Supervised Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

In this study, the efficacy of exercise to improve interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome symptoms and quality of life will be investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:Adult females (>18 years and <80 years) with a previously established clinical diagnosis of Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) will be eligible to participateMust speak EnglishThe clinical diagnosis of IC/BPS will be based on the recently published American Urological Association Guidelines definition: "An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, or discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms for more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes"The diagnosis will be confirmed by a urologist who specializes in the treatment of patients with IC/BPSExclusion Criteria:Study participants must be fully ambulatory without the use of a cane, walker, or wheelchairStudy participants must be able to tolerate moderate aerobic exercise. It will also be required that a physician clear any subjects entering the exercise program who have signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and have been active 3 days per week for 30 minutes each dayAny history of bladder cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, the current placement of a catheter, urethral diverticulum, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cyclophosphamide treatment, radiation cystitis, bladder tuberculosis, or are experiencing an active genital herpes episodePregnant women are not eligible for this study