At a glance
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EndoGym Progetto di Riabilitazione Del Pavimento Pelvico e Trattamento Del Dolore Miofasciale e Dispareunia Tramite la Pratica Dello Yoga in Pazienti Con Diagnosi di Endometriosi.
In Brief
An observational study evaluating Yoga and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Endometriosis. Completed, enrolled 82 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of Yoga practice and pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFP) on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia in endometriosis patients. This is a retrospective study carried out from April 2024 to November 2024 conducted by University Hospital Modena (Italy). A total of 82 women with confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis were initially enrolled in the ENDOGYM program. Among them, 50 patients (61%) were therefore included in the final analysis. ENDOGYM consists of 12 weekly sessions over a period of 3 months. It includes two PFP sessions, lasting 1 hour each (one at the start and one at the end of the program), and 12 Yoga sessions, once a week, each lasting 60 minutes. EHP-30 questionnaire was used before and after the program to evaluate women's QoL; NRS scale was used before, half-way and after the program to evaluate CPP and dyspareunia.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
The Yoga sessions were designed to address specific physiological needs related to endometriosis, such as CPP, myofascial pain, chronic fatigue, and hormonal imbalance. The asanas were selected to stimulate the nervous system, promote blood circulation, and relax the pelvic muscles. The poses were adapted to avoid any direct pressure on the pelvic organs, fostering a sense of lightness and awareness. Deep breathing techniques were taught to reduce stress and improve tissue oxygenation, with a positive impact on pain management and immune function. The breathing exercises were often hypopressive to reduce the load on the pelvic area. The use of mindfulness was encouraged to increase awareness of bodily sensations, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional balance. The practice was not just "a physical activity" but an opportunity for the participant to deeply connect with her body, promoting an overall improvement in the QoL.
During the two one-hour sessions of PFP, various tools were used, such as balls of different textures and a cylindrical cushion provide tactile biofeedback and help identify the boundaries of the perineum. Patients were free to adjust the intensity of the feedback by choosing or removing the appropriate aid. By perceiving the different muscular layers of the perineum and altering the posture of the pelvis and lower limbs, patients learned about perineal movements, muscle activation, and myofascial tensions. The goal was to internalize the therapeutic exercises demonstrated and apply them in various daily life situations to maintain improvements in the perineal-pelvic structures.