlled design. At the beginning of our study, sample size was estimated using the G Power 3.1.9.7 program. To detect a clinically significant difference of 30% between the groups (80% improvement in the research arm and 50% in the control arm) with 80% power and an alpha level of 0.05 based on a one-sided hypothesis, the minimum sample size was determined to be 42 participants, with 21 allocated to each group. The study will include 42 volunteer children aged 7-15 years with symptoms associated with functional LUTD, accompanied by their parents. Children will be randomly assigned to 2 separate groups according to an online computer generated, gender stratified block randomization list. Group 1 will receive core-based massage and exercise training in addition to standard urotherapy and pelvic floor EMG biofeedback therapy. Group 2 will receive only standard urotherapy and pelvic floor EMG biofeedback therapy. The treatments will be applied 2 days a week for 6 weeks. Children will be evaluated at the beginning of the study and at the end of the treatment (6th week). The primary outcome measure is the "Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Score". Secondary outcome measures are 3-day voiding and defecation diaries data, uroflowmetry parameters, residual urine volume after voiding by pelvic ultrasound and physical fitness parameters. SPSS program will be used for data analysis. In the comparison of numerical data between 2 independent groups, "Independent Groups T Test" will be used when parametric assumptions are met and "Mann-Whitney U test" will be used when parametric assumptions are not met. In the analysis of change within the dependent group, "Significance Test of the Difference Between Two Pairs" will be used when parametric assumptions are met and "Wilcoxon Test" will be used when parametric assumptions are not met. In the examination of the change in outcome measurements over time, the effect of the treatments in both groups on the dependent variables in all evaluations (In-group factor, Time; pre-treatment and post-treatment) will be tested with "Repeated Measures of Anova" using Treatment Group*Time (2*2) factors. Type-1 error level for statistical significance will be based on 5%.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
42

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Children between the ages of 7 and 15
  • Presence of symptoms of functional lower urinary tract dysfunction
  • Do not have a condition (such as autism, ADHD-Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) that would prevent cooperation with the assessments and interventions in the study
  • Consented to participate in the study by their parents

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Symptomatic urinary tract infection,
  • A neurological disease,
  • Neurogenic bladder/bowel diagnosis,
  • Monosymptomatic enuresis,
  • Anatomical anomaly that may affect bladder/bowel function,
  • Fecal incontinence,
  • Disruption of skin integrity or open wound at the massage site and
  • An orthopedic problem that would prevent them from performing the exercises in the study

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: Standard Urotherapy and Biofeedback Therapy
Group 2 will receive only standard urotherapy and pelvic floor EMG biofeedback therapy.
Behavioral: Standard Urotherapy
The anatomy of the urinary system and related structures, the causes of voiding dysfunction and symptoms will be explained to the family and the child with visuals. A written form including timed voiding during the day, appropriate fluid intake, correct toilet posture, adequate and balanced nutrition will be given.
Device: Pelvic Floor Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback therapy will be applied for 20 minutes in each session. During the application, adhesive surface electrodes will be placed on the perineum at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock for each child. Through these electrodes, the activity signals of the muscles in that area will be recorded superficially. By monitoring the regional muscle activity, feedback is provided to increase and/or decrease the activity according to the activity pattern. As a result, pelvic floor biofeedback therapy will teach the child the correct use of the pelvic floor muscles. During the session, pelvic floor awareness and relaxation exercises specific to the child will be practiced with visual animations.
Experimental: Core-Based Massage and Exercise Training in addition to Standard Urotherapy and Biofeedback Therapy
Group 1 will receive abdomino-lumbopelvic massage and exercise training in addition to standard urotherapy and pelvic floor EMG biofeedback therapy.
Other: Exercise Training
Exercise training will last approximately 10 minutes in each session. In the exercise training, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises (bridge, cat-and-cow and squatting exercises) will be performed for 10 repetitions, lumbopelvic flexibility exercises (child position, happy baby position, adductor muscle stretching, psoas muscle stretching) will be performed for 20 seconds and 5 repetitions, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises will be performed for 5 repetitions in supine, side lying and sitting positions.
Behavioral: Standard Urotherapy
The anatomy of the urinary system and related structures, the causes of voiding dysfunction and symptoms will be explained to the family and the child with visuals. A written form including timed voiding during the day, appropriate fluid intake, correct toilet posture, adequate and balanced nutrition will be given.
Other: Massage Therapy
10 minutes abdominal massage and 10 minutes lower back massage will be applied in each session. It will take 20 minutes in total.
Device: Pelvic Floor Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback therapy will be applied for 20 minutes in each session. During the application, adhesive surface electrodes will be placed on the perineum at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock for each child. Through these electrodes, the activity signals of the muscles in that area will be recorded superficially. By monitoring the regional muscle activity, feedback is provided to increase and/or decrease the activity according to the activity pattern. As a result, pelvic floor biofeedback therapy will teach the child the correct use of the pelvic floor muscles. During the session, pelvic floor awareness and relaxation exercises specific to the child will be practiced with visual animations.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Symptom score
Time Frame: Change in symptom score from baseline up to end of 6th week
Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptoms Score (DVISS) Questionnaire will be used to evaluate the symptom score.
Change in symptom score from baseline up to end of 6th week

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Frequency of voiding and incontinence
Time Frame: Change in frequency of voiding, incontinence and defecation from baseline up to end of 6th week
3-day voiding diary will be used to evaluate the frequency of voiding, incontinence and defecation.
Change in frequency of voiding, incontinence and defecation from baseline up to end of 6th week
Maximum and mean voided volumes
Time Frame: Change in maximum and mean voided volumes (ml) from baseline up to end of 6th week
3-day voiding diary will be used to evaluate the maximum and mean voided volumes (ml)
Change in maximum and mean voided volumes (ml) from baseline up to end of 6th week
Uroflowmeter parameters- Maximum Flow Rate
Time Frame: Change in uroflowmeter parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Uroflowmeter test report will be used to evaluate the maximum flow rate (ml/sn)
Change in uroflowmeter parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Uroflowmeter parameters- Curve Type
Time Frame: Change in uroflowmeter curve type from baseline up to end of 6th week
Uroflowmeter test report will be used to record flow curve type.
Change in uroflowmeter curve type from baseline up to end of 6th week
Residual urine volume after voiding
Time Frame: Change in residual urine volume after voiding from baseline up to end of 6th week
Pelvic ultrasound will be used to evaluate residual urine volume (ml) after voiding.
Change in residual urine volume after voiding from baseline up to end of 6th week
Physical Fitness Assessment-Thoracic Expansion Capacity
Time Frame: Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Thoracic expansion capacity (cm)
Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Physical Fitness Assessment- Sit-Up test
Time Frame: Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Sit-Up test (number of repetitions in 30 seconds)
Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Physical Fitness Assessment- Sit and Reach Test
Time Frame: Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week
Sit and Reach Test (cm)
Change in parameters from baseline up to end of 6th week

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Hacettepe University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
April 20, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
February 3, 2026

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 16, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
February 1, 2024

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 1, 2024

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
February 9, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 30, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 29, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • KA-23059

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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