NCT06778070 · University of California, San Francisco
National Program to Overcome Pelvic Pain studY (POPPY)
(POPPY)
What this study is about
A randomly assigned, parallel-group, investigator-blinded, comparative effectiveness trial of a fully remote, videoconference-based pelvic floor yoga program versus a physical conditioning program for women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
View original scientific description
A randomized, parallel-group, investigator-blinded, comparative effectiveness trial of a fully remote, videoconference-based pelvic floor yoga program versus a physical conditioning program for women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Women (individuals reporting female sex assigned at birth who self-identify as women or non-binary) aged 18 years or older
- Report chronic or recurrent pain in the pelvis (between or below the anterior iliac crests) for at least 6 months
- Report at least moderate pain intensity based on a screening pain log
- Report prior clinical evaluation of their pelvic pain by a healthcare professional including at least a superficial pelvic exam
- Willing to refrain from initiating new clinical treatments that may affect their pain during the study period
Exclusion criteria
- Report pelvic pain occurring exclusively with menses or exclusively during sexual intercourse (although candidates with at least some pain between menses or intercourse are still eligible)
- Participation in organized yoga classes or muscle strengthening programs (e.g., Pilates) in the past 4 weeks, or any prior yoga therapy specifically directed at pelvic pain
- Lacking technical requirements to complete intervention classes by video, including no access to broadband internet or a Zoom-compatible device larger than a smartphone \[display screen at least 7 inches in diagonal\] (although the study team may loan devices to participants from underrepresented backgrounds)
- Currently pregnant (by self-report or screening test), pregnant within the past 12 weeks, or planning pregnancy during the study period
- Diagnosed with an alternate, reversible cause of pelvic pain that is unlikely to respond to yoga and requires another treatment modality (e.g., current pelvic infection or a gynecologic dermatosis)
- Surgery or irradiation to the genital or pelvic structures within the past 12 weeks, or anticipating upcoming surgery or irradiation to these structures during the study period
- Initiation, dose escalation, or weaning of pharmacologic agents that may affect pelvic pain severity in the past 4 weeks, such as analgesics, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants-(however, women on stable doses of these medications for at least 4 weeks will still be eligible)
- Use of formal psychological therapies specifically for pelvic pain (e.g., systematic desensitization, cognitive therapy, relaxation therapy) within 4 weeks of screening, or plans to engage in these therapies during the study period
- Unable to walk up a flight of stairs or at least 2 blocks on level ground (i.e., functional capacity \< 4 METs), or unable to get up from a supine to a standing position without assistance
- Participation in another interventional study that might interfere with or confound study procedures, or known conflict with multiple upcoming study intervention class dates
- Inability to understand the informed consent form or fill out questionnaires or complete study interviews
- Any other serious physical or mental issue that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with study participation (e.g., advanced dementia, uncontrolled substance use or serious mental illness, life expectancy \<6 months)
Where
- San Francisco, California
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations