What We Do - Research

A valuable and distinct component of Women's Health Foundation is our focus on evidence-based research. At present, we have collaborated on three clinical studies and have current research agendas with Loyola University Health System and Rush University Medical Center. With these partners, we are piloting a study to assess and successfully deliver a pelvic exercise and educational program for women in senior residential communities. In addition, WHF is collaborating on an explorative study to better understand and treat underserved and underrepresented minority women.

In 2005 and 2006, Women’s Health Foundation, in partnership with Dr. Linda Brubaker, Chief and Fellowship Director of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center conducted two research studies measuring the efficacy of the Total Control™ Program in symptomatic, incontinent female participants. The results showed both an initial and long-term improvement in symptoms of bladder control and strength of orgasms. Women who completed an 11-week, twice weekly class reported improvement in both symptoms of bladder control and quality of life. At the one-year follow up, these results reflected the same findings of improved bladder control and improved sexual function in the form of stronger orgasms and an increase in overall sense of well-being.

In 2009, Women’s Health Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Sheila Dugan, co-director of the Rush University Medical Center Program for Abdominal and Pelvic Health, conducted a multi-site study to assess the feasibility of a pelvic exercise and educational program to improve bladder control and quality of life symptoms for women (both community-based and long-term care communities) self-selecting as limited mobility and suffering from bladder symptoms. The study was done in collaboration with lead author, Sheila Dugan MD, of Rush University Medical Center, Jennifer Hebert-Beirne, PhD, MPH, WHF’s Director of Research and University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health faculty , Linda Brubaker, MD, of Loyola University Health System and Missy Lavender, WHF’s Founder and Board President.

At the conclusion of the program, women who participated in Total Control Platinum™ reported a statistically significant decrease in frequency of urination, urine leakage related to feelings of urgency and urine leakage caused by physical activity, coughing or sneezing. Additionally, they expressed their remaining symptoms were less bothersome and had less of an impact on daily activities like household chores. The study manuscript, “A comparative effectiveness study of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment using a pelvic floor fitness program for senior women” was selected as the winner of the 2011 Aetna Susan B. Anthony Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Public Health by the American Public Health Association (APHA).