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Mindfulness-based body scan training in multimodal physiotherapy for vulvodynia - a randomized controlled feasibility study.

Heidi Halbedl, Daniela Melitta Pfabigan, Irene Ebhardt, Gerda Trutnovsky

Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology December 2025 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2025.2531057 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 33
Population Women with vulvodynia
Interventions Mindfulness-based body scan (MBBS) pelvic floor physiotherapy
Duration Ten sessions of physiotherapy; home body scans five times a week; follow-up assessment attended by 26 participants
Measures Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), digital assessment of pelvic floor
Topics Meditation
Keywords Vulvodynia Body scans Mindfulness-based stress reduction Pelvic floor Physiotherapy
Key findings Integrating mindfulness-based body scan training into multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy was feasible and well accepted, with 88% of the intervention group completing more than ten home scans. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in average pain intensity, McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire subscales, and Female Sexual Distress Scale scores, while pelvic floor myofascial pressure points improved over time in both groups.

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial explored the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of integrating mindfulness-based body scan (MBBS) interventions into multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy for vulvodynia treatment. Participants received ten sessions of standardized physiotherapy. The mindfulness intervention group was instructed to additionally perform home-based audio-file guided MBBS five times a week. The primary study endpoint was feasibility. The effect on pain intensity, pain characteristics and sexuality were assessed with Numeric Rating scales (NRS), the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and digital assessment of pelvic floor. Thirty-three women were randomized and completed the end-of-treatment assessments and 26 (79%) attended the follow-up. 15 of 17 participants of the intervention group (88%) performed the body scans more than ten times and the feasibility criteria were achieved. The intervention group showed significantly better improvements in NRS of average pain, MPQ subscales and FSDS total score. Pelvic floor assessment showed a significant improvement of myofascial pressure points over time with no difference between study groups. Integration of MBBS trainings into multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy for vulvodynia is feasible and well accepted and may improve pain reduction and sexual function.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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