Postnatal rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles using aerobic and Kegel exercises

Abstract

Weakness of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) is the most important consequence of childbirth and is determined by specific alterations in its structure and physiological function. This study was conducted to determine and add evidence on the effect of aerobic exercises and biofeedback-assisted Kegel exercises on PFMs strength and thickness in postnatal women. A total of 50 primiparous women experiencing mild-degree stress urinary incontinence 3 months postnatally participated in this study; their age ranged from 20 to 30 years. They were divided into two equal groups. Study group (group A) (aerobic+Kegel exercises) consisted of 25 primiparous women who performed aerobic exercise in addition to biofeedback-assisted Kegel exercises, and the control group (group B) (Kegel exercise) consisted of 25 primiparous women who performed only biofeedback-assisted Kegel exercises. Assessment of the PFMs’ strength was performed by using the perineometer, whereas assessment of the PFMs’ thickness was performed by using perineal ultrasound at relaxation and during contraction. The results of this study revealed a highly statistical significant increase in the PFMs’ strength, as the P was less than 0.001, and a statistical significant increase in the PFMs’ thickness both at relaxation and during contraction, as the P was less than 0.05, in both groups (groups A and B) after treatment, in favor of group (group A). It could be concluded that adding aerobic exercise to biofeedback-assisted Kegel exercises would improve PFMs’ strength and thickness than biofeedback-assisted Kegel exercises only.