Biofeedback for Endometriosis: A Study Protocol to Test a Novel Approach to Symptom Management
Hajek Gross C, Strobl E, Weise C (2025)
Publication Type: Conference contribution, Abstract of a poster
Publication year: 2025
Event location: Wien
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of individuals with a uterus during reproductive age, causing chronic pain and impairments in quality of life. Medical treatments often provide limited long-term relief, while psychotherapeutic approaches may not fully address patients’ predominantly somatic understanding of the condition. Non-controlled studies suggest that individuals with endometriosis may exhibit elevated pelvic floor tension, contributing to pain chronification. Surface electromyography (sEMG)-biofeedback, a well-established treatment for regulating muscle tension and enhancing self-efficacy in other chronic pain conditions, holds promise but remains underexplored in endometriosis. Before its application, foundational studies are needed to inform targeted sEMG-biofeedback treatment for this population.
Purpose: This pilot study aims to evaluate the rationale and feasibility of sEMG biofeedback as treatment for endometriosis-related dysfunction.
Method: The study involves 30 individuals with endometriosis and 30 age-matched healthy controls. First, a psychophysiological assessment will be conducted to explore patterns of pelvic floor muscle tension at baseline and during four experimental stressors. Vaginal sEMG electrodes will assess pelvic floor tension, while additional sensors will measure abdominal muscle tension and skin conductance levels. Group differences will be analyzed using MANOVA. Second, individuals with endometriosis will complete a single 20-minute sEMG biofeedback session. Feasibility will be assessed via a post-intervention survey, focusing on usability, perceived ability to modulate muscle tension, and willingness to engage in further biofeedback training.
Discussion: Findings will provide critical insights into the feasibility of sEMG-biofeedback for endometriosis, informing the design of a larger-scale trial to evaluate its long-term impact on self-efficacy and pain interference.
Stichwörter: Endometriosis, sEMG-Biofeedback, Pelvic Floor Tension, Biopsychosocial Treatment
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Hajek Gross, C., Strobl, E., & Weise, C. (2025, August). Biofeedback for Endometriosis: A Study Protocol to Test a Novel Approach to Symptom Management. Poster presentation at 18. International Congress of Behavioral Medicine (ICBM 2025), Wien, AT.
MLA:
Hajek Gross, Carola, Elena Strobl, and Cornelia Weise. "Biofeedback for Endometriosis: A Study Protocol to Test a Novel Approach to Symptom Management." Presented at 18. International Congress of Behavioral Medicine (ICBM 2025), Wien 2025.
BibTeX: Download