Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Research Articles

EFFICACY OF EXERCISE-BASED TECHNIQUES TO TREAT STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE IN FEMALES EXCEPT FOR KEGELS TECHNIQUE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LATEST EVIDENCE

Background of the study: Urinary incontinence is a physically challenging and socially incapacitating situation with a loss of self-confidence. This study aims to narrate the latest literature on the efficacy of novel exercise-based techniques to treat stress urinary incontinence except the traditional exercise using Kegel’s method. Methodology: The electronic searching was done using Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and BMC journals for the latest available at least three articles, including novel exercise regimes to treat stress urinary incontinence. The included techniques are Pilates, Paula Method, and the abdominal Hypopressive exercise technique. All the articles were analyzed, and their results are compiled in tabulated form in this narrative review. Results: All the approaches like Pilates, Paula, and Hypopressive abdominal exercises are effective for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. None of the regimes was found to be completely ineffective; however, the range of usefulness may vary. Conclusion: This study asserts the ideology of inclusion of new therapies into clinical practice keeping in mind their latest literature-based evidence. Keywords: Urinary incontinence, stress, exercise movement techniques, female, urinary incontinence epidemiology, pelvic floor.

Comparative effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training, mirabegron, and trospium among older women with urgency urinary incontinence and high fall risk: a feasibility randomized clinical study

BackgroundUntreated, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) can precipitate a vicious cycle of decreasing physical activity, social isolation, fear of falling, and falls. Structured behavioral interventions and medications are common initial treatment options, but they elicit their effects through very different mechanisms of action that may influence fall-related outcomes differently. This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a comparative effectiveness, three-arm, mixed methods, randomized clinical trial of a behaviorally based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) intervention versus two recent drug options in older women with UUI or OAB who are also at increased risk of falling.MethodsForty-eight women 60 years and older with UUI or OAB who screen positive for increased fall risk will be recruited through the urogynacology and pelvic health clinics of our university health system. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three 12-week treatment arms: (1) a course of behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) provided by physical therapists; (2) the beta-3 agonist, mirabegron; and (3) the antimuscarinic, trospium chloride. Study feasibility will be established through objective metrics of evaluability, adherence to the interventions, and attrition. We will also assess relevant measures of OAB symptom severity, quality of life, physical activity, incident falls, and concern about falling.DiscussionThe proposed research seeks to ultimately determine if linkages between reduction in UI symptoms through treatment also reduce the risk of falling in this patient population.Trial registrationNCT05880862. Registered on 30 May 2023.

Pilot Study of aNovel Online Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Program for Urinary Incontinence in Women.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in women and has a vast impact on quality of life (QOL), financial health, and work disability. Robust evidence demonstrates the efficacy of comprehensive conservative therapy (pelvic floor muscle training [PFMT], and behavioral and dietary modification) in the treatment of UI. However, numerous barriers impede access to this care, including limited specialized therapists, financial barriers, and scheduling obstacles. To address these barriers, we developed a novel comprehensive online pelvic floor program (oPFP). We performed a prospective study assessing continence and QOL outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) treated with oPFP between May 2019 and November 2022. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and following completion of the 2-month program using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Urgency Perception Scale (UPS), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires, and 24-h bladder diary. Data were analyzed using linear, Poisson mixed models, or generalized estimating equations. Twenty-eight women (2 SUI, 3 UUI, 23 MUI) were enrolled and 19 (2 SUI, 2 UUI, 15 MUI) completed the study. Following oPFP, participants showed significantly improved SUI domain scores (3.04 ± 0.19 vs 1.81 ± 0.23, p < 0.001), UPS reason score (2.52 ± 0.18 vs 2.05 ± 0.14, p = 0.003), IIQ-7 sum scores (5.16 ± 0.88 vs 3.07 ± 0.70, p = 0.038), and daily incontinence episodes (2.96 ± 0.60 vs 1.06 ± 0.29, p < 0.001). Mean patient-reported improvement was 5.4 ± 2.5 (ten-point Likert scale). Of respondents, 89% reported program satisfaction, ease of use, and would recommend the program to others. The oPFP results in significant improvements to a variety of UI and QOL measures. This program provides an important UI treatment option and gives women greater access to effective conservative therapy.

Pelvic floor muscle strength and influencing factors based on vaginal manometry among healthy women at different life stages: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

To assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and influencing factors among healthy women at different life stages. Multicentre cross-sectional study. Fourteen hospitals in China. A total of 5040 healthy women allocated to the following groups (with 1680 women per group): premenopausal nulliparous, premenopausal parous and postmenopausal. The PFM strength was evaluated by vaginal manometry. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors for low PFM strength. Maximum voluntary contraction pressure (MVCP). The median MVCP values were 36, 35 and 35 cmH2O in premenopausal nulliparous (aged 19-51 years), premenopausal parous (aged 22-61 years), and postmenopausal (aged 40-86 years) women, respectively. In the premenopausal nulliparous group, physical work (odds ratio, OR 2.05) was the risk factor for low PFM strength, which may be related to the chronic increased abdominal pressure caused by physical work. In the premenopausal parous group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.28) and diabetes (OR 2.70) were risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas sexual intercourse (<2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.55; ≥2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.56) and PFM exercise (OR 0.50) may have protective effects. In the postmenopausal group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.32) and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (OR 1.83) were risk factors for low PFM strength. Physical work, vaginal delivery, diabetes and a family history of POP are all risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas PFM exercises and sexual life can have a protective effect. The importance of these factors varies at different stages of a woman's life.

Efficacy of Pelvic Floor and Core Stabilization Exercises on Urinary Incontinence in the PostPartum Period

Abstract Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises and core stabilization exercises in the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. Material and Methods: Forty women 1 to 6 months postpartum was recruited. The postpartum women were randomly divided into three groups: 1) pelvic floor exercises group (PFE); 2) core stabilization group (CS), 3) control group (C). Pelvic floor muscle exercises were performed 3 times a day (morning, noon, evening) in 3 different positions (lying on your back, sitting and standing) in PFE group. Participants performed core stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks in CS group. Participants did not receive any exercise therapy and continued their routine. Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ7) and Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) were used as outcome measurements. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in all outcome measures in the PFE and CS group (p&lt;0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant change in outcomes measures in the control group (p&gt;0.05). There was no significant difference between the outcome measures of the PFE and CS groups except for ISI values (p&gt;0.17). UDI-6 and IIQ7 results in the PFE group improved more than in the CS group. When the PFE and control groups were compared, the PFE group was found to be more effective than the control group in terms of all results (p&lt;0.017). Conclusion: Pelvic floor exercises and core stabilization exercises are effective methods for reducing incontinence symptoms in the postpartum period. Pelvic floor muscle training caused more significant changes than core stabilization exercises in postpartum women.

Enhancing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Efficacy for Middle-Aged Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Through Square Dance Integration: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is effectively managed through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), yet poor adherence often undermines its efficacy. Given square dancing's popularity among middle-aged women, its integration with PFMT could potentially increase patient compliance. This study aims to investigate the impact of a hybrid program combining square dance and PFMT on SUI symptoms, quality of life, and treatment adherence in this demographic. Seventy-seven female participants from Luoyang were randomly allocated to an intervention group undergoing a 12-week program combining square dancing with PFMT, and two control groups receiving standard health advice or square dancing alone. Outcomes were assessed using subjective urinary incontinence rating, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), and a PFMT diary for compliance. Satisfaction was scored on a 10-point scale. Participants (mean age: 53.35±5.11 years) did not differ significantly at baseline. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SUI symptoms and quality of life compared to both control groups (P < 0.05), with higher compliance (96.54% vs 54.82% in control I) and satisfaction (8.86±0.85). Combining PFMT with square dancing significantly improved SUI symptoms, quality of life, and adherence among middle-aged women. Notably, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions during the 12-week intervention period, the communal and enjoyable nature of square dancing likely contributed to enhanced motivation and satisfaction.

Послеоперационные рецидивы пролапса тазовых органов и их комбинированная безоперационная коррекция

Objective. To study the efficacy and safety of combined (laser + electromyostimulation + pelvic floor muscle training) nonsurgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrences in the late postoperative period in reproductive-aged, pre- and postmenopausal patients with different types of POP. Patients and methods. A comprehensive clinical examination, surgical treatment, and dynamic outpatient follow-up (at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months) of 523 patients with different types and severity of POP were performed. Disease recurrences were diagnosed in 69 (13.2%) women, 52 of whom underwent a combined non-surgical corrective therapy (laser + electromyostimulation + pelvic floor muscle training) with subsequent efficacy evaluation after 6 and 12 months. Results. Postoperative recurrences of POP were most often observed 12–36 months after surgical intervention using only own tissues (26.6%), less frequently – when synthetic implants were used (12.7%) and, extremely rarely, when titanium endoprostheses were inserted (1.6%). The positive effect of combined non-surgical correction in 32 (61.5%) women was expressed in a lower number and intensity of symptoms, improvement in the quality of life according to the PFDI-20 scale, optimization of gynecological examination data and quantitative parameters according to the POP-Q classification system. Conclusion. Combined non-surgical therapy (laser + electromyostimulation + pelvic floor muscle training) for postoperative recurrences of POP contributed to the optimization of clinical picture, dynamic improvement of the quantitative parameters of postoperative prolapse according to the POP-Q classification system, improvement of the quality of life of women, their social and sexual rehabilitation, which demonstrates the efficacy and safety of the implemented therapeutic program. Key words: postoperative recurrences of pelvic organ prolapse, combined non-surgical therapy, fractional CO2 laser, electromyostimulation, pelvic floor muscle training

Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on sphincter function and quality-of-life in patients who underwent low anterior resection: A comparative evaluation.

Our study aimed to determine the impact of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on sphincter function and overall well-being in patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) and diverting ileostomy due to rectal cancer. For this purpose, anal electromyography (aEMG), low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ)-C30 (generic for cancer) and CR29 (specific to colorectal cancer) were used. The primary endpoint of our study is to determine the effect of PFMT on sphincter function by aEMG, the secondary endpoint is to evaluate the effect on quality-of-life using the LARS score, EORTC-QLQ-C30 and CR-29 questionnaires. Conducted between January 2017 and April 2018 at a tertiary hospital's general surgery clinic, the study included 32 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 who underwent low anterior resection and diverting ileostomy surgery. The patients were divided into two: the Study Group (SG), which started PFMT after surgery, and the Control Group (CG), which was not subjected to additional exercises. Six months after closure of the diverting ileostomy, both groups were evaluated with aEMG, LARS scores, and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and CR-29. aEMG duration values were significantly lower in the SG (17.6 m/sec vs. 19.9 m/sec; p=0.001). Additionally, a significant decrease in SG, major LARS rates (12.5% vs. 62.5%; p=0.004) and LARS scores (23.1 vs. 30.0; p=0.003) was observed. While there was no significant difference between the groups in EORTC-QLQ C30, increased sexual interest and decreased fecal incontinence were observed in SG in EORTC-QLQ-CR29. PFMT significantly improves LARS scores, quality-of-life questionnaires and aEMG parameters, positioning PFMT as an accessible, non-invasive, easy-to-use first-line treatment option in the treatment of LARS.

Mobile app for pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: clinical trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, addressing the difficulties arising from social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by utilizing a specialized mobile app. This randomized, single-group clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app (Diario Saúde) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants were instructed via telephone to engage in pelvic floor muscle training exercises twice a day for 30 days. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires regarding urinary symptoms and quality of life through telephone interviews. Additionally, treatment adherence was evaluated. A total of 156 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.3±14.2 years. Significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life were observed following pelvic floor muscle training guided by the mobile app (p<0.001). Notably, 74.3% of the participants reported performing the exercises with appropriate frequency. Of the participants, 62% reported either complete or substantial improvement in urinary symptoms post-treatment. This study revealed notable enhancements in stress urinary incontinence, urinary storage, and overall quality of life subsequent to pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mobile app demonstrated robust acceptance and adherence among women experiencing urinary incontinence.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Urinary Symptoms, Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise in the treatment of female overactive bladder (OAB). The clinical data of 134 female patients with OAB admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into the combination group (n = 74) and the single group (n = 60). The general demographic data, total effective rate, pad weight, female sexual function index (FSFI) score, oxford muscle grading scale and incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the baseline data of the two groups at 1:1 ratio, and t test, chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for calculation. A total of 90 patients were selected after PSM. No significant difference in baseline data was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). Before treatment, no significant difference in FSFI score, oxford muscle grading scale and IIQ-7 score was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). The total effective rate of the combination group was higher than that of the single group (p < 0.05). After 3 weeks and 1 month of treatment, in addition to orgasm and sexual desire, the scores of sexual excitement and sexual satisfaction in the combination group were higher than those in the single group (p < 0.05). The combination group displayed higher oxford muscle grading scale and lower IIQ-7 and pad weight than the single group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The effect of electroacupuncture stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise is more significant, which can alleviate urinary symptoms, reduce urine leakage, enhance pelvic floor muscle strength and alleviate sexual dysfunction.

Efeitos do treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico versus Ginástica Abdominal Hipopressiva (GAH) na incontinência urinária de esforço de mulheres climatéricas: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended as first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women (scientific evidence level 1). Currently, hypopressive abdominal gymnastics (HAG) has been used in clinical practice without evidence for this purpose. To verify the superiority of an experimental treatment in relation to a positive control (gold standard) for the treatment of SUI and PFM function in climacteric women. A non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted with 31 climacteric women with SUI who were sexually active. They were allocated into two groups: 16 in the PFMT group and 15 in the HAG group. Both groups received 26 sessions twice per week and individual care. All participants were assessed twice, at the beginning and at the end of interventions. The primary outcome was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the secondary were given by PFM function assessed via bidigital palpation. The methods used to analyze the results were the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey post-hoc test, when necessary. PFMT was better in improving SUI in the primary outcome (p=0.01). The groups showed no significant difference in force of contraction, time of sustained PFM, and fast and slow repetitions at the time of analysis. Regarding the symptoms of SUI, PFMT performed better than HAG.

Effects of Electrical Stimulation, Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise, and Biofeedback Program on Improving Pelvic Floor Function and Quality of Life in Postoperative Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PME), biofeedback, and electrical stimulation improve pelvic floor function, but the effect of their combination in patients with early-stage cervical cancer is unclear. This study intended to design a combined intervention encompassing these three interventions and explore its effect on pelvic floor function in postoperative patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Totally, 177 postoperative patients with early-stage cervical cancer were assigned to combination (N = 81) and PME (N = 96) groups according to actual interventions. Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), and EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores were assessed at the seventh day after surgery (W0), and at 4 (W4), 8 (W8), and 12 (W12) weeks after W0. PFDI-20 scores at W8 (P = 0.042) and W12 (P = 0.006), and ICIQ-UI-SF scores at W4 (P = 0.012), W8 (P = 0.024), and W12 (P = 0.003) were lower in the combination group versus PME group. PFDI-20 decline and ICIQ-UI-SF decline (W0-W12) were greater in the combination group versus PME group (both P = 0.007). Combined intervention (versus PME) was independently related to greater PFDI-20 decline (B = 5.548, P < 0.001) and ICIQ-UI-SF decline (W0-W12) (B = 1.544, P = 0.006). EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status scores at W12 were higher in the combination group versus PME group (P = 0.045), while EORTC QLQ-C30 function and symptom scores at any time points were not different between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Combined intervention achieves greater pelvic floor function improvement and better quality of life compared to PME in postoperative patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua e treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico em mulheres: protocolo para um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado e duplo-cego

ABSTRACT Pelvic floor muscle weakness can lead to urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Although it can be minimized by pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), its effects are not lasting. Therefore, using combination therapy seems promising. This study aims to evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with PFMT on intravaginal pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), sexual function (SF), and quality of life (QoL) in healthy women. A total of 32 women, aged from 18 to 45 years, will undergo PFMT (with perineal contractions and relaxation) with the aid of pressure biofeedback associated with active tDCS or sham tDCS. Sessions will last 20 minutes, three times per week, for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. During the protocol, participants will be instructed to also perform the home-based PFMT daily. The tDCS anodal electrode will be positioned over the supplementary motor area of the dominant cortical hemisphere, whereas the cathodal will be over the contralateral supraorbital region, with a 2mA intensity for 20 minutes. Intravaginal pressure (pressure gauge), PFM strength (measured by digital palpation and the PERFECT scheme), FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), and QoL (SF-36 questionnaire) will be evaluated before and after the 12 sessions and after a 30-day follow-up.

Clinical effect and prognostic factor of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy on postpartum pelvic organ prolapse.

To explore the effects of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy in patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and to identify factors that can affect therapeutic efficacy outcomes. This retrospective study analysed clinical data about patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse. A total of 328 women with pelvic organ prolapse at 6 weeks postpartum were recruited from one tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province in China, between March 2019 and March 2022. The prognostic factors of therapeutic efficacy were analysed using logistic regression and decision tree model. Overall, 259 women showed clinical benefits from the treatment. The logistic regression model showed that parity, pelvic floor muscle training at home, and the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment were independent prognostic factors. The decision tree model showed that the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment was the main prognostic factor, followed by parity. There was no significant difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between the two models. Parity, pelvic floor muscle training at home, and the pelvic organ prolapse quantitation stage before treatment were important prognostic factors of electric stimulation and biofeedback therapy on postpartum pelvic organ prolapse.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and knowledge of pelvic floor muscle training among older women in a Nigerian suburban community.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a highly prevalent condition in women with a profound influence on their well-being and quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely accepted conservative management of incontinence. Adequate knowledge of PFMT can enhance the ability of individuals to perform them effectively unsupervised. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UI and knowledge of PFMT among older women in a selected suburban community in Nigeria. A cross-sectional design. This study consecutively recruited 121 older women (65 years and above) with a mean age of 68.59 ± 4.94 years in Nnewi North LGA Anambra state, Nigeria. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and an adopted pre-tested questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of UI and knowledge of PFMT. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 Descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test was utilized with significance determined at an alpha level of 0.05. The results revealed that 33.88% of the respondents experience UI, and 3.3% of them have heard about PFMT. There was significant association between prevalence of UI and number of pregnancies (χ2 = 11.16, p = 0.03) and children (χ2 = 9.77, p = 0.04). There was no significant association between the prevalence of UI and level of education (χ2 = 4.20, p = 0.12) and knowledge of PFMT (χ2 = 0.48, p = 0.42). There was no significant association between knowledge of PFMT and number of pregnancies (χ2 = 04.25, p = 0.37), and number of children (χ2 = 4.02, p = 0.40). There was a significant association between knowledge of PFMT and level of education among the participants (χ2 = 7.46, p = 0.02). The study showed a significant prevalence of UI and poor knowledge of PFMT in older women. Health professionals should sensitize older women in hospitals and care homes on the benefits of PFMT to improve their knowledge of PFMT.

Pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: A protocol study.

To evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and quality of life (QoL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study will be a randomized, controlled, parallel, and blinded clinical trial. The final sample will consist of 32 women diagnosed with SUI and cystocele (stage I and II). All volunteers will be assessed and reassessed using the same protocol: assessment form, gynecological examination, functional evaluation of PFM, and questionnaires to assess quality of life, urinary function, and sexual function. All volunteers will be evaluated for satisfaction levels post-treatment. The intervention will be PFMT, totaling 16 sessions to be conducted twice a week. Reevaluation will take place at the end of treatment and 1 month after completion of PFMT. Descriptive analysis and repeated measures ANOVA will be used for result analysis. A significance level of p<0.05 will be considered for all statistical tests. This study has been submitted to the Ethics in Research Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and approved under protocol number 5.826.563. It has been registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry ReBec (RBR-49p6g3t). It is expected that these studies will provide a deeper understanding of the efficacy of PFMT in women with SUI and cystocele. Additionally, it aims to provide more insights into the efficacy of PFMT prior to surgery.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises can Effectively Improve Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomised Controlled Trials.

This study aims to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and other domestic and foreign databases were searched for published literature until December 2023 on the effect of pelvic muscle exercise on urinary incontinence in patients after radical prostatectomy. The retrieved literatures were screened, and data were extracted. After evaluating the quality of the literatures, RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. This work included nine articles consisting of 1208 sufferers with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The forest plot showed that patients in the experimental group had better postoperative outcomes at 1 month (Relative Risk (RR) = 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.83; 6.25)), 3 months (RR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.67; 2.38)) and 6 months (RR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.20; 1.49)). The incidence of urinary incontinence was statistically significant compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the experimental group 12 months after surgery (RR = 1.13, 95% CI (0.99; 1.23)) showed no significant difference in the incidence of urinary incontinence compared with the control group (p > 0.05). PFME can significantly increase the recovery rate of urinary incontinence in sufferers with prostate cancer at 1, 3 and 6 months after radical surgery but have no significant improvement at 12 months. Urodynamic analysis may be needed for patients with long-term urinary incontinence.

Effect of Practicing Deep Breathing and Kegel Exercises on Menopausal Urinary Incontinence at Beni-Suef

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common problems in menopausal women; it is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as the complaint of any involuntary loss of urine and its classification according to the presence of symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms of occurrence. The Kegel Breathing technique combines breathing and pelvic floor contraction patterns to increase pelvic floor muscular strength while performing daily activities regularly. Normal breathing occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and the breathing muscle (diaphragm) move up and down in harmony manner. Aim of the study: The study aimed to evaluate menopausal women's urinary incontinence before and after practice of deep breathing and Kegel exercise. Design: A quasi-experimental study design was utilized in this study (one group pre and post-test). Sample: A purposive sample of 100 Menopausal women diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence. Setting: gynecological and urological outpatient clinics Beni-Suef university hospital. Tools: 1) a structure interviewing questionnaire schedule, 2) The International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire 3) Pelvic floor muscles exercises checklist. Results: about 45% of the studied women reported that their frequency of urination is several times per day preprogram but it became only 19% post program implementation. Only 32% of the studied women can accurately detect the right muscle group at the 1st week of the 1st month. However, at the end of the 1st month; 82% of them can do. Moreover, at the end of the 2nd month; 90% can do. Additionally, at the end of the 3rd month; 93% of the studied women can accurately detect the right muscle group. Conclusion: Deep breathing and kegel exercise had positive effect on women's urinary incontinence. Recommendations: disseminate brochures and booklet about kegal and breathing exercise to enhance awareness program regarding stress urinary incontinence reliving measures for elderly women.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women: protocol for a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

RESUMO A fraqueza muscular do assoalho pélvico pode gerar incontinência urinária, prolapso de órgãos pélvicos e disfunção sexual, e pode ser minimizada pelo treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico (TMAP). No entanto, este efeito não é duradouro. Assim, terapia combinada parece ser promissora para a melhora deste quadro. Dessa forma, objetiva-se avaliar o efeito da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), combinada ao TMAP, sobre a pressão intravaginal, força muscular do assoalho pélvico (FMAP), função sexual (FS) e qualidade de vida (QV) em mulheres saudáveis. Serão 32 mulheres, entre 18 e 45 anos, que realizaram TMAP (contrações e relaxamento do períneo) e Biofeedback associados a ETCC ativa ou ETCC sham por 20 minutos, três vezes por semana, por 4 semanas, totalizando 12 sessões. Durante o protocolo, as participantes também realizarão diariamente, em domicílio, o TMAP. O eletrodo anodal da ETCC será posicionado sobre a área motora suplementar do hemisfério cortical dominante, e o catodal sobre a região supraorbital contralateral, com intensidade de 2mA, por 20 minutos. A pressão intravaginal (manômetro de pressão), FMAP (palpação digital, esquema Perfect), FS (Índice de Função Sexual Feminina) e QV (questionário SF-36) foram avaliadas antes e depois das 12 sessões, bem como após acompanhamento de 30 dias.

Pelvic floor muscle training in men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: a scoping review

Objetivo: mapear los protocolos de ejercicios para los músculos pélvicos disponibles en la literatura para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria post prostatectomía. Método: esta es una revisión de alcance realizada en seis bases de datos. La recuperación de información se realizó mediante un instrumento específico, que incluye: título, autoría, año de publicación, revista, objetivo, diseño del estudio y descripción del contenido de los protocolos. Resultados: se incluyeron 24 estudios en total, de los cuales se obtuvieron diferentes protocolos. Las recomendaciones más frecuentes fueron: tres sesiones por día, con una frecuencia de seis a 15 contracciones por sesión; realizar los ejercicios en posición acostada, sentada y de pie. Las orientaciones más citadas en los protocolos fueron las contracciones del esfínter anal y del músculo bulbocavernoso. Todos los protocolos siguieron el principio de contracción regular de los músculos del piso pélvico, pero no hubo consenso sobre el inicio del protocolo, la duración del tratamiento, el tiempo de contracción/relajación y la intensidad de la fuerza de contracción. Conclusión: se encontraron diferentes orientaciones en los protocolos de entrenamiento de los músculos del piso pélvico para la incontinencia urinaria post prostatectomía, fundamentalmente sobre el tiempo de contracción, tiempo de relajación, número de contracciones por sesión, posición de entrenamiento y tiempo de duración del protocolo. Se adoptaron diferentes conceptos para definir la continencia urinaria en los protocolos. Es necesario desarrollar guías consensuadas que definan claramente los parámetros de los protocolos de entrenamiento.