Ineffect of tele-based modified pilates on menopausal symptoms and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in premenopausal women. A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background. Menopause is defined as the endless cessation of period caused by a reduction of ovarian follicular exertion. During this period women may experience hot flashes, sweating, sleep issues, heart discomforts, vertigo, fatigue, headache, frequent urination, weak pelvic floor muscles (PFM), muscular and joint pain, emotional insecurity, depression. Exercise and other physical activities can help relieve menopausal symptoms (MPS) and improve PFM function in premenopausal women. Among these activities, pilates is a safe technique to improve one's physical and psychological performance. Aim. To find out the effect of tele-based modified Pilates on menopausal symptoms and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in premenopausal women. Methodology. Women were screened for menopausal symptoms and pelvic floor distress using Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, subjects were allocated randomly into 2 groups as Group A – Control (CG) and Group B – Experimental (EG). Subjects in both groups have been assessed with MRS and PFDI along with Transverse Abdominis (TrA) and PFM strength. Subjects in the CG followed aerobics exercise – walking for 8 weeks. Subjects in the EG followed TMPE as a group session for 40 minutes. Both groups were assessed during the first session and final session after 8 weeks. Result. TMPE group has shown significant improvement in reducing MPS and pelvic floor distress. It was noted that TMPE had shown improvement in PFM and TrA muscle strength than the control group. Conclusion. The Pilates group had shown improvement in MPS and it reduces pelvic floor distress symptoms coupled with PFM and TrA muscle strength improvement.