Perineal Rehabilitation in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Benefits of Vaginal Cone Training

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are prevalent conditions that affect millions of women worldwide, encompassing a range of issues severely affecting women's quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle strength and function are fundamental to the management and prevention of PFD, and pelvic rehabilitation is a non-invasive approach that effectively improves symptoms, restores function, and prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle training program using weighted vaginal cones, on pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Fifty-four women aged 26-62 years, with different type of urinary incontinence, cystocele, and prolapse participated in this pre-post intervention comparative analysis. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed using the PC test, which measures strength, endurance and fatigability, while the impact on patients' quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7). A three-month vaginal cone training regimen was implemented, with as-sessments conducted before the intervention (T0), one month later (T1), and three months later (T2). Data analysis showed a change with significant differences between the PC test score values at the level of each parameter and at each assessment (p<0.05, ES=0.254-511). The scores for bladder and urinary problems Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ-7) significantly de-creased from 38.901 ± 1.268 at T0 to 29.366 ± 2.493 at T2 (W = 1082.000, p < 0.001, ES=0.570). In contrast, the scores for vaginal or pelvic problems (POPIQ-7) showed a slight, insignificant decrease from 12.699 ± 1.128 at T0 to 10.499 ± 2.362 at T2 (W = 278.000, p = 0.800, ES=0.053). fVaginal cone training significantly improves pelvic floor mus-cle function and reduces urynary symptoms in women with PFD.