Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Lower Limb Strength and Activation in MS Patients

February 18, 2026 updated by: Berivan Beril Kılıç

Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Core Endurance, Hip Rotation Muscle Strength, Tibialis Anterior and Tibialis Posterior Muscle Activation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

we aim to investigate the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunctions, core endurance, hip external rotation muscle strength, and tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior muscle activation in patients diagnosed with MS

Study Overview

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

73

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 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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

It is planned to include 73 patients who applied to Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental and Nervous Diseases Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic and who were diagnosed with definite Multiple Sclerosis according to McDonald Diagnostic Criteria with EDSS level between 0-4.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • EDSS score between 0 and 4.0
  • Having access to the internet via a high-speed smartphone or computer
  • Scoring at least 21 points on the MoCA
  • Having a score of Stage 3 or higher on the Functional Ambulation Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having hearing or vision problems.
  • Participating in any exercise program.
  • Having accompanying other neurological, cardiovascular, or orthopedic disorders.
  • A history of an MS relapse or medication change within the last 6 months.
  • Being in a physical condition that prevents participation in exercises.
  • Comorbid conditions that negatively affect oxygen transport (e.g., severe anemia, peripheral artery disease, etc.)

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

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
patients with multiple sclerosis
Pelvic floor dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis will be assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). The scale is designed to assess all symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders and the severity of the distress they cause. The PFDI-20 consists of 3 subscales and 20 items, with each item rated on a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (quite a bit). To determine the scale scores, the average of the responses for each item in the subscales is multiplied by 25, resulting in a subscale score ranging from 0 to 100, and a total score ranging from 0 to 300. The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were conducted by Çelenay et al.
The quality of life of the patients will be assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 31 questions and 9 subscales. The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale is 0, the highest score is 124, and a high score indicates a low quality of life. The subscales of the questionnaire include daily living activities, psychological well-being, relationships with friends, symptoms, relationships with family, relationships with the healthcare system, emotional and sexual life, coping, and rejection. The Turkish validation of the questionnaire has been conducted.

Core endurance in patients will be assessed using McGill's core endurance tests Trunk Flexor Test: Patients sit at a 60° trunk angle with knees bent, arms crossed, and feet stabilized. Time holding the position is recorded.

Trunk Extensor Test: Patients lie prone with the pelvis stabilized, lift the upper body above table level, and hold. Time is recorded until the body drops.

Lateral Trunk Test: In a modified side plank (knees bent, elbow support), patients lift hips off the mat. Time is recorded until hips lower or extra support is needed.

The assessment of hip strength will specifically focus on the hip adductor and hip external rotator muscle strength. Both muscle groups are considered to be associated with the pelvic floor. Among the hip external rotators, the piriformis muscle functions as an internal stabilizer for the hip joint, while the obturator internus muscle shares fascial connections with the pelvic floor, playing a significant role in pelvic floor function. MR and EMG studies have demonstrated that the levator ani and gluteus maximus muscles are morphologically and functionally connected, and that the contraction of hip adductor and gluteal muscles facilitates the synergistic contraction of pelvic floor muscles. Based on this information, a handheld dynamometer will be used to measure the strength of the two muscle groups planned for evaluation. Measurements will be performed three times, and the average value will be recorded.

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) EMG device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the posterior tibialis muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned at the exact midpoint between the tibial tuberosity and the medial malleolus (32,33); the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal; and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric plantar flexion + inversion movement of the ankle against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, parameters related to the muscle's strength, total work, and resting tone will be recorded in microvolts; the maximal voluntary contraction will be recorded as a percentage.

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) EMG device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned on the muscle body of the tibialis anterior, the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal, and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus (34,35).

The patient will be asked to perform isometric ankle dorsiflexion against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, parameters related to the muscle's strength, total work, and resting tone will be recorded in microvolts; the maximal voluntary contraction will be recorded as a percentage.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
Time Frame: baseline
Pelvic floor dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis will be assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20. The scale is designed to assess all symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders and the severity of the distress they cause. It consists of 3 subscales and 20 items, with each item rated on a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (quite a bit). To determine the scale scores, the average of the responses for each item in the subscales is multiplied by 25, resulting in a subscale score ranging from 0 to 100, and a total score ranging from 0 to 300. The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were conducted.
baseline

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Qualitf of life
Time Frame: Baseline
The quality of life of the patients will be assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 31 questions and 9 subscales. The subscales of the questionnaire include daily living activities, psychological well-being, relationships with friends, symptoms, relationships with family, relationships with the healthcare system, emotional and sexual life, coping, and rejection. An increase in the total score obtained from the scale indicates better quality of life. The Turkish validation of the questionnaire has been conducted.
Baseline
Core endurance -trunk flexor endurance
Time Frame: baseline

Core endurance will be assessed using McGill's tests:

Trunk Flexor Test: Patients sit at a 60° trunk angle with knees bent, arms crossed, and feet stabilized. Time holding the position is recorded.

baseline
Core endurance -trunk extansor endurance
Time Frame: baseline

Core endurance will be assessed using McGill's tests:

Trunk Extensor Test: Patients lie prone with the pelvis stabilized, lift the upper body above table level, and hold. Time is recorded until the body drops.

baseline
Core endurance - lateral flexor endurance
Time Frame: baseline

Core endurance will be assessed using McGill's tests:

Lateral Trunk Test: In a modified side plank (knees bent, elbow support), patients lift hips off the mat. Time is recorded until hips lower or extra support is needed.

baseline
Hip strength
Time Frame: baseline
The assessment of hip strength will specifically focus on the hip adductor and hip external rotator muscle strength. Both muscle groups are considered to be associated with the pelvic floor. Among the hip external rotators, the piriformis muscle functions as an internal stabilizer for the hip joint, while the obturator internus muscle shares fascial connections with the pelvic floor, playing a significant role in pelvic floor function. MR and EMG studies have demonstrated that the levator ani and gluteus maximus muscles are morphologically and functionally connected, and that the contraction of hip adductor and gluteal muscles facilitates the synergistic contraction of pelvic floor muscles. Based on this information, a handheld dynamometer will be used to measure the strength of the two muscle groups planned for evaluation. Measurements will be performed three times, and the average value will be recorded.
baseline
tibialis posterior muscle activation - peak torque
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the posterior tibialis muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned at the exact midpoint between the tibial tuberosity and the medial malleolus; the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal; and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric plantar flexion + inversion movement of the ankle against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, peak torque will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline
tibialis posterior muscle activation - work avarage
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the posterior tibialis muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned at the exact midpoint between the tibial tuberosity and the medial malleolus; the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal; and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric plantar flexion + inversion movement of the ankle against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, work avarage will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline
tibialis posterior muscle activation - percentage of maximal voluntary contractions
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the posterior tibialis muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned at the exact midpoint between the tibial tuberosity and the medial malleolus; the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal; and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric plantar flexion + inversion movement of the ankle against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, maximal voluntary contractions will be recorded in percentage

baseline
tibialis posterior muscle activation - rest tone
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the posterior tibialis muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned at the exact midpoint between the tibial tuberosity and the medial malleolus; the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal; and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric plantar flexion + inversion movement of the ankle against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, rest tone will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline
tibialis anterior muscle activation - peak torque
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned on the muscle body of the tibialis anterior, the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal, and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric ankle dorsiflexion against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, peak torque will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline
tibialis anterior muscle activation - work avarage
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned on the muscle body of the tibialis anterior, the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal, and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric ankle dorsiflexion against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, work average will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline
tibialis anterior muscle activation - percentage of maximal voluntarily contractions
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned on the muscle body of the tibialis anterior, the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal, and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric ankle dorsiflexion against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, maximal voluntary contractions will be recorded in percentage.

baseline
tibialis anterior muscle activation - rest tone
Time Frame: baseline

The NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) electromyography (EMG) device will be used for the superficial EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the assessment, single-use 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the reference points. The active electrode will be positioned on the muscle body of the tibialis anterior, the passive electrode will be placed 4 cm distal, and the reference electrode will be placed on the lateral malleolus.

The patient will be asked to perform isometric ankle dorsiflexion against resistance for 10 seconds. The ankle isometric contractions will be performed in 3 repetitions, with a 20-second rest period between contractions. As a result of the assessment, rest tone will be recorded in microvolts.

baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

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

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)

January 1, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 10, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 10, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 4, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 9, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

January 15, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

February 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 18, 2026

Last Verified

February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

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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