Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Group Research Articles

A Novel Biofeedback Device For Urinary Incontinence In Women: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To compare the outcomes of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) performed with a newly developed electromyography (EMG) biofeedback device, with conventional EMG biofeedback using a vaginal probe, or without biofeedback. <h3>Design</h3> An assessor-blinded, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot trial. <h3>Setting</h3> The trial was conducted in a hospital (Kwong Wah), two community centers in Hong Kong, and at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. <h3>Participants</h3> Fifty-one women were included in the trial. Women were included if they were aged 35–60 years and were diagnosed with SUI. Women diagnosed with urge/ mixed incontinence were excluded from the trial. <h3>Interventions</h3> Women with SUI were randomly allocated to the following treatment groups: PMFT with the new biofeedback device (n = 17), PMFT with conventional biofeedback (n = 17), or a PFMT alone (n = 17; standard care control). Study interventions were provided 3 times a week for 4 weeks, followed by unsupervised video-guided home exercises for 12 weeks. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), one-hour pad test, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and feasibility measures (treatment adherence and safety). Treatment adherence was measured using a 0–10 adherence scale, where 0 indicates low adherence and 10 indicates high adherence. <h3>Results</h3> The between-group analysis revealed statistically significant effects for the new biofeedback compared with the conventional biofeedback and PFMT for improving SUI symptoms (p < 0.01), the severity of urine loss (p < 0.05) and PFM strength (p < 0.05). Treatment adherence was higher in the new biofeedback group than in the conventional and PFMT groups. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The pilot trial found that participants in the new biofeedback device group expressed good device acceptance. PFMT combined with the new biofeedback device was more effective for reducing SUI symptoms in women than PFMT combined with conventional biofeedback or PFMT alone. Results demonstrated good PFMT adherence in the new biofeedback group compared to the conventional biofeedback and PFMT alone groups. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None declared.

Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training, levator ani avulsion and levator hiatus area: a randomized trial

Introduction and hypothesisVaginal delivery may lead to tearing of the levator ani (LA) muscle from its bony insertions (complete LA avulsion) and increased levator hiatus (LH) area, both risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions. Early active rehabilitation is standard treatment after musculo-skeletal injury. We hypothesized that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) early postpartum would reduce the presence of LA avulsions and reduce LH area.MethodsWe carried out a planned secondary analysis from a randomized controlled study. Primiparous women (n=175) giving birth vaginally were included 6 weeks postpartum, stratified on complete LA avulsion, and thereafter randomized to PFMT or control. The training participants (n=87) attended a supervised PFMT class once a week and performed home-based PFMT daily for 16 weeks. The control participants (n=88) received no intervention. Presence of complete LA avulsion, LH area at rest, maximal contraction, and maximal Valsalva maneuver were assessed by transperineal ultrasound. Between-group comparisons were analyzed by analysis of covariance for continuous data, and relative risk (RR) for categorical data.ResultsSix months postpartum, the number of women who had complete LA avulsion was reduced from 27 to 14 within the PFMT group (44% reduction) and from 28 to 17 within the control group (39% reduction). The between-group difference was not significant, RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.37). Further, no significant between-group differences were found for LH area at rest, during contraction, or Valsalva.ConclusionsSupervised PFMT class combined with home exercise early postpartum did not reduce the presence of complete LA avulsion or LH area more than natural remission.

Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training alone or combined with either a novel biofeedback device or conventional biofeedback for improving stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled pilot trial

PurposeTo (i) compare the acceptance of a newly developed, novel biofeedback device (PelviSense) with that of conventional biofeedback (CB) using an intravaginal probe for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, (ii) examine the feasibility and safety of using the PelviSense device as a pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) adjunct, and (iii) compare the PFMT adherence and effectiveness of CB, the PelviSense device, with PFMT alone for women with SUI. MethodsAn assessor-blinded, three-arm, randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted among 51 women with SUI. Women were randomly allocated to one of three study groups (PelviSense-assisted PFMT, CB-assisted PFMT, or PFMT alone [control]). Outcome measures included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, the 1-h pad test, and the Modified Oxford Scale. ResultsParticipants in the PelviSense-assisted PFMT group expressed good device acceptance. PFMT adherence was greater in the PelviSense-assisted PFMT group than in the unassisted or CB-assisted PFMT groups. Between-groups analysis revealed significant effects on improved SUI symptoms, urine loss severity, and PFM strength for the PelviSense-assisted PFMT group compared with the CB-assisted and PFMT alone groups. ConclusionsThe pilot trial results demonstrated moderate to high PFMT adherence in the PelviSense-assisted PFMT group and supported the safety of using the PelviSense device. The preliminary results of the pilot trial showed that PelviSense-assisted PFMT was more effective for reducing SUI symptoms among women than unassisted or CB-assisted PFMT.Trial registration: This trial was registered in http://ClinicalTrials.gov (reference number: NCT04638348) before the recruitment of the first participant.

Effect of perioperative pelvic floor muscle training program on incontinence and quality of life after radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a perioperative pelvic floor muscle training program on urinary incontinence symptoms and the quality of life of patients after radical prostatectomy. Methods This single-center, parallel-group, randomized, controlled study was conducted with a total of 60 patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy in a training and research hospital in Turkey. Patients were randomly assigned to the pelvic floor muscle training group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). The data were collected by face-to-face and phone interviews following surgery at seven days after removal of the urethral catheter (baseline) and 3 months using the Patient Information Form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Independent-samples t-test, and paired-samples test were used to analyze the data. Primary and secondary endpoints were the differences between groups in terms of both scale scores after 3 months. Findings After 3 months, Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form scores (P < 0.001) and “voiding, incontinence, frequency, nocturia” symptoms scores (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the pelvic floor muscle training group, and quality of life scores were higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion According to this study, the perioperative pelvic floor muscle training program was effective on patients’ urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life 3 months after radical prostatectomy. Evidence-based practices should be used for patients to alleviate common urinary symptoms and to accelerate the recovery of urinary continence.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Stress Urinary Incontinence, with and without Biofeedback: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback is used widely in treating patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), despite unclear evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy of treatment after PFMT with and without biofeedback in SUI patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Science Direct for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PFMT with and without biofeedback for SUI. RCTs were screened with our eligibility criteria, and the risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. The outcomes analyzed were pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, incontinence episode, daytime micturition, and nighttime micturition, all measured as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity and publication bias were analyzed using the I2 test and a funnel plot, respectively. Results and Discussion: Pooled analysis of five RCTs involving 207 patients showed that the difference in PFM strength and nighttime micturition between both groups was significant. Although PFM strength improvement favors biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (BPFMT) (MD 12.29, 95% CI 2.33, 22.25, p=0.02), in contrast, nighttime micturition was significantly reduced in the PFMT group (MD 0.44, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.77, p=0.007). Differences in incontinence episode and daytime micturition were not significant (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.41, p=0.75 and MD 0.55, 95% CI -0.36 to 1.46, p=0.24, respectively). Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that BPFMT had a better outcome in improving PFM strength, while nighttime micturition was, on the contrary, better in PFMT only. Meanwhile, no significant differences in incontinence episodes and daytime micturition outcomes were noted between both groups. With the present evidence, routine use of BPFMT is not necessary for current clinical practice.

Biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training versus posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in treatment of functional obstructed defecation: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFunctional obstructed defecation is a common anorectal problem among adult population. The objective was to compare the short-term efficacy of biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training versus transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in treatment of patients with functional obstructed defecation.ResultsThere were 41 patients completed the study. There were no statistical significant differences between biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training group and transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation group regarding different clinical characteristics, as well as, electrophysiological findings. There was statistically significant reduction in all outcome measures after intervention in both groups. The primary outcome measure was Modified obstructed defecation score. Secondary outcome measures were Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life questionnaire, time of toileting, and maximum anal pressure during straining to evacuate. No significant differences were present between both groups regarding different outcome measures in the pretreatment and post-treatment assessments. Successful outcome was reported in 81% of patients in biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training group in comparison to 40% of patients in the posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation group according to the Modified obstructed defecation score which was the primary outcome measure.ConclusionsBoth biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training and posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation are considered effective methods in the treatment of functional obstructed defecation. However, biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training seems to be more effective and superior in comparison to posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation. Posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation could be combined with biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training or considered as a second line therapy after failure of biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202009762113535. Registered 2 September 2020—retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=12321.

Intervention effects maintenance: 6-month randomized controlled trial follow-up of standard and reflexive pelvic floor muscle training

To date, the focus of pelvic floor muscle training for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence has been on voluntary contractions although involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions are crucial to guarantee continence in high-impact situations typically triggering this condition. The authors developed 2 pelvic floor muscle home training programs, one including standard voluntary pelvic floor muscle training and one including involuntary reflexive pelvic floor muscle training. This study aimed to test 2 pelvic floor muscle home training programs regarding maintenance of effects of a previous 16-week intervention in terms of stress urinary incontinence symptoms (International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence short form, modified 20-minute pad test), impact on quality of life (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life module), and digitally assessed pelvic floor muscle strength. This trial was a continuation of a previously published triple-blind prospective randomized controlled trial with a 6-month evaluation endpoint with 2 intervention groups (experimental group with involuntary reflexive home pelvic floor muscle training and control group with standard voluntary home pelvic floor muscle training). From the originally included 96 randomized and allocated participants (experimental group=46, control group=46), 33 control and 27 experimental participants completed the 6-month follow-up. From post-16-week physiotherapy intervention to 6-month follow-up (home pelvic floor muscle training), there were statistically significant improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength (control and experimental group), and no difference in the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence short form and pad test, or the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life module Part B (control and experimental group) and Part A (control group). However, there was a statistically significant improvement in the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life module Part A (experimental group). At no point in time (pre, post, follow-up) was there any statistically significant difference between the groups. Both groups could maintain their intervention training effects. This trial investigated involuntary reflexive pelvic floor muscle training alone, which proved to be an effective alternative to standard voluntary pelvic floor muscle training for maintenance of training effects among women suffering from stress urinary incontinence.

Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Satisfaction of Partners, Urinary Symptoms, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study

In women with overactive bladder (OAB), sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction of their partners have been problems that are as important as urinary symptoms. To investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women with OAB. Women with OAB were randomized into 2 groups: 6-week PFMT (n=21) (home exercise program) and a control group (n=22) (did not receive any treatment for OAB). Sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partner, urinary symptoms, and PFMS were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the OAB-Version8 (OAB-V8), and the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), respectively. After 6 weeks, there was an increase in FSFI domains [desire (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.64; P:.001, d: 0.88); arousal (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.24, P:<.001, d: 1.17); orgasm (95% CI:0.85 to 1.47; P:<.001, d:1.89); satisfaction (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.44; P:<.001, d: 2.29); sexual pain (95% CI:0.80 to 1.52; P:<.001, d:1.47); total score (95% CI: 3.70 to 5.94; P:<.001, d: 2.55)], sexual satisfaction of partners (95% CI: 1.80 to 2.85; P:<.001, d:2.83) and PFMS scores (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.55; P:<.001, d:3.18), and a decrease in the OAB-V8 score (95% CI: -13.01 to -7.10; P:<.001, d:2.19) in the PFMT group compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in sexual dysfunction in the PFMT group compared to the control group (P:.046). In order to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction of the partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB, PFMT should be added to the rehabilitation program in clinics. The strength of this study was that it is a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of PFMT in improving sexual function in OAB. The limitations of our study were the lack of a long-term (6 months-1 year) follow-up and the inability to blind. PFMT was effective in improving sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB. Celenay ST, Karaaslan Y, Ozdemir E. Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Satisfaction of Partners, Urinary Symptoms, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:1421-1430.

Long-term effects and costs of pelvic floor muscle training for prolapse: trial follow-up record-linkage study

Introduction and hypothesisPelvic organ prolapse affects around 40% of women aged over 50 years. A multicentre parallel group randomised trial (the Pelvic Organ Prolapse PhysiotherapY (POPPY) trial) demonstrated that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) was effective in reducing prolapse symptoms compared with no treatment. However, insight into the long-term impact of PFMT on health outcomes and health-service utilisation is scarce.MethodsThis study utilised linkage of Scottish administrative health records to follow-up POPPY trial participants resident in Scotland over 11 years. Mixed effects logistic regression determined the likelihood of receiving further prolapse treatment for those in the PFMT and control groups. Analyses were adjusted for age group, prolapse stage, baseline symptom severity and attitude towards surgery. A cost assessment estimated longitudinal costs to the UK National Health Service (in Scotland) of accessing further prolapse treatment for each trial group.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety-three women, aged 25 to 79 years, were followed up. One hundred and forty-one women (48.1%) had received further prolapse treatment: 65 (of 149; 43.6%) in the PFMT group compared with 76 (of 144; 52.8%) in the control group. PFMT was associated with a reduction in the odds of any prolapse treatment during follow-up (AOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.99). Total cost of secondary care was £154,544 (GBP) in the PFMT group and £172,549 (GBP) in the control group.ConclusionsAlthough PFMT did not lead to significant differences in total costs for further prolapse treatment over a post-intervention period of more than 10 years, it reduced the overall long-term risk of requiring hospital-based treatment for pelvic floor disorders.

Eletroestimulação e treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico: efeito imediato após uma sessão

Abstract Introduction: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are physiotherapeutic conservative treatments to prevent and to treat pelvic floor dysfunctions. Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of one session of PFMT versus NMES associated to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction on the PFM function in nulliparous women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional experimental study. Twenty women were randomized into the “PFMT Group” and “NMES Group”. PFM function evaluation was performed by vaginal palpation and manometry before and after a single session. PFMT was composed by one series of eight sustained contractions of 6 seconds and one series of four fast contractions, in four different positions. NMES parameters were: biphasic pulsed current; frequency: 50 Hz; pulse duration: 0.7 ms; cycle on:off 4:8s; rise/decay: 2/2s, time: 20 minutes; and intensity: participant' sensibility. Data was analyzed by the ANOVA two-way for repeated measures to verify the difference between groups, within group and the interactions for PFM function. A 5% probability was considered in all tests. Results: There were no significant differences between groups. At intra-group analysis, there was a significant decrease in the maximal voluntary contraction (p = 0.01), by manometry, between pre- and post-session for both groups. Conclusion: The immediate effects of a single session of PFMT and NMES associated with voluntary PFM contraction are similar on PFM function, that is, no difference was found between groups.

Treatment of urinary incontinence in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\u2014a randomised controlled study

BackgroundLittle is known regarding treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or cough-suppression techniques (CST) on UI in women with COPD.MethodsA three-armed, two-centred, single-blinded, randomised controlled study was performed. Subjects were randomised to (a) PFMT for 16 weeks, (b) 2–3 educational sessions in CST, or (c) written information only. All participants completed questionnaires about UI, cough symptoms, and health status and underwent clinical examinations to evaluate the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and exercise capacity. Daily physical activity levels were measured using an activity monitor and lung function with spirometry. With a significance level of 5% and an 80% chance of detecting a significant difference between groups of 2.5 points on the ICIQ UI SF score, our sample size calculation showed that a total of 78 women, 26 in each group, was required to complete the study.ResultsDuring the period 2016 to 2018, 95 women were invited to the study. A total of 42 were recruited, three were excluded and 10 (24%) dropped out during the follow-up period. Mean ICIQ-UI SF total baseline score was 9.6 (range: 1–17) and 7.0 (range: 0–16) at follow-up. Changes in subjective UI as measured with the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire were seen in the PFMT group and control group, but not in the CST group.ConclusionDue to the low number of available participants and recruitment difficulties including practical issues such as travel distance, lack of interest, poor state of health, and high number of comorbidities, our results are inconclusive. However, reduced subjective UI was observed in the PFMT and control groups with a trend towards best effect in the PFMT group. Screening for UI is advisable in all women with COPD to be able to identify and treat these women to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life. Future studies should focus on barriers to recruitment as well as randomised controlled studies with larger sample sizes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02614105. 25th November 2015.

Long‐term effect of extracorporeal magnetic innervation for post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence: 1‐year follow‐up

AbstractUrinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is a common and bothersome problem. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is supported by strong recommendations in the European guidelines as the first‐choice rehabilitation method. Extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) has been studied in a previous pilot investigation by our team and seemed useful for shortening the duration of the rehabilitation programme, although patients still need to perform maintenance PFMT regardless of the method chosen for rehabilitation. Very few data exist in literature about its long‐term effects on men; the need for additional evidence therefore remains. To investigate the long‐term effects of ExMI associated with maintenance PFMT, compared to PFMT alone, in maintaining continence after the end of a rehabilitation programme. Follow‐up study on 83 rehabilitated patients (67 PFMT, 16 ExMI). All patients were instructed by a nurse specialist to perform the same maintenance PFMT exercises, based on the literature. Pad‐test was performed by all patients after 3, 6 and 12 months from the end of the rehabilitation programme. As in previously published studies, rehabilitation was defined as leakages &lt;10 g/day based on a literature definition. A mixed effects linear model was used to assess differences between residual leakages over time. Both PFMT and ExMI gave clinically satisfactory results during the whole follow‐up period, without statistically significant differences in the leakages. However, the correlation coefficients suggest that the results are more stable in the PFMT group over time, with less variations in the residual leakages. ExMI can be used during rehabilitation to speed up recovery, but PFMT are still needed for maintenance and provide better results in the long run, even though ExMI also provides satisfactory continence outcomes at follow‐up. Studies on larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of voluntary pre-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (the Knack) on female stress urinary incontinence\u2014a study protocol for a RCT

BackgroundStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a subtype of urinary incontinence that occurs more commonly amongst women. The pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered the gold standard for treating SUI. Another technique called the Knack postulated that pre-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during activities of increasing intra-abdominal pressure prevents urinary loss. Currently, there are no studies supporting the Knack for the treatment of SUI. Thus, the aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that voluntary pre-contraction of PFM can treat SUI. For this purpose, the following parameters will be analysed and compared amongst (1) the Knack, (2) PFMT and (3) the Knack + PFMT groups: urine leakage as assessed by the pad test, urinary symptoms, muscle function, quality of life, subjective cure, adherence to exercises in the outpatient setting and at home and perceived self-efficacy of PFM exercises.MethodsA single-centre, double-blind (investigator and outcome assessor) randomised controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up of supervised treatment and an additional 3 months of follow-up (unsupervised) for a total of 6 months of follow-up. Two hundred ten women with mild to moderate SUI will be included, aged between 18 and 70 years. To compare the primary and secondary outcome measures within and between the groups studied (before and after intervention), the ANOVA statistical test will be used. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be presented as mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval and median and minimum and maximum values.Discussion/significanceThis study closes a gap, as voluntary PFM pre-contraction (the Knack) has not yet been included in the physiotherapeutic treatment of SUI, and if shown successful could be implemented in clinical practice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03722719. Registered on October 29, 2018. Study protocol version 1.Was this trial prospectively registered? YesFunded by: The present study did not receive funding.Anticipated completion date: The anticipated trial commencement and completion dates are October 2018 and October 2021, respectively.Provenance: Not invited. Peer reviewed.Human research ethics approval committee: Research Ethical Board of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil.Human research ethics approval number: 2.517.312.

Evaluating the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or pelvic floor muscle training on sexual dysfunction in female multiple sclerosis patients reporting overactive bladder.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in female patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback on SD in female patients with MS reporting OAB symptoms. Patients with overactive bladder and SD were allocated to receive TTNS or PFMT daily. Overactive bladder symptoms, sexual functions, and sexual quality of life were assessed at baseline and 6th weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABv-8), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaires were used. Thirty patients (TTNS = 10, PFMT = 20) were included in the study. Compared to baseline, total FSFIOABv-8, and SQoL-F scores improved in both TTNS (p = 0.005, p = 0.011, p = 0.444, respectively) and PFMT (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively) groups. Between-group comparisons did not show any significant differences. This study demonstrates the efficacy of both TTNS and PFMT for improving sexual function in female MS patients with OAB symptoms, but did not show superiority of any particular method. Further studies are required to investigate the differences between these two non-invasive methods.

Postoperative Physiotherapy in Women Undergoing Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Postoperative physiotherapy in conjunction with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery is still under-investigated and controversial. In this randomized controlled trial, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and abdominal training were compared with a control condition (standard in-hospital treatment). Method: Eighty-one women were randomized to one of three groups. The Prolapse Quality of Life questionnaire, two-dimensional ultrasound, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System scale, the PERFECT (power, endurance, repetitions, fast contractions, every contraction timed) scheme, electromyography, Sahrmann scale, and pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) were used to measure quality of life (QOL), POP, and pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function. A mixed-model analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for analysis. Results: Beneficial effects (p<0.05) were found for the PFMT group - increased power, number of fast contractions, amount of movement, endurance, and Sahrmann and PBU measures - compared with the control group. Abdominal training led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in bulging and discomfort, number of pelvic floor muscle contractions, and Sahrmann and PBU measures compared with the control condition; both groups showed significantly increased urinary frequency (p<0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative physiotherapy did not have a beneficial effect on QOL or POP symptoms. PFMT and abdominal training had beneficial effects on pelvic floor muscle function and abdominal muscle measures. Additional abdominal training led to increased symptoms.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With Connective Tissue Massage to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-week program of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus connective tissue massage (CTM) to PFMT alone in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on those symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life. MethodsThirty-four participants were randomly divided into PFMT+CTM (n = 17) and PFMT (n = 17) groups. PFMT was applied every day and CTM was applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Before treatment, at week 3, and after treatment (week 6), we assessed pelvic floor muscle strength (with a perineometer), bladder symptoms (with a urine diary), OAB symptom severity (with the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire [OAB-V8]), urgency (with the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale [PPIUS]), and quality of life (with King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ]). The Mann–Whitney U test, χ2 test, Friedman test, and Dunn multiple comparison test were used for analysis. ResultsIn both groups, pelvic floor muscle strength increased, whereas OAB symptoms and PPIUS and KHQ scores decreased after treatment (P < .05). Although the OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased at week 3, frequency, OAB-V8, and PPIUS scores, in addition to some parameters of the KHQ, decreased after treatment in the PFMT+CTM group compared to the PFMT group (P < .05). ConclusionCompared to PFMT alone, PFMT+CTM achieved superior outcomes in reducing OAB symptoms in the early and late periods.

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Yoga on the Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women with Urinary Incontinence

Background: Urinary incontinence is a symptom of genitourinary disease in perimenopausal women that can seriously affect both physical and mental health and quality of life (QOL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and yoga are the exercises that have been applied to treat urinary incontinence. Research that compares the effect of PFMT and yoga on improving the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence is necessary. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of PFMT and yoga to improve the QOL in perimenopausal women with urinary incontinence.Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group design involving 48 perimenopausal women with all types of urinary incontinence was conducted. The participants were selected by consecutive sampling and equally divided into two groups. Each group was given the PFMT intervention and yoga exercise three times a week for eight weeks. The QOL was assessed using the incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7). The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and paired sample t-test.Results: The mean (standard deviation) score of total IIQ-7 in the PFMT group were lower (3.58 [2.57]) than that in the yoga group (5.17 [2.14]; p=0.061). There were differences in IIQ-7 score in the domains of physical activity (p&lt;0.001), social relationships (p&lt;0.001), and traveling (p&lt;0.001) in the PFMT group. In contrast, in the yoga group, differences were found only in the emotional health domain (p=0.039). The IIQ-7 score was better in the PFMT group than in the yoga group.Conclusion: PFMT was as effective as yoga exercise to improve the QOL. PFMT and yoga should be taught to perimenopausal women with urinary incontinence.

Microablative radiofrequency versus pelvic floor muscle training for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

The efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is as yet unknown. The aim was to compare the effect of fractional microablative RF and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) against the combination of both therapies (RF + PFMT) in the SUI and on genitourinary syndrome (GSM). This was a three-arm randomized clinical trial including 117 climacteric women with SUI. In group 1 the treatment consisted of three monthly sessions of RF; in group 2 it was 12 weekly PFMT sessions; in group 3 it was RF + PFMT simultaneously. Assessments at baseline and 30days after the end of therapy were conducted using validated questionnaires and scales for urinary, vaginal, and sexual functions and cytology for vaginal trophy. Urinary scores improved significantly in all three groups post-treatment (p < 0.001) with a higher improvement in the RF + PFMT group (p = 0.002). One-hour pad test results were equal in the three groups. Vaginal symptoms showed an incremental improvement in RF (p < 0.007), and vaginal laxity showed a similar improvement in the three groups (p = 0.323). Vaginal Health Index score was more significant in RF and RF + PFMT groups. Sexual function improved in RF and PFMT. The association between RF and PFMT showed significant improvement in the SUI symptoms assessed by questionnaire. The vaginal symptoms and dryness showed greater improvement in the RF treatment and vaginal laxity showed similar improvement in the three groups. The combination of RF and PFMT in sexual function did not show benefits superior to those achieved by the therapies alone.

The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Behavioral Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Incontinence, Physical Activity Level and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Alterations in hormonal balance, especially with ageing, cause many pelvic floor problems such as urinary incontinence, lack of interest in or desire for sex and inactivity. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise and behavioral training programs on sexual function, incontinence, quality of life and physical activity level in the elderly. A total of 94 elderly subjects were separated into two groups as the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) group and the behavioral training for pelvic floor dysfunctions (BT) group. A (1-h program was applied twice a week for 8 weeks). Evaluations pre and post-training were made using the Female Sexual Function Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, SEAPI quality of life scale, and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. In the post-treatment comparisons, the PFMT group was superior to the BT group in all parameters (z: − 4.21–0.00, p:0.00–0.02). The results of this study suggest that pelvic floor muscle training could be beneficial if added to rehabilitation programs for the elderly to obtain less sexual dysfunction and, incontinence, and better incontinence-related quality of life and physical activity levels.

Effect of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy on diabetic erectile dysfunction: Randomised control trial.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) in the management of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients with mixed vasculogenic and neurogenic causes as confirmed by nerve conduction and Doppler studies. This randomised controlled trial included 42 patients 41-55years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and diabetic polyneuropathy. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups: shock wave group (n=21) treated with Li-ESWT plus pelvic floor muscle training and control Group (n=21) treated with pelvic floor muscle exercise and sham therapy by a shock wave. The erectile function was scored according to the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Colour-coded duplex sonography was used for the evaluation of penile perfusion of the two cavernous arteries. The assessment was done before and three months after treatment. IIEF-EF increased significantly in the study group (p<.001), but not in the control group (p=.194). Peak systolic velocity increased significantly in the two groups; however, the post-treatment peak systolic velocity was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p<.001, for both arteries).