Effects of pelvic floor muscle training on quality of life of a group of women with urinary incontinence: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of kinesiotherapy on function and level of pressure of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) and quality of life (QOL) of a group of women with urinary incontinence (UI). Materials and methodsThis is a randomized controlled pilot trial. Thirty women (age 60.87±9.05 years) were evaluated, before and after 12 weeks of treatment, for urinary loss, PFM function and pressure, and QOL. Volunteers were randomly allocated into two groups: Kinesiotherapy Group (KG) and Control Group (CG). The KG protocol consisted of 12 1-h sessions with exercises to strengthen PFM and information for UI. The CG did not receive any treatment during the corresponding time. The data were analyzed by non-parametric Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney test. The significance level was 5%. ResultsThe KG presented a significant improvement in urinary loss (p=0.053), PFM function (p<0.006) and pressure (p=0.0014) and in some domains of King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) for QOL assessment: incontinence impact (p=0.034), limitations of daily activities (p=0.025), sleep and disposition (p=0.018) and gravity domains (p=0.004). No differences were found in the CG for any variables. ConclusionThe protocol to strengthen the PFM used by the KG was effective to improve the UI, QOL, function and pressure of PFM contraction.