‘Physio-EndEA’ Study: A Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supervised and Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Program to Improve Quality of Life in Symptomatic Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis

Abstract

Aim: The ‘Physio-EndEA’ study aims to explore the potential benefits of a therapeutic exercise program (focused on lumbopelvic stabilization and tolerance to exertion) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of symptomatic endometriosis women. Design: The present study will use a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. Methods: A total of 22 symptomatic endometriosis women will be randomized 1:1 to the Physio-EndEA or usual care groups. The ‘Physio-EndEA’ program will consist of a one-week lumbopelvic stabilization learning phase followed by an eight-week phase of stretching, aerobic and resistance exercises focused on the lumbopelvic area that will be sequentially instructed and supervised by a trained physiotherapist (with volume and intensity progression) and adapted daily to the potential of each participant. The primary outcome measure is HRQoL. The secondary outcome measures included clinician-reported outcomes (pressure pain thresholds, muscle thickness and strength, flexibility, body balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) and patient-reported outcomes (pain intensity, physical fitness, chronic fatigue, sexual function, gastrointestinal function and sleep quality). Discussion: Findings of this study will help to identify cost-effective non-pharmacological options (such as this exercise-based intervention) that may contribute to the improvement of HRQoL in symptomatic endometriosis women.

Endometriosis and the Temporomandibular Joint—Preliminary Observations

“…TENS electrostimulation is a good method for reducing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and deep dyspareunia, thereby improving women's quality of life and sexual function [90]. An exercise-based 'Phys-io-EndEA' program may help to improve HRQoL in women with symptomatic endometriosis [91]. It is also important to bear in mind that this treatment is associated with high costs.…”

Eficácia da fisioterapia na sintomatologia da endometriose

“…Para o fortalecimento do assoalho pélvico foram utilizados biofeedback, série de kgel, associado a mobilidade pélvica na bola suíça. Os exercícios que foram utilizados de forma isolada (22) ou em combinação com o (TENS) sendo que o estudo que demostrou o exercícios de forma isolada os participantes não apresentaram melhora significativa em relação a dor, já os estudos que associaram os exercícios com o (TENS) demostraram redução significativa do quadro álgico das paciente (23) Porém, os estudos que utilizou somente o exercício apresentou um baixo score na escala PEDRo visto que esses artigos não mencionaram o programa de exercícios utilizado durante o tratamento das pacientes. Também foram observados outros métodos além do (TENS) com o objetivo de promover analgesia nos sintomas da endometriose, como massagem no tecido conjuntivo perineal com a estimulação de um ponto especifico da acupuntura Sanyinjiao (SP6) proporcionando melhora imediata do fluxo menstrual apresentando resultados satisfatórios.…”

Physiotherapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis

“…Its was designed to check what benefits may occur using a therapy exercise programme (focused on lumbo-pelvic stabilisation and exercise tolerance). The 'Physio-EndEA' programme consisted of a one-week lumbo-pelvic stabilisation learning phase, followed by an eight-week phase of stretching, aerobic and resistance exercises focused on the lumbo-pelvic area, which included sequential instruction and supervision by a trained physiotherapist (with a progression of volume and intensity), with exercises adjusted daily according to the woman's needs and each participant's capabilities [30]. The following were also assessed: pain levels, muscle thickness and strength and flexibility, body balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) and outcomes described by the participants (pain intensity, physical fitness, chronic fatigue, sexual function, gastrointestinal function and sleep quality).…”