A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Treat Chronic Pelvic Pain
Condition: Chronic Pelvic Pain
MeSH terms: Pelvic Pain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      To collect pilot data and assess the feasibility of a trial employing a single-arm
      intervention to study the effects of combined self-induced therapeutic tremors plus
      mindfulness on symptoms of chronic pelvic pain among women diagnosed with chronic pelvic
      pain.
    

Detailed description: 
      The estimated prevalence of chronic pelvic pain among women is 2-24%. The etiology of chronic
      pelvic pain is multifactorial making it very difficult to manage clinically. Evidenced-based
      therapies are limited and a multidisciplinary approach, including complementary and
      alternative medicine, to treat women with chronic pelvic pain may be the best approach. This
      study assess the feasibility of conducting randomized controlled trial with a single arm
      intervention to treat symptoms of chronic pelvis pain among women diagnosed with chronic
      pelvic pain. The intervention will consist of a novel combined alternative therapy
      intervention among women with chronic pelvic pain (self-induced therapeutic tremor plus
      mindfulness). This is a clinically significant project as lifestyle interventions to treat
      chronic pelvic pain are urgently needed, given the prevalence and the healthcare costs
      associated with chronic pelvic pain.

      Study Objective: The primary purpose of this project is to collect pilot data and assess the
      feasibility of a single arm intervention trial to improve symptoms of CPP among women
      diagnosed with CPP.

      Intervention Arm - Combined Alternative Therapy: The novel combined alternative therapy that
      will be studied consists of self-induced therapeutic tremors (SITT) plus mindfulness. SITT is
      the intentional induction of the body's innate tremor mechanism to treat hyperarousal and
      muscle tension, which is characteristic of CPP. SITTs are thought to restore somatic and
      autonomic nervous system homeostasis, by discharging sympathetic arousal and down-regulating
      the autonomic nervous system. Previous work has shown that mindfulness training may improve
      symptoms of CPP, however there are no studies investigating the impact that the combination
      of mindfulness coupled with SITTs may have on the symptoms of CPP.
    

Intervention name(s): Self-induced therapeutic tremor (SITT) combined with mindfulness
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): SITT is a way to reduce stress by turning on a natural shaking response. This can calm the participant's body. It involves doing simple exercises. The muscles will gently shake, and release built up stress. This shaking of the muscles lets the participant's body physically let go of tension and stress.
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in a moment. This allows focus on what the participant is sensing and feeling in the moment. It involves the acceptance of thoughts and feelings without judging them.
Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind, help reduce stress, and not be overwhelmed by what's going on around the participant.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: Combined Alternative Therapy: The novel combined alternative therapy that will be studied consists of self-induced therapeutic tremors (SITT) plus mindfulness. SITT is the intentional induction of the body's innate tremor mechanism to treat hyperarousal and muscle tension, which is characteristic of CPP. SITTs are thought to restore somatic and autonomic nervous system homeostasis, by discharging sympathetic arousal and down-regulating the autonomic nervous system. Previous work has shown that mindfulness training may improve symptoms of CPP, however there are no studies investigating the impact that the combination of mindfulness coupled with SITTs may have on the symptoms of CPP.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment