Pelvic floor muscle strength in women with diabetes

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem with increasing prevalence linked to the alterations in the lifestyle, growing obesity rates and ageing. Women with insulin resistance (IR)/high insulin levels have worse electromyographic activity in the PFMs than women without IR/high insulin levels which prove the effect of IR/high insulin levels on PFMs. This study aimed at assessing and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles in women with diabetes and urinary incontinence.   Materials and Methods: The subjects were diabetic women of age group 45-55 with urinary incontinence assigned to one of two groups namely the group A (experimental group) and the group B (control group) which consisted of 30 patients each. The strength of the pelvic floor muscle was measured by vaginal examination prior and after the treatment and a Kegels Perineometer was inserted to measure the Strength of contraction (MOS), Length of hold (s), Repetitions (n) and Fast contractions (n) for both the groups. Experimental group was advised to do pelvic floor strengthening exercises in various positions with differing durations and increasing repetitions while control group received the regular physiotherapy care.   Results: The results revealed that there was significant increase in the pelvic floor strengths in both the groups but while comparing the post test results of both the groups there was a significant higher strength of contraction, length of hold, repetitions and fast contractions scores in experimental group.   Conclusion: It is evident from the study that performing the pelvic floor strengthening exercises in various positions as in the experimental group exhibited more improved post test results which proved to show reduced symptoms of urinary incontinence and improved quality of life than that of the subjects in the control group.