Comparison of the Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises versus Pilates Exercises on Urinary Incontinence in Middle Aged Women”. Randomized Controlled Trial. RCT

Abstract

Often impacting elderly women, the urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary urine loss. Objective: The purpose of this study was to see the comparative effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise with pilates training for treatment of urinary incontinence. Methods: The study's 36 patients who met the eligibility requirements were accepted. Prior to conducting any examinations, we obtained written informed consents from each participant. Patients with urinary incontinence were divided randomly into two groups. In ‘group A’ pelvic floor muscle exercises were applied while in ‘group B’ pilates training was applied. Allocation of patients in two groups was done by computerised generated list. Both groups received conventional therapy, which was the same throughout the study. The conventional therapy includes adductor strengthening of thigh and hot pack for 15 minutes. Group A received conventional therapy and pelvic floor muscle exercise while group B received conventional therapy and pilates training. Treatment frequency was 2 times a week. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks in both groups. Each patient's informed consent was obtained before the questionnaire was filled out. Scores were derived using the Questionnaire for Female Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Results: Patients in group A significantly outperformed those in group B. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is superior than practicing pilates for treating stress urine incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises not only improved the urine leakage problem but also strengthened the muscle of abdomen and pelvis. So these exercises programs should be included in treatment plans along with medications in public health care for the welfare of patients.