Floor Exercises Research Articles

Patient and Care Provider Perspectives on the Management of Fecal Incontinence: A Qualitative Rapid Review

Patient and Care Provider Perspectives on the Management of Fecal Incontinence: A Qualitative Rapid Review

Development of an Android-based Floor Gymnastic Application as an Alternative Teaching Material for PJOK Mix Learning at SD Negeri 113 Kota Jambi

This study aims to produce a product in the form of an android-based floor exercise application learning at SD Negeri 113 Jambi City. The background of the problem in this study is that some students at school are still not able to do good and correct basic gymnastic movements because some students still do not understand the correct steps of movement so that they experience obstacles in learning. This floor exercise application has been developed accurately, incorporating the latest movements, techniques, and practical, easy-to-use rules in learning. This research was conducted at Public Elementary School 113 with research subjects namely students of SD N 113 Jambi City. The research method used is the ADDIE model development research. The steps of this research start from analysis, design, development, implementation to evaluation. The results of the analysis of the research data show that the percentage score of the product trials carried out is 80% to 90% in the good category so that it can be concluded that this android-based floor gymnastics application product is suitable for use by students and teachers, especially sports.

Patients' Acceptability and Satisfaction With Teleconsultation for Pelvic Floor Exercises for Stress Urinary Incontinence During COVID-19

ObjectivesThis was the first urogynaecology specialty nurse teleconsultation offered by a public hospital during COVID-19 for learning pelvic floor exercises. This study assessed patients’ perception, acceptance, and satisfaction using 2 validated questionnaires. MethodsIn total, 25 patients with stress urinary incontinence attended the teleconsultation via videoconferencing in April 2022, and completed the Telemedicine Perception Questionnaire (TMPQ) and Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ). The TMPQ was a 17-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire for assessing the acceptability of telemedicine. The TSQ was a 14-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire for assessing satisfaction with teleconsultation. The higher the score, the greater the acceptance and satisfaction. Information on demographics, symptom severity by Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, internet access, and transport arrangements were included. ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 54.6 ± 7.37 years. Their mean Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score was 40.60/100 (SD = 17.83) and Impact Questionnaire-7 was 27.90/100 (SD = 19.83). Pre-teleconsultation mean TMPQ score was 59.16 ± 5.78/85. Post-teleconsultation mean score was 64.92 ± 5.21/85, which was 3.64 higher (t = 3.642, df = 24, P = 0.001), indicating a significant increase in positive perception and acceptability. There were fewer concerns with the usage (P = 0.017) and reliability (P = 0.003) of technology, while there was increased agreement that teleconsultation is cost-saving for the health care system (P = 0.003) and offers easier access to health care providers (P = 0.006) after the teleconsultation. Mean TSQ score was 59.85 ± 9.46/70. ConclusionOur pilot study demonstrated positive perception, high acceptability, and satisfaction from patients’ first teleconsultation experience. Further multi-centre studies with the inclusion of a control group would help in understanding patients’ needs and for service planning.

Use of a Digital Conversational Agent for the Management of Overactive Bladder.

Conservative therapy is effective for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) but may be limited by accessibility to care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a digital conversational agent (CeCe) for the treatment of OAB. This was a prospective observational trial utilizing a digital conversational agent developed by Renalis University Hospitals (Cleveland, Ohio) for the treatment of OAB. Patients were given access to CeCe over an 8-week period and were instructed on how to perform bladder training and pelvic floor exercises and taught about bladder health. The primary outcome was a decrease in the International Consultation on Incontinence-Overactive Bladder Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (ICIQ-OAB-QoL) score from week 1 to week 8. Patients also completed the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire at the same intervals and voiding diaries at weeks 1, 4, and 8. A power analysis was performed and determined that a total of 30 patients would be needed to demonstrate a significant difference in symptom scores after use of CeCe with 80% power and an α error of 5%. Twenty-nine patients completed all data collection. The ICIQ-OAB-QoL scores were significantly different between weeks 1 and 8 (62 [IQR], 49-75) vs 32 [IQR, 24-43]; P < 0.001). Patients also reported a decrease in frequency pretreatment and posttreatment (7 [IQR, 6-10] vs 5 [IQR, 4-7]; P = -0.04), nocturia (2 [IQR, 1-3] vs 1 [IQR, 1-2]; P = 0.03), and urge urinary incontinence (2 [IQR, 1-5] vs 0 [IQR, 0-3]; P = 0.04). Consumption of alcohol decreased from week 1 to week 8 (24 oz [IQR, 12-36 oz) to 14 oz (IQR, 9-22 oz]; P = 0.02). The use of a digital conversational agent effectively reduced the severity of symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with OAB.

ANALYZING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GYMNAST'S STATURE AND MEDAL PERFORMANCE ON APPARATUSES IN MEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

In order to achieve success in sports, certain physical fitness characteristics are necessary. This study aims to determine whether a relationship exists between the height of male gymnasts who have won medals in the World Championships and Olympic Games in Artistic Gymnastics, and the apparatus on which they achieved those medals. Competitions in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at World Championships and Olympic Games are held in six apparatuses for individuals: floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Each apparatus follows specific rules for evaluating gymnastics routines. Airborne acrobatics dominate on floor and vault, while support holds prominence on pommel horse and parallel bars, and hanging manoeuvres characterize rings and the high bar. While a gymnast’s body height influences all forms of gymnastics, the question remains: who can rise to the top on each apparatus? Within the scope of the research, the results between the years from 2009 to 2021 were examined. In this context, data from three Olympic Games (2012, 2016 and 2020) and nine World Championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019) were used. The heights (251 sets of data) of the gymnasts who won medals in these competitions were evaluated. While the shortest of the medal-winning gymnasts was 150cm tall (floor exercise and pommel horse) and the tallest 183cm (floor exercise and horizontal bar), the average height of the medal-winning gymnasts was 164.67cm (± 6.12). There is statistically significant difference between the heights of the gymnasts who won medals on apparatuses (p&lt;0.05).

Sexual Aspects of the Female Pelvic Floor

The female pelvic floor is a complex bodily and corporeal form that accompanies a fault-finding role in different bodily functions and contains intercourse fitness. This abstract investigates the intercourse facets of the female pelvic floor, stressing their significance in intercourse function and delight. The pelvic floor of women consists of muscles, ligaments, and combined tissues that support the pouch, uterus, and rectum. Its basic functions include claiming self-restraint, advocating for pelvic means, and providing intercourse. Pelvic floor power plays a critical role during intercourse. They help with vaginal shortages, support the uterus in a promoted position, and are complicated by carrying out orgasms through cadence shortening. However, various factors can influence intercourse facets of the pelvic floor in women. These include childbirth, declining hormone levels, and pelvic floor disorders. Childbirth can cause fabric damage and jolting. Aging and hormonal changes can influence declining muscle attitude, vaginal aridity, and intercourse comfort. Pelvic floor disorders, such as moving down or debauchery, can lead to anxiety and decreased intercourse. Treatment alternatives for pelvic floor-connected intercourse issues include pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), tangible therapy, birth control remedies, and surgical medications. Addressing intercourse facets of the female pelvic floor is determined by the correct intercourse function, intimacy, and overall growth status of the girls

A Predictive Model to Identify the Effects of Transcutaneous Sacral Nerve Stimulation With Pelvic Floor Exercises in Fecal Incontinence After Surgery for Anorectal Malformation.

Although the combination of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation (tSNS) and pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) has shown significant effectiveness in treating fecal incontinence (FI) after surgery for congenital anorectal malformation (CARM), not all patients achieve satisfactory continence. Therefore, identifying which individuals will benefit from this method is crucial. A prospective cohort study enrolled 92 children with FI. All patients underwent tSNS with PFE treatment, and an improved outcome was defined as a Wexner score ≤4. A predictive model to identify the effects of tSNS with PFEs in FI was developed based on the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution anorectal manometry with area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the predictive value of external anal sphincter (EAS) thickness index and anal squeezing pressure (ASP). tSNS with PFEs improved outcomes in 72 patients and led to poor outcomes in 20 (4 had their rectums deviate from the puborectalis muscle center or puborectal muscle ruptures while 16 lacked EAS with a lower ASP). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for EAS thickness index and ASP in predicting the effects of tSNS with PFEs were 0.915 (95% confidence interval 0.846-0.983, P = 0.000) and 0.886 (95% confidence interval 0.819-0.952, P = 0.000), respectively. By applying cutoff values of 0.076 for EAS thickness index and 21.95 mm Hg for ASP, tSNS with PFEs was found to be ineffective. tSNS with PFEs is effective for most patients with FI after CARM surgery, except when the rectum deviates from the puborectal muscle center, puborectal muscle rupture occurs, or EAS is absent with a low ASP.

Effect of pelvic floor muscles exercises by extracorporeal magnetic innervations on the bladder neck and urinary symptoms.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the bladder neck (BN) and urinary symptoms using extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) therapy before and after performing passive pelvic floor exercises. Twenty women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were assessed by transperineal ultrasound and questionnaires before and after the ExMI therapy from January 2011 to February 2021. The incidence of urinary frequency and SUI were significantly decreased after the therapy (McNemar test, p < 0.01). The therapeutic efficacy of SUI was 75%. A significant decrease was noted in pad test results (paired t test, p < 0.05). At the same time, there was a considerable difference in Urinary Distress Inventory-6 scale measures (paired t test, p < 0.001). However, results for the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 showed a marginally significant difference (paired t test, p = 0.066). Three domains of lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction in the Female Sexual Function Index showed significant differences (paired t test, p < 0.05). Transperineal ultrasound found that BN mobility and Q-tip straining angle were not statistically significant (paired t test, p > 0.05). The ExMI is effective for SUI by strengthening the pelvic floor muscle without significantly decreasing BN mobility.

Assessing the Efficacy of a 28-Day Comprehensive Online Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) in Facilitating Engagement of Prostate Cancer Patients in Their Survivorship Care: A Qualitative Study.

A 28-day Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) developed through patient engagement was successful at promoting mental and physical health. Thirty prostate cancer patients from Halifax, Canada participated in the 28-day PC-PEP intervention in early 2019. PC-PEP encompassed daily patient education and empowerment videos, prescribed physical activities (including pelvic floor exercises), a mostly plant-based diet, stress reduction techniques, intimacy education, social connection, and support. Quantitative exit surveys and semi-structured interviews (conducted in focus groups of ten) were used to assess perceived factors that facilitated or impeded adherence to the program. The program received high praise from the patients and was deemed extremely useful by the participating men, who rated it 9 out of 10. Patients expressed that the multifaceted, online, home-based nature of the program helped them adhere to it better than they would have had to a single or less comprehensive intervention. Feedback from the participants indicated that the program, when viewed as a whole, was perceived as greater than the sum of its individual parts. Furthermore, the program addressed various issues, including emotional vulnerability and distress, physical fitness, urinary incontinence, challenges in expressing emotions, perceived lack of control over healthcare decisions, emotional fragility, and hesitancy to discuss prostate cancer-related matters in social settings. Patients highly (9.6/10) endorsed integrating the program into the standard care regimen from the very beginning of diagnosis. However, challenges such as work commitments were noted. Patients' high endorsement of PC-PEP suggests that its implementation into the standard of care from day one of diagnosis may be warranted.

Barriers and facilitators of the implementation of the application of pelvic floor muscle training in patients with prostate cancer: a scoping review.

Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) benefit significantly from pelvic floor exercises, but recent results indicate that these exercises have not been fully promoted in clinical settings. This scoping review aimed to identify the facilitators of and barriers to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in PCa survivors. A scoping review was conducted in November 2022. Relevant studies were identified from CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases from their inception to 20 November 2022. Data were analyzed and extracted by two formally trained researchers. A total of 53 studies were included, most of which were randomized controlled trials. The Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) model framework was used to identify the contents of seven barriers and promotion areas, as well as a series of sub-domains. The most common barriers to implementing pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) included the following: the lack of a common scheme in guidelines and the measurement of common standardized outcomes, inadequate self-monitoring or feedback from healthcare professionals to improve PFMT compliance, poor patient compliance, and a lack of implementation equipment and financial support. Good treatment effects and easy operation were the facilitators of PFMT. The implementation of PFMT faces several challenges and opportunities that should be understood thoroughly before implementation. In terms of guidelines and clinical practice, more work is needed, and the possibility of PFMT implementation in various hospitals and community health centers or clinics should be considered.

Implementasi Efektifitas Pelvic Floor Exercise Untuk Menurunkan Frekuensi Berkemih Pada Lansia

Pelvic floor exercise in the elderly plays a crucial role as a simple intervention that can be independently performed at home, aiming to address the issue of increased urinary frequency due to the decline in musculoskeletal and urinary physiological functions caused by the weakening of the sphincter muscles. In this effort, the activity aims to raise awareness about the importance of pelvic floor muscle exercises to reduce urinary frequency and the risk of urinary incontinence in the elderly. The implementation of this activity focuses on the area of the Healthy Elderly Integrated Service Post (Posyandu Lansia Sehat), with the goal of directly involving the elderly in maintaining their health quality. Community service projects employ a participatory approach through lectures, debates, demonstrations, and direct re-demonstrations to expand older people's understanding of pelvic floor exercises. One method for analyzing and assessing the degree of knowledge among older people is questionnaires. Conclusion community service activities carried out in the Jelidro community regarding pelvic floor exercise to reduce urinary frequency in older people can be understood by the percentage of 74% of questionnaire results. It can be done independently at home to maintain the physiological function of the pelvic muscle.

Changes in Stress Reduction Following a 28-Day Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) among Prostate Cancer Survivors.

Prostate cancer (PCa) survivors often experience post-treatment challenges that impact their well-being and mental health. The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) aims to address these issues through a comprehensive intervention, involving daily meditation/breathing exercises, physical activity, pelvic floor exercises, emotional connection strategies, and peer support. This study presents a secondary analysis of a Phase 2 feasibility study that evaluated the effects of a 28-day PC-PEP intervention on stress reduction. Thirty patients with PCa from the Maritimes, Canada, underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure brainwave activity (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma) using the Muse™ headband, and heart rate variability (HRV) using the HeartMath® Inner Balance™ as indicators of stress reduction. A statistically significant Time × Sensor Scalp Assessment Time interaction emerged for all brain waves. Amplitudes were generally higher during the first half of the meditation assessment time but became comparable afterward. A statistically significant Time × Sensor Scalp Location × Sensor Scalp Assessment Time interaction also emerged for alpha waves, indicating higher prefrontal lobe amplitudes than temporal lobe amplitudes from pre- to post-assessment. There were no statistically significant differences in HRV metrics from pre- to post-intervention, except for a marginally significant achievement score, indicating increased HRV coherence post-intervention. The findings suggest that the stress reduction component of PC-PEP successfully improved outcomes related to decreased stress. These results have implications for the development of future iterations of PC-PEP interventions, aiming to optimize participant benefits.

Effect of exercise on the inter-rectus distance in pregnant women with diastasis recti abdominis: an experimental longitudinal study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of acute contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and abdominal exercises on the inter-rectus distance (IRD) compared to resting values, and differences between gestation weeks 27 and 37, in pregnant women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA). DesignExperimental longitudinal design. SettingPhysiotherapy clinic, primary health care. ParticipantsThirty-eight pregnant women with DRA ≥ 2.8 cm. InterventionsTwo-dimensional ultrasound images of IRD 2 cm above and below the umbilicus were taken at rest and during PFM and abdominal exercises at gestation week 27 and 37. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with post hoc tests was performed for each exercise for both locations and timepoints. Main outcome measuresChange in IRD. ResultsThere was a mean increase of the IRD from rest during a PFM contraction (2 mm, 95% CI: 2, 3), drawing-in (4 mm, 95% CI: 3, 5) and a combination of these (5 mm, 95% CI: 4, 6) There was a mean decrease of the IRD from rest during the headlift (−3 mm, 95% CI: −4, −2), the curl-up (−3 mm, 95% CI: −4, −2) and the diagonal curl up (−4 mm, 95% CI: −5, −3). Effect of time from gestation week 27–37 was a mean increase of 8 mm (95% CI: 6, 9). ConclusionPelvic floor and drawing-in exercise increased the IRD, whilst headlift, curl up and diagonal curl up decreased the IRD in pregnant women with DRA at gestation week 27 and 37. Contribution of the paper•This is the first study to investigate the acute effect of exercise on IRD in pregnant women with DRA.•Diagonal curl-up, headlift and curl-up reduced the IRD in pregnant women with DRA at both gestation week 27 and 37. The drawing-in exercise and a PFM contraction increased the IRD at the same timepoints.•As exercise involving the rectus abdominis muscle decrease the inter-rectus distance in pregnant women, clinicians should reconsider advising against such exercises.

Knowledge and Practice of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Among Antenatal and Postnatal Women Attending a Secondary Health Facility in Southeast, Nigeria

BACKGROUND:Pelvic floor exercise is beneficial to every antenatal and postnatal woman as it helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle and prevent pelvic floor complications. Although the knowledge, practice, and benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) are fairly known among health care professionals, there seems to be a deficit in knowledge and practice of PFMEs among antenatal and postnatal women in the study location.OBJECTIVES:This study assessed the knowledge and practice of PFMEs among women attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in a secondary health center, in Southeast, Nigeria.METHODS:Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, a convenience sampling technique was used to select 143 pregnant and postpartum women at a secondary health center. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect information on their demographics, knowledge, and the practice of pelvic floor exercises. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 at 5% alpha level.RESULTS:The findings showed that a small proportion (28.5%) had good knowledge; however, 54 (54.7%) practiced PFMEs. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and practice of pelvic floor exercises (p&lt; .001).CONCLUSION:Limited knowledge and practice of PFMEs exist among the study population; therefore, good clinical practice guidelines should be developed to train and guide health providers on the best way to utilize antenatal classes to inform and train the antenatal and postnatal women properly on PFMEs.

Development of a Hybrid Learning Model With Interactive Multimedia Materials of Grade VII Floor Gymnastics of Mtsn 1 Malang City

The importance of a teacher choosing educational materials that are appropriate to the stage of student development and the conditions of the learning environment so that the learning process runs smoothly. Learning that intends to achieve learning objectives is designed and planned using a framework or pattern called learning media. To arouse students' interest in the learning process can be done by choosing the right learning resources. The purpose of this study was to create and test a hybrid learning tool that would assist teachers in using floor exercise learning materials. Research and Development (R&amp;D) techniques will be used in this research and development process. As the name suggests, the ADDIE Development Research paradigm development media is an involving paradigm. Based on the research findings, interactive multimedia learning media is very helpful for students to apply hybrid learning models because with these media students can see videos independently without depending on teachers or other friends' help.

The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Therapy on the Fatigue and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Women With Urinary Disorders

Background and Objectives: More than 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffer from urinary disorders. Exercise therapy is one of the first lines of treatment for urinary disorders in people with MS. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise at home on quality of life (QoL) and fatigue in MS women with urinary disorders. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted. Thirty women with relapsing and remitting urinary incontinence participated for eight weeks (daily) in this study. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n=15) and control groups (n=15). The participants of the intervention group received common medicines and specific exercises for the pelvic floor. The control group used only conventional drugs during the study. Results: The results showed significant differences in all variables related to fatigue and QoL in the intervention group (P&lt;0.05). But no significant difference was found in any of the variables related to fatigue and QoL in the control group (P&gt;0.05). However, in the intervention group, significant differences were found in the total score of the QoL and the three subgroups (bothered, worry, and restricted) (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the results showed a significant difference in the cognitive, physical, and psycho-social subgroups in the fatigue questionnaire (P&lt;0.05). The fatigue scores and QoL in the intervention group compared to the control group showed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: It seems that pelvic floor exercises at home reduce fatigue and improve QoL in women with MS with urinary incontinence. Although the total score of fatigue between the two groups was not significant, the results in the intervention group showed significant results and it seems that by controlling the intervening factors, a significant difference can be observed in the total score of fatigue between the two groups. Therefore, we demonstrated that pelvic floor muscle exercises in women suffering from urinary incontinence improve urinary incontinence and reduce fatigue, and improve the QoL.

Efficacy of manual therapy and pelvic floor exercises for pain reduction in primary dysmenorrhea: A prospective observational study

BackgroundPrimary dysmenorrhea represents one of the most common causes of pelvic and low back pain. Pharmacological treatment can present some side effects, and non-pharmacological treatments should be considered to improve the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy (MT), pelvic floor exercises (PFE), and their combination (MT + PFE) to improve clinical outcomes and pain sensitivity in women with primary dysmenorrhea. MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted. Thirty females (age 25.0 ± 6.1 y) with history of primary dysmenorrhea participated to 8 sessions of 60 min of either MT, PFE or MT + PFE, twice per week. They participated to the different treatments according to the different services offered by the school of physiotherapy. A 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) was administered to assess subjective pain, while short-form 36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate quality of life. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed with a portable algometer on different pelvic and lumbar areas. ResultsIndependently from the treatment, significant improvements were reported for general pain NRS (p < 0.001; pη2 = 0.511), as well as most the domains of the SF-36, although the general health domain did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.613; pη2 = 0.010). PPT revealed a general improvement in all tested body areas, although on the quadratus lumborum, the PFE treatment did not induce a significant improvement compared to the MT and MT + PFE protocols (p = 0.039). ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of proposing physiotherapy treatments to females with primary dysmenorrhea to improve symptoms, with manual therapy combined with active pelvic floor exercise providing the best outcomes including an improvement of lumbar pain thresholds.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Improvement of Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are common in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but the explanation is unclear. It is also uncertain whether OAB symptoms improve or persist after POP reduction. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for OAB symptoms in women with POP, and to compare the improvement of OAB symptoms among women in three treatment groups: pelvic floor exercise, pessary, and surgery. This retrospective cohort study included patients who visited our urogynecology clinic from January 2016 to December 2020. The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire was used to evaluate selected pelvic floor symptoms (OAB and POP). Demographic characteristics and clinical findings, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and number of prolapsed compartments, were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for OAB symptoms in women with POP. Subgroup analyses were performed in 533 patients to evaluate the improvement of OAB symptoms following POP treatment. A total of 754 patients were analyzed. The incidence of OAB symptoms was 70% (533/754) and two-thirds (65%) reported moderate to severe bother. The lowest points of the anterior wall (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.41-0.87; p = 0.01), longer perineal body (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.21-0.76; p = 0.02), and previous vaginal delivery (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.14-3.89; p = 0.02) were identified as significant risk factors. In the subgroup analyses, improvement in OAB symptoms was observed in 36.6% (195/533) of women who underwent POP treatment. Compared with pelvic floor exercise, pessary (OR 1.40; 95% CI 0.94-2.07; p = 0.10) and surgery (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.80-2.12; p = 0.28) had higher odd ratios but the effects were not significant. The prevalence of OAB symptoms in women with POP was high at 70%. Improvement in OAB symptoms was observed in one-third of women who underwent POP treatment. However, there were no significant differences between the treatment methods.

Exploring support, experiences and needs of older women and health professionals to inform a self-management package for urinary incontinence: a qualitative study

ObjectivesMany women attempt to manage urinary incontinence (UI) independently with variable success while health professionals may be unaware of their needs. This study aimed to (1) understand older women’s experiences...

Combined Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise and Pelvic Floor Exercise in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is more of a symptom than a disease that affects people of all ages and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Up to 85% of people experience non-specific LBP with no diagnosable underlying pathology. Therefore, healthcare research has focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of pain in chronic non-specific LBP (CNSLBP). We aimed to determine the combined effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises and pelvic floor exercises in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. It was an experimental design study, where 30 subjects, both Male and Female, with a primary diagnosis of non-specific chronic low back pain by the physician were recruited into two groups or intervention sequences with 15 subjects in each group. Group-A (Experimental group) received the moist hot pack, diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBEx), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise, and conventional back exercise. In contrast, Group B (the Control group) received a moist hot pack and conventional back exercise for five sessions per week for a total of 6 weeks. The Outcome measures used were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The paired 't'-test was used to analyse both groups' pre-test and post-test results. The study concluded that both Group-A (moist hot pack, diaphragmatic breathing exercise, pelvic floor exercise, and conventional back exercise) and Group-B (moist hot pack and conventional back exercise) showed improvement post-treatment and was found to be significant p &lt; 0.05 in VAS in terms of pain and ODI in terms of disability. However, the mean score of VAS and ODI posttreatment decreased more in Group-A than in Group B. The Group-A treatment protocol resulted better in alleviating the pain and was effective in improving the disability. A suggestion to add DBEx and PFM exercises in physical therapy intervention to manage CNSLBP can be considered.