The Effects of Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Muscle Training in Urinary Incontinence According to Severity

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of incontinence severity on pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening training in women with stress urinary incontinence (UI). Sixteen patients with stress and mixed UI were included in the study. According to 24-hour pad test (24hPT), individuals were divided into two groups as group 1 (24hPT 4-20gr, mild group, n: 9) and group 2 (21g and above in 24hPT, moderate-severe group, n: 7). Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and Abdominal Muscle Training were applied to the groups for 6 weeks. Urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle strength measurement, quality of life, symptom, and the presence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) were evaluated respectively using 24hPT, Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback device, King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (GPFBQ). Evaluations were performed at the beginning and at the end of the physiotherapy program, and subjective improvement rate was determined. After treatment, 24hPT values decreased in groups, but this decrease was only significant in group 2 (p < 0.05). The results obtained from this study showed that there was no difference between mild and moderate-severe groups in terms of having benefit from strengthening training to the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. It was proved that, an increase in pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life, a decrease in UI symptoms and PFD might be achieved with physiotherapy application regardless of the severity of UI, and improvements in subjective recovery rate were provided. NCT05549193, 22/09/2022, retrospectively registered