Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Program Research Articles

Effect of Pelvic Floor muscle Training Program on Quality of Life among Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence

Effect of Pelvic Floor muscle Training Program on Quality of Life among Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence

#DryByChristmas: A patient and public involvement study on women's engagement with humorous pelvic floor muscle training digital nudges on social media.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is essential for women's health research. Little is known about how women engage with humorous social media and behavioural health messaging targeting pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). This PPI aimed to understand how women engage with a humorous social media campaign encouraging PFMT. The study findings will influence the co-design of a digital intervention to support women's adherence to PFMT. The Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public Version 2 short form was used to report the study's findings. The study examined public engagement with a humorous social media campaign encouraging PFMT in women. A healthcare professional and comedian ran the campaign following the national guidelines for engagement in PFMT. Instagram analytics gave insight into the demographics of the public who engaged, how they engaged and the most popular content. The behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in the digital nudges that generated the highest levels of engagement were analysed using the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour Change Wheel. The majority (96%) of the population showing the highest levels of engagement were women aged 35-44 years and were based in the United Kingdom (77%). The Instagram account saw an increase in engagement by 12% over the 3-month campaign, with 22,032 users seeing digital nudges and 2645 engaging with the digital nudges. The preferred way of engaging was using Likes (9723). The common themes in the digital nudges that generated the highest levels of engagement were BCTs associated with the 'social influences' theoretical domain framework that targeted the core behaviour opportunity. The study findings suggest humour may improve women's engagement with online PFMT programmes; however, more rigorous research is required to better understand diverse women's experiences of humorous online PFMT nudges. Future studies may use PFMT mobile apps instead of social media to capture true user engagement and adherence to PFMT more accurately. The insights gained from the study will be taken forward to co-design a digital behavioural intervention as part of a larger study. Members of the public were involved in the co-design of a digital health intervention that will be trialled as part of a larger research study. The public was involved using the social media platform Instagram. Public engagement with a humorous social media campaign to encourage women to engage with pelvic floor exercises was captured using Instagram analytics, for example, the timing of engagement.

Exercise Position to Improve Synergy Between the Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Cross Sectional Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the synergy between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) according to different exercise positions in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our secondary aim was to determine the short-term effects of single-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on diaphragmatic function. MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 64 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The participants' diaphragm and abdominal muscle functions during voluntary PFM contraction and relaxation were assessed by surface electromyography and ultrasonography. The surface electromyography assessments were performed in supine (P1), crawling (P2) and sitting (P3) positions. A single week-PFMT was conducted on women who agreed to determine the short-term responses of the diaphragm function. The muscle functions according to exercise positions were compared with Friedman Analysis of Variance, and the short-term effects of single-week PFMT on diaphragm function was analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test. ResultsThe diaphragm activity during voluntary PFM contraction was highest in P2 before and after single-week PFMT (P < .001). Positive significant correlations were found between the activities diaphragm and abdominal muscles in different exercise positions (P < .05). After single-week PFMT, diaphragm thickness increased (P = .030) in P1, but diaphragm activity did not change in all 3 exercise positions (P > .05). ConclusionThe synergy between the diaphragm and PFM was greater in the crawling position in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The abdominal muscles seemed to contribute to maintaining this synergy. Therefore, PFMT combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises in the crawling position should be considered. In addition, single-week PFMT may positively affect diaphragm function in the short-term.

Online Group-based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence in Older Women: a Pilot Study.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent among older women, but conservative treatment rates remain low due to limited accessibility, despite evidence supporting pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) efficacy. Group-based approaches, including online options, could offer cost-effective alternatives. Recent evidence supports the feasibility of online group-based PFMT for treating UI in older women. This pilot study now evaluated the clinical effects of this program on the number of leakage episodes per day, additional UI-specific outcomes, and other symptoms and indicators. Community-dwelling women aged 65 and over, with stress or mixed UI, were recruited. Eligibility was assessed through in-person evaluations conducted by pelvic floor physiotherapists, who instructed participants on pelvic floor muscle contraction using digital palpation. Participants engaged in a 12-week group-based PFMT program with weekly 1-h sessions. Data were collected at three time points: recruitment (PRE1), before the first session (PRE2), and after the program (POST). Participants recorded UI symptoms using 7-day bladder diaries and standardized questionnaires on UI symptoms, quality of life (QoL), UI self-efficacy, and perceived costs. After the program (POST), participants provided feedback on their impression of improvement and satisfaction. Participants reported a significant reduction in their number of leakage episodes per day. Standardized questionnaire scores also supported the positive effects of the program on UI symptoms and QoL, self-efficacy in avoiding leakage and performing PFMT exercises, and monthly costs for continence products. Older women expressed high satisfaction with symptom improvement and the program. Online group-based PFMT improved UI symptoms, QoL, UI self-efficacy, and perceived UI costs among older women. Pragmatic randomized controlledtrials are necessary for further validation.

Pelvic Floor Therapy and Initial Interventions for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Gynecologic Malignancies.

This review provides evidence-based updates for the first-line management approaches for pelvic floor disorders in patients with gynecologic malignancies, as well as important provider considerations when referring for pelvic floor physical therapy. Currently, there is strong evidence to recommend pelvic floor muscle training as initial treatment for urinary incontinence and for pelvic organ prolapse; some evidence to recommend a more targeted pelvic floor muscle training program for fecal incontinence; and mostly expertise-based evidence to recommend vaginal gels or estrogen to aid with dyspareunia causing sexual dysfunction. More research is greatly needed to understand the role of overactive pelvic floor muscles in survivors with chronic pelvic pain and the treatment of post-radiation pelvic complications such as vaginal stenosis and cystitis. While pelvic floor disorders are common concerns in gynecologic cancer survivors, there are evidence-based initial noninvasive treatment approaches that can provide relief for many individuals.

A Motion-based Device Urinary Incontinence Treatment: A Longitudinal Analysis at 18 and 24 Months

Introduction and hypothesisThere are sparse data regarding the long-term efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an 8-week PFMT program guided by a motion-based intravaginal device versus a standard home program over 24 months.MethodsBetween October 2020 and March 2021, a total of 363 women with stress or stress-predominant mixed UI were randomized and completed an 8-week PFMT program using a motion-based intravaginal device (intervention group) or a home program following written/video instructions (control group). Participants were not asked to continue training after the 8-week program. At 18 and 24 months’ follow-up, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, short-form (UDI-6) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were collected. In the original trial, a total of 139 participants in each arm were needed to detect a 0.3 effect size (alpha = 0.05, power 0.8, one-tailed t test) in the difference in UDI-6 scores.ResultsA total of 231 participants returned 24-month data. Mean age at 24 months was 51.7 ± 14.5 years, and mean BMI was 31.8 ± 7.4 kg/m2. Mean change in UDI-6 scores from baseline to 24 months was greater in the intervention group than the control group (−21.1 ± 24.5 vs −14.8 ± 19.4, p = 0.04). Reported improvement using PGI-I was greater in the intervention group than in the control group at 24 months (35% vs 22%, p = 0.03, OR 1.95(95% CI 1.08, 3.57).ConclusionsPelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based prescription intravaginal device yielded durable and significantly greater UI symptom improvement than a standard home program, even in the absence of continued therapy.

Enhancement of Levator Ani Muscle Strength in Postpartum Women: The Impact of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training.

BACKGROUND Levator ani muscle injuries during vaginal childbirth can lead to pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an effective conservative approach to alleviate these symptoms. This study aimed to compare outcomes with and without 3 months of PFMT in 34 women with levator ani muscle injury following vaginal delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a quasi-experimental study, 34 postpartum women were divided into 2 groups: one received PFMT along with home-based materials and regular follow-ups, while the other served as the control. We measured basal tone and maximal levator ani muscle contraction using the Peritron perineometer and assessed changes after 3 months. RESULTS The basal tone and maximal contraction of the levator ani muscle significantly increased following a 3-month intervention period both in PFMT and control group (P=0.0001). The maximal contraction of the levator ani muscle after a 3-month intervention period was significantly higher in PFMT group compared with control group (36.59±1.45 vs 27.76±13.35, P=0.0001), respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between basal tone and maximal contraction (r=0.806, P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A 3-month PFMT program effectively increased levator ani muscle strength in postpartum women compared to those who did not undergo PFMT.

Group-based PFMT programme for preventing and/or treating UI in pregnant women: protocol of a randomized controlled feasibility study

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health problem in women worldwide. Many women experience UI during pregnancy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as the first-line conservative treatment for UI. However, it is not widely implemented due to the limited number of healthcare trainers. Group-based PFMT has been used with older women and a limited number of maternity studies. But the effectiveness of the group-based PFMT needs to be investigated because the overall quality of the studies is low. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feasibility of delivering a group-based PFMT programme for pregnant women in Nanjing city.MethodsThis feasibility study will be conducted in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in China, using a mixed methods design to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering group-based PFMT to pregnant women. Pregnant women with or without the symptoms of UI will be included. This study aims to recruit 48 pregnant women with 24 in each arm. Participants will receive either the group-based PFMT delivered by a midwife or usual antenatal care which includes only verbal instruction on PFMT. The study will assess the completion rates, acceptability of outcome measures, recruitment and retention rate and calculate an appropriate sample size for a future study.DiscussionThe results of this study will inform the design and implementation of a definitive randomized clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of the intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05242809.

Biofeedback Therapy Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Program Efficacy vs. Traditional Methods of Medical Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Endometritis Associated with Pelvic Floor Muscle Failure: a Prospective Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs are one of the main reasons for the decline in the reproductive potential of women. In this regard, modern technologies are being developed, including non-drug methods for correcting functional disorders associated with the inflammatory process. The creation of personalized programs based on the use of natural and preformed physical factors in patients with a burdened obstetric and gynecological history is still an urgent task.&#x0D; AIM. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the use of pelvic floor muscle training as part of a complex method for the treatment of patients with chronic endometritis, combined with pelvic floor muscle failure.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. The randomized study included 55 patients with chronic endometritis associated with pelvic floor muscle failure. 28 women of the main group received a complex of amplipulse therapy procedures (10 procedures), sodium chloride baths (8 procedures) and pelvic floor muscle training using the biofeedback method (10 sessions). In 27 patients of the comparison group, restorative treatment was used, including only amplipulse therapy and sodium chloride baths.&#x0D; RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. In both groups, after treatment, there was a significantly significant increase in the uterine arterial perfusion index (p 0.01), as well as a significant improvement in the structure and thickness of the endometrium according to transvaginal ultrasound (p 0.001), an improvement in situational anxiety according to the Spielberger-Khanin scale (p 0.001). In addition, in patients of the main group, restoration of normal anatomical relationships of the pelvic floor muscles was observed according to translabial ultrasound of the pelvic floor (p 0.05).&#x0D; CONCLUSION. Taking into account the high efficiency of the short-term treatment program in patients of the main group, the use of pelvic floor muscle training as part of a complex rehabilitation treatment is recommended for chronic endometritis in combination with grade III genital prolapse.

Pelvic floor muscle training delivered via telehealth to treat urinary and/or faecal incontinence after gynaecological cancer surgery: a single cohort feasibility study

PurposeTo assess the feasibility and clinical outcomes of telehealth-delivered pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for urinary incontinence (UI) and/or faecal incontinence (FI) after gynaecological cancer surgery.MethodsIn this pre-post cohort clinical trial, patients with incontinence after gynaecological cancer surgery underwent a 12-week physiotherapist-supervised telehealth-delivered PFMT program. The intervention involved seven videoconference sessions with real-time feedback from an intra-vaginal biofeedback device and a daily home PFMT program. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, engagement and adherence rates. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention and a 3-month post-intervention using International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaires for UI (ICIQ-UI-SF) and Bowel function (ICIQ-B) and the intra-vaginal biofeedback device. Means and 95%CIs for all time points were analysed using bootstrapping methods.ResultsOf the 63 eligible patients, 39 (62%) consented to the study. Three participants did not complete baseline assessment and were not enrolled in the trial. Of the 36 participants who were enrolled, 32 (89%) received the intervention. Retention was 89% (n=32/36). The majority of participants (n=30, 94%) demonstrated high engagement, attending at least six videoconference sessions. Adherence to the daily PFMT program was moderate, with 24 participants (75%) completing five-to-seven PFMT sessions per week during the intervention. All clinical outcomes improved immediately post-intervention; however, the magnitude of these improvements was small.ConclusionTelehealth-delivered PFMT may be feasible to treat incontinence after gynaecological cancer surgery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ACTRN12621000880842)

Digital Technologies for Women's Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to Manage Urinary Incontinence Across Their Life Course: Scoping Review.

Women with urinary incontinence (UI) may consider using digital technologies (DTs) to guide pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to help manage their symptoms. DTs that deliver PFMT programs are readily available, yet uncertainty exists regarding whether they are scientifically valid, appropriate, and culturally relevant and meet the needs of women at specific life stages. This scoping review aims to provide a narrative synthesis of DTs used for PFMT to manage UI in women across their life course. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework. A systematic search of 7 electronic databases was conducted, and primary quantitative and qualitative research and gray literature publications were considered. Studies were eligible if they focused on women with or without UI who had engaged with DTs for PFMT, reported on outcomes related to the use of PFMT DTs for managing UI, or explored users' experiences of DTs for PFMT. The identified studies were screened for eligibility. Data on the evidence base for and features of PFMT DTs using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template for PFMT, PFMT DT outcomes (eg, UI symptoms, quality of life, adherence, and satisfaction), life stage and culture, and the experiences of women and health care providers (facilitators and barriers) were extracted and synthesized by ≥2 independent reviewers. In total, 89 papers were included (n=45, 51% primary and n=44, 49% supplementary) involving studies from 14 countries. A total of 28 types of DTs were used in 41 primary studies, including mobile apps with or without a portable vaginal biofeedback or accelerometer-based device, a smartphone messaging system, internet-based programs, and videoconferencing. Approximately half (22/41, 54%) of the studies provided evidence for or testing of the DTs, and a similar proportion of PFMT programs were drawn from or adapted from a known evidence base. Although PFMT parameters and program compliance varied, most studies that reported on UI symptoms showed improved outcomes, and women were generally satisfied with this treatment approach. With respect to life stage, pregnancy and the postpartum period were the most common focus, with more evidence needed for women of various age ranges (eg, adolescent and older women), including their cultural context, which is a factor that is rarely considered. Women's perceptions and experiences are often considered in the development of DTs, with qualitative data highlighting factors that are usually both facilitators and barriers. DTs are a growing mechanism for delivering PFMT, as evidenced by the recent increase in publications. This review highlighted the heterogeneity in types of DTs, PFMT protocols, the lack of cultural adaptations of most of the DTs reviewed, and a paucity in the consideration of the changing needs of women across their life course.

Comparison of In-person FPMRS-directed Pelvic Floor Therapy Program Versus Unsupervised Pelvic Floor Exercises Following Prostatectomy

To compare comprehensive continence outcomes in patients receiving pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) vs standard unsupervised home pelvic floor exercise therapy (UPFE). As part of the UVA prostatectomy functional outcomes program, participating patients complete a 12-month PFMT program under FPMRS specialist supervision. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected longitudinal outcomes in patients receiving PFMT vs UPFE through 12-month follow-up. Primary study outcome was ICIQ-MLUTS SUI domain score (SDS). Secondary outcomes included daily pad use (PPD), SUI Cure (SDS=0), and quality of life score (IIQ-7). Multilevel mixed effects linear regression was used to model SDS over time. Analysis included 40 men. No difference in patient characteristics was seen in comparison of PFMT vs UPFE cohorts (P=NS, all comparisons). Mean predicted SDS was significantly better in the PFMT vs UPFE cohorts at 6-month (0.81±0.21 vs 1.75±0.34, respectively) (P=.014) and 12-month (0.72±0.17 vs 1.67±0.30, respectively) (P=.004) time points. At 12-month follow-up, 11 (55%) vs 4 (20%) patients reported absence of SUI in PFMT vs UPFE cohorts, respectively. Predicted probabilities of SUI cure in PFMT vs UPFE cohorts at 12months were 0.52±0.14 vs 0.23±0.13, respectively (P=.14). At 12-month follow-up, the mean predicted PPD and IIQ score was 0.19±0.10 vs 0.79±0.33 and 2.86±0.86 vs 2.55±1.07 in PFMT vs UPFE cohorts, respectively (P=NS). In-person, FMPRS-directed PFMT is associated with improved SUI domain scores following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, a finding durable through 12-month follow-up.

One in four women with stress urinary incontinence who are taught "the knack" maneuver adopt this motor pattern while coughing: A prospective interventional cohort study.

Do women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who receive instruction to perform the knack maneuver as part of a 12-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program perform it during voluntary coughing without specific instruction to do so, and are subjective and objective outcomes better among those who do than among those who do not demonstrate the knack during voluntary coughing? Secondary analysis of a prospective interventional cohort. Women with SUI. 12-week PFMT intervention including instruction to perform the knack. Performance of the knack before a voluntary cough as confirmed through ultrasound imaging. SUI severity determined subjectively (International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms[ICIQ-FLUTS] overall score, ICIQ-FLUTS UI subscale score, 3-day bladder diary) and objectively (30-minpad test). Outcome data were available from 69 participants. At baseline, no participants performed the knack when asked to cough. At follow-up, more participants performed the knack during a voluntary cough [18/69 (26%), 95% confidence interval [CI] 15%-35%] than at baseline. The extent of improvement in SUI symptoms was not different between participants who did and did not demonstrate the knack during a voluntary cough [FLUTS-UI subscale score (d = 0.31, 95% CI -0.78 to 2.77, n = 69), FLUTS overall score (d = 0.26, 95% CI -1.52-4.23, n = 69), 30-minpad test (d = 0.03, 95% CI -9.35 to 10.32, n = 69), 3-day bladder diary (d = 0.03, 95% CI -4.07 to 3.60, n = 51)]. Approximately one in four women appear to adopt the knack as a motor response to a cough command, however, adopting the knack was not independently associated with greater improvements in SUI.

Supervised versus unsupervised pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of women with urinary incontinence - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study synthesized the effects of supervised and unsupervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) programs on outcomes relevant to women's urinary incontinence (UI). Five databases were searched from inception to December 2021, and the search was updated until June 28, 2022. Randomized and non-randomized control trials (RCTs and NRCTs) comparing supervised and unsupervised PFMT in women with UI and reported urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL), pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function/ strength, the severity of UI, and patient satisfaction outcomes were included. Risk of bias assessment of eligible studies was performed by two authors through Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model with the mean difference or standardized mean difference. Six RCTs and one NRCT study were included. All RCTs were assessed as "high risk of bias", and the NRCT study was rated as "serious risk of bias" for almost all domains. The results showed that supervised PFMT is better than unsupervised for QoL and PFM function of women with UI. There was no difference between supervised and unsupervised PFMT for urinary symptoms and improvement of the severity of UI. Results of patient satisfaction were inconclusive due to the sparse literature. However, supervised and unsupervised PFMT with thorough education and regular reassessment showed better results than those for unsupervised PFMT without educating patients about correct PFM contractions. Supervised and unsupervised PFMT programs can both be effective in treating women's UI if training sessions and regular reassessments are provided.

The "Mother Load" and Return to Sport: A Case Report of Returning to Professional Netball Following Cesarean Section.

Increasing numbers of elite female athletes are competing in professional sport, and many wish to become pregnant and return to competitive sport after childbirth. Athletes have a higher risk of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) than non-athletes (54% versus 7%) and there is also an increased prevalence in post-partum women compared to nulliparous women (35% versus 2.8-7.9%). Additionally, PFD has been shown to influence athletic performance. High quality evidence for elite athletes is lacking, and there are no exercise guidelines specifically for these women to prepare or effectively guide their safe return to sport (RTS). The purpose of this case report is to detail the management of an elite athlete who presented following cesarean section (CS) with the goal of RTS within 16 weeks. A 27-year-old primiparous Caucasian professional netballer presented at four weeks post- caesarean section (CS) for RTS screening and assessment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. Assessment included readiness and fear of movement screening, dynamic pelvic floor muscle function, structural integrity of the CS wound, levator hiatal dimensions, bladder neck descent, and early global neuromuscular screening. Measures were collected at four weeks, eight weeks, and six months post-partum. The post-partum athlete demonstrated alterations in pelvic floor muscle function, reduced lower limb power and psychological readiness. A functionally staged dynamic and sport specific pelvic floor muscle training program was implemented and adapted to the patient for her early post-partum timeline. Rehabilitation strategies were effective in achieving the primary outcome of RTS at 16 weeks post-partum with no adverse events reported at 6 months follow-up. This case highlights the need for a holistic and individualised RTS management approach that includes women's and pelvic health risk factors in a professional athlete. 5.

Addressing Gender-Related Inequality in Continence Care

Addressing Gender-Related Inequality in Continence Care

Change in depression predicts change in bladder symptoms for women with urinary incontinence undergoing pelvic-floor muscle training

IntroductionTo examine the relationship between depression and bladder symptoms, especially the impact of change in depression on changes in bladder symptoms, for women with urge and stress urinary incontinence undergoing a course of PFMT. Method106 adult females with pelvic-floor dysfunction (PFD), consecutively referred to an outpatient pelvic-floor muscle training (PFMT) programme for either urge, stress, or mixed incontinence, participated in a prospective observational study. Participants reported subjective views of their pelvic floor problems (Queensland), and their levels of depression (HADS_D), and data relating to age and BMI were collected. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02549157). ResultsThere was a positive relationship between depression and bladder symptoms at intake. Levels of initial depression significantly predicted levels of bladder symptoms at completion of PFMT, and ability to complete the PFMT programme. Change in depression significantly predicted change in bladder symptoms, over and above intake patient characteristics and symptoms. DiscussionThese data imply a multidisciplinary focus, including psychological input, for PFD may be a highly effective strategy for its management.

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.

The feasibility of pelvic floor training to treat urinary incontinence in women with breast cancer: a telehealth intervention trial

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of recruiting into a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program delivered via telehealth to treat urinary incontinence (UI) in women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors.MethodsWe conducted a pre-post single cohort clinical trial with 54 women with breast cancer. Participants underwent a 12-week PFMT program using an intra-vaginal pressure biofeedback device: femfit®. The intervention included eight supervised individual PFMT sessions over Zoom™ and a 12-week home exercise program. The primary outcome of this study was feasibility, specifically consent rate. Secondary outcomes which included prevalence and burden of UI measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength measured as intravaginal squeeze pressure were compared using McNemar’s and paired t tests.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 50 years (SD ± 7.3). All women who were eligible to participate in this study consented (n = 55/55, 100%). All participants reported that the program was beneficial and tailored to their needs. The results showed a statistically significant decline in the prevalence (percentage difference 42%, 95% CI 28, 57%) and burden (ICIQ-UI SF score mean change 9.4, 95% CI 8.5, 10.4) of UI post intervention. A significant increase in PFM strength was observed post-intervention (mean change 4.8 mmHg, 95% CI 3.9, 5.5).ConclusionThis study indicated that PFMT delivered via telehealth may be feasible and potentially beneficial in treating stress UI in women with breast cancer. Further studies such as randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these results.

Never Too Late to Train: The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on the Shape of the Levator Hiatus in Incontinent Older Women.

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training is the first-line treatment for women of all ages with urinary incontinence (UI), but evidence supporting its effects on the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor is scarce in older women. We aimed to evaluate the long-term (one-year) effects of PFM training on the shape of the levator hiatus (LH) in older women with UI and its association with PFM force, incontinence severity, and potential effect modifiers (age, UI severity, BMI, and UI type). This is a secondary analysis of the GROUP study, a non-inferiority RCT assessing the effects of a structured and progressive 12-week PFM training program to treat UI in older women. Data were available from 264/308 participants at the one-year follow-up. PFM training resulted in reduced LH size toward a more “circular” shape, which was consistently associated with greater PFM force and reduced UI severity. Further, no significant interactions were found between LH shape changes and any of the potential effect modifiers, suggesting that women will potentially benefit from PFM training, regardless of age, UI severity, BMI, and UI type (stress or mixed), with changes that can be observed in the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor and sustained in the long-term.