Effect of radiofrequency and pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of women with vaginal laxity: A study protocol

• Published in: PloS one 2021-11, Vol.16 (11), p.e0259650
• Main Authors: Pereira, Gláucia Miranda Varella, Juliato, Cássia Raquel Teatin, de Almeida, Cristiane Martins, de Andrade, Kleber Cursino, Fante, Júlia Ferreira, Martinho, Natália, Jales, Rodrigo Menezes, Pinto E Silva, Marcela Ponzio, Brito, Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biology and Life Sciences; Care and treatment; Childbirth & labor; Clinical trials; Demographic aspects; Diagnosis; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Gynecology; Health aspects; Hospitals; Humans; Intervention; Medicine and Health Sciences; Middle Aged; Muscle function; Muscles; Obstetrics; Pathophysiology; Pelvic Floor - physiopathology; Pelvis; Physical therapy; Postpartum period; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Radio frequency; Radiofrequency Therapy - methods; Research and Analysis Methods; Sexual disorders; Sexual intercourse; Study Protocol; Training; Trauma; Treatment Outcome; Vagina; Vagina - physiopathology; Women; Womens health
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259650

Vaginal laxity is an underreported condition that negatively affects women's sexual function and their relationships. Evidence-based studies are needed to better understand this complaint and to discuss its treatment options. Thus, we present a study protocol to compare the effect of radiofrequency and pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of women with complaints of vaginal laxity. This is a prospective, parallel-group, two-arm, randomized clinical trial (Registry: RBR-2zdvfp-REBEC). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups of intervention (Radiofrequency or Pelvic Floor Muscle Training). The study will be performed in the Urogynecology outpatient clinic and in the physiotherapy outpatient clinic at the State University of Campinas-UNICAMP and will include women aged ≥ 18 years and with self-reported complaints of vaginal laxity. Participants will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention period) and will be followed up in two periods: first follow-up (30 days after intervention) and second follow-up (six months after intervention). The results of this randomized clinical trial will have a positive impact on the participants' quality of life, as well as add value to the development of treatment options for women with complaints of vaginal laxity. Registry: RBR-2zdvfp-Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos-REBEC (19/02/2020).