Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (FORCE Trial).
Annals of surgery
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of PFR after LAR compared to usual care without PFR. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:Functional complaints, including fecal incontinence, often occur after LAR for rectal cancer. Controversy exists about the effectiveness of PFR in improving such postoperative functional outcomes. METHODS:This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 17 Dutch centers. Patients after LAR for rectal cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to usual care or PFR and stratified by sex and administration of neoadjuvant therapy. Selection was not based on severity of complaints at baseline. Baseline measurements were taken 3 months after surgery without temporary stoma construction or 6 weeks after stoma closure. The primary outcome measure was the change in Wexner incontinence scores 3 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were fecal incontinence-related quality of life, colorectal-specific quality of life, and the LARS scores. RESULTS:Between October 2017 and March 2020, 128 patients were enrolled and 106 randomly assigned (PFR n = 51, control n = 55); 95 patients (PFR n = 44, control n = 51) were assessable for final analysis. PFR did not lead to larger changes in Wexner incontinence scores in nonselected patients after LAR compared to usual care [PFR: -2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.3 to -1.4, control: -1.3, 95% CI -2.2 to -0.4, P = 0.13]. However, PFR was associated with less urgency at follow-up (odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.86). Patients without near-complete incontinence reported larger Wexner score improvements after PFR (PFR: -2.1, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.1, control: -0.7, 95% CI -1.6 to 0.2, P = 0.045). For patients with at least moderate incontinence PFR resulted in relevant improvements in all fecal incontinence-related quality of life domains, while the control group deteriorated. These improvements were even larger when patients with near-complete incontinence were excluded. No serious adverse PFR-related events occurred. CONCLUSION:No benefit was found of PFR in all patients but several subgroups were identified that did benefit from PFR, such as patients with urgency or with at least moderate incontinence and no near-complete incontinence. A selective referral policy (65%-85% of all patients) is suggested to improve postoperative functional outcomes for patients after LAR for rectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Netherlands Trial Registration, NTR5469, registered on 3 September 2015.
10.1097/SLA.0000000000005353
Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
BACKGROUND:About one-third of women have urinary incontinence (UI) and up to one-tenth have faecal incontinence (FI) after childbirth. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended during pregnancy and after birth for both preventing and treating incontinence. This is an update of a Cochrane Review previously published in 2017. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effects of PFMT for preventing or treating urinary and faecal incontinence in pregnant or postnatal women, and summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations. SEARCH METHODS:We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and handsearched journals and conference proceedings (searched 7 August 2019), and the reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA:We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials in which one arm included PFMT. Another arm was no PFMT, usual antenatal or postnatal care, another control condition, or an alternative PFMT intervention. Populations included women who, at randomisation, were continent (PFMT for prevention) or incontinent (PFMT for treatment), and a mixed population of women who were one or the other (PFMT for prevention or treatment). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:We independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias. We extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS:We included 46 trials involving 10,832 women from 21 countries. Overall, trials were small to moderately-sized. The PFMT programmes and control conditions varied considerably and were often poorly described. Many trials were at moderate to high risk of bias. Two participants in a study of 43 pregnant women performing PFMT for prevention of incontinence withdrew due to pelvic floor pain. No other trials reported any adverse effects of PFMT. Prevention of UI: compared with usual care, continent pregnant women performing antenatal PFMT probably have a lower risk of reporting UI in late pregnancy (62% less; risk ratio (RR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 0.72; 6 trials, 624 women; moderate-quality evidence). Antenatal PFMT slightly decreased the risk of UI in the mid-postnatal period (more than three to six months' postpartum) (29% less; RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.95; 5 trials, 673 women; high-quality evidence). There was insufficient information available for the late postnatal period (more than six to 12 months) to determine effects at this time point (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.21; 1 trial, 44 women; low-quality evidence). Treatment of UI: compared with usual care, there is no evidence that antenatal PFMT in incontinent women decreases incontinence in late pregnancy (very low-quality evidence), or in the mid-(RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.24; 1 trial, 187 women; low-quality evidence), or late postnatal periods (very low-quality evidence). Similarly, in postnatal women with persistent UI, there is no evidence that PFMT results in a difference in UI at more than six to 12 months postpartum (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.07; 3 trials; 696 women; low-quality evidence). Mixed prevention and treatment approach to UI: antenatal PFMT in women with or without UI probably decreases UI risk in late pregnancy (22% less; RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.94; 11 trials, 3307 women; moderate-quality evidence), and may reduce the risk slightly in the mid-postnatal period (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.97; 5 trials, 1921 women; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence that antenatal PFMT reduces the risk of UI at late postpartum (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.14; 2 trials, 244 women; moderate-quality evidence). For PFMT started after delivery, there was uncertainty about the effect on UI risk in the late postnatal period (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.09; 3 trials, 826 women; moderate-quality evidence). Faecal incontinence: eight trials reported FI outcomes. In postnatal women with persistent FI, it was uncertain whether PFMT reduced incontinence in the late postnatal period compared to usual care (very low-quality evidence). In women with or without FI, there was no evidence that antenatal PFMT led to a difference in the prevalence of FI in late pregnancy (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.14; 3 trials, 910 women; moderate-quality evidence). Similarly, for postnatal PFMT in a mixed population, there was no evidence that PFMT reduces the risk of FI in the late postnatal period (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.13 to 4.21; 1 trial, 107 women, low-quality evidence). There was little evidence about effects on UI or FI beyond 12 months' postpartum. There were few incontinence-specific quality of life data and little consensus on how to measure it. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:This review provides evidence that early, structured PFMT in early pregnancy for continent women may prevent the onset of UI in late pregnancy and postpartum. Population approaches (recruiting antenatal women regardless of continence status) may have a smaller effect on UI, although the reasons for this are unclear. A population-based approach for delivering postnatal PFMT is not likely to reduce UI. Uncertainty surrounds the effects of PFMT as a treatment for UI in antenatal and postnatal women, which contrasts with the more established effectiveness in mid-life women. It is possible that the effects of PFMT might be greater with targeted rather than mixed prevention and treatment approaches, and in certain groups of women. Hypothetically, for instance, women with a high body mass index (BMI) are at risk of UI. Such uncertainties require further testing and data on duration of effect are also needed. The physiological and behavioural aspects of exercise programmes must be described for both PFMT and control groups, and how much PFMT women in both groups do, to increase understanding of what works and for whom. Few data exist on FI and it is important that this is included in any future trials. It is essential that future trials use valid measures of incontinence-specific quality of life for both urinary and faecal incontinence. In addition to further clinical studies, economic evaluations assessing the cost-effectiveness of different management strategies for FI and UI are needed.
10.1002/14651858.CD007471.pub4
Can postpartum pelvic floor muscle training reduce urinary and anal incontinence?: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.
Sigurdardottir Thorgerdur,Steingrimsdottir Thora,Geirsson Reynir T,Halldorsson Thorhallur I,Aspelund Thor,Bø Kari
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
BACKGROUND:Pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary and anal incontinence, is a common postpartum complaint and likely to reduce quality of life. OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of individualized physical therapist-guided pelvic floor muscle training in the early postpartum period on urinary and anal incontinence and related bother, as well as pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was an assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial evaluating effects of pelvic floor muscle training by a physical therapist on the rate of urinary and/or anal leakage (primary outcomes); related bother and muscle strength and endurance in the pelvic floor were secondary outcomes. Between 2016 and 2017, primiparous women giving birth at Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, were screened for eligibilty 6-10 weeks after childbirth. Of those identified as urinary incontinent, 95 were invited to participate, of whom 84 agreed. The intervention, starting at ∼9 weeks postpartum consisted of 12 weekly sessions with a physical therapist, after which the main outcomes were assessed (endpoint, ∼6 months postpartum). Additional follow-up was conducted at ∼12 months postpartum. The control group received no instructions after the initial assessment. The Fisher exact test was used to test differences in the proportion of women with urinary and anal incontinence between the intervention and control groups, and independent-sample t tests were used for mean differences in muscle strength and endurance. Significance levels were set as α = 0.05. RESULTS:A total of 41 and 43 women were randomized to the intervention and control groups, respectively. Three participants and 1 participant withdrew from these respective groups. Measurement variables and main delivery outcomes were not different at recruitment. At the endpoint, urinary incontinence was less frequent in the intervention group, with 21 participants (57%) still symptomatic, compared to 31 controls (82%) (P = .03), as was bladder-related bother with 10 participants (27%) in the intervention vs 23 (60%) in the control group (P = .005). Anal incontinence was not influenced by pelvic floor muscle training (P = .33), nor was bowel-related bother (P = .82). The mean differences between groups in measured pelvic floor muscle strength changes at endpoint was 5 hPa (95% confidence interval, 2-8; P = .003), and for pelvic floor muscle endurance changes, 50 hPa/s (95% confidence interval, 23-77; P = .001), both in favor of the intervention group. The mean between-group differences for anal sphincter strength changes was 10 hPa (95% confidence interval, 2-18; P = .01) and for anal sphincter endurance changes 95 hPa/s (95% confidence interval, 16-173; P = .02), both in favor of the intervention. At the follow-up visit 12 months postpartum, no differences were observed between the groups regarding rates of urinary and anal incontinence and related bother. Pelvic floor- and anal muscle strength and endurance favoring the intervention group were maintained. CONCLUSION:Postpartum pelvic floor mucle training decreased the rate of urinary incontinence and related bother 6 months postpartum and increased muscle strength and endurance.
10.1016/j.ajog.2019.09.011
[Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training and abdominal rehabilitation: Guidelines].
Deffieux X,Vieillefosse S,Billecocq S,Battut A,Nizard J,Coulm B,Thubert T
Journal de gynecologie, obstetrique et biologie de la reproduction
OBJECTIVE:Provide guidelines for clinical practice concerning postpartum rehabilitation. METHODS:Systematically review of the literature concerning postpartum pelvic floor muscle training and abdominal rehabilitation. RESULTS:Pelvic-floor rehabilitation using pelvic floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. At least 3 guided sessions with a therapist is recommended, associated with pelvic floor muscle exercises at home. This postpartum rehabilitation improves short-term urinary incontinence (1 year) but not long-term (6-12 years). Early pelvic-floor rehabilitation (within 2 months following childbirth) is not recommended (grade C). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation in women presenting with anal incontinence, is associated with a lower prevalence of anal incontinence symptoms in short-term (1 year) (EL3) but not long-term (6 and 12) (EL3). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C) but results are not maintained in medium or long term. No randomized trials have evaluated the pelvic-floor rehabilitation in asymptomatic women in order to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in medium or long term. It is therefore not recommended (expert consensus). Rehabilitation supervised by a therapist (physiotherapist or midwife) is not associated with better results than simple advice for voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles to prevent/correct, in short term (6 months), a persistent prolapse 6 weeks postpartum (EL2), whether or not with a levator ani avulsion (EL3). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is not associated with a decrease in the prevalence of dyspareunia at 1-year follow-up (EL3). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation guided by a therapist is therefore not recommended to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). No randomized trials have evaluated the effect of pelvic floor muscle training after an episode of postpartum urinary retention or bladder outlet obstruction symptoms, or for the primary prevention of anal incontinence following third-degree anal sphincter tear or in patients presenting with anal incontinence after third-degree anal sphincter tear. The electrostimulation devices used alone were not assessed in this postpartum context (regardless of symptoms); therefore, isolated pelvic floor electrostimulation is not recommended (expert consensus). CONCLUSION:Pelvic floor muscle therapy is recommended for persistent postpartum urinary (grade A) or anal (grade C) incontinence (3 months after delivery).
10.1016/j.jgyn.2015.09.023
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence with or without Biofeedback or Electrostimulation in Women: A Systematic Review.
International journal of environmental research and public health
To determine the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with or without biofeedback or electrostimulation in reducing urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle con-traction in non-pregnant women with urinary incontinence. METHODS:The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, and sources from NICE, FDA, EMA, and SMC (articles only in English, 2000-2021). Search terms were: urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training or exercises, biofeedback, electrostimulation. We used the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) for this systematic review. Relevant articles were selected, data were extracted, and quality was assessed. Data were extracted in predesigned form, followed by narrative synthesis. RESULTS:Following the search, 15 RCTs were retrieved using the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessing 2441 non-pregnant women with urinary incontinence. Of the 15 studies, 7 were low risk, 5 were medium risk, and 3 were high-risk studies. Of the 2441 patients, 970 were in PFMT, 69 were in extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMi) or with PFMT + BF, 30 were in electrostimulation (ES), 21 were in whole body vibration training (WBVT), 23 were in pelvic floor muscle + abdominal muscle therapy (PFM + AMT), 326 were in PFMT + biofeedback, 93 were in vaginal cones (VC), 362 were in PFMT + education, 318 were in education, and 229 were in control groups. The most often measures employed were pad tests, bladder diary, and questionnaire on the quality of life. Stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence were studied. In all RCT, PFMT significantly reduced urinary incontinence, essentially SIU and MUI, when compared with the control group before and after treatment. Overall, out of 997 PFMT or PFMT + education patients, 504 patients (50.5%) showed improvement in urinary incontinence, and 218 became continent (21.8%) (negative pad test). In total, 62% of patients significantly reduced their urinary incontinence or cured it and improved their pelvic floor muscle contraction. All other physiotherapist techniques also significantly reduced urinary leakages, e.g., vaginal cones, biofeedback, ExMI, and WBVT when compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between these methods in reducing the severity of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION:PFMT alone or with bio-feedback or electrostimulation was effective in reducing urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle contraction. PFMT when compared with other interventions such as bio-feedback, VC, and WBVT did not show significant differences but was superior to the control group. RCT studies with similar parameters used for measuring the outcomes need to be included.
10.3390/ijerph19052789
Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training with and without electromyographic biofeedback for urinary incontinence in women: multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Hagen Suzanne,Elders Andrew,Stratton Susan,Sergenson Nicole,Bugge Carol,Dean Sarah,Hay-Smith Jean,Kilonzo Mary,Dimitrova Maria,Abdel-Fattah Mohamed,Agur Wael,Booth Jo,Glazener Cathryn,Guerrero Karen,McDonald Alison,Norrie John,Williams Louise R,McClurg Doreen
BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
OBJECTIVE:To assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus electromyographic biofeedback or PFMT alone for stress or mixed urinary incontinence in women. DESIGN:Parallel group randomised controlled trial. SETTING:23 community and secondary care centres providing continence care in Scotland and England. PARTICIPANTS:600 women aged 18 and older, newly presenting with stress or mixed urinary incontinence between February 2014 and July 2016: 300 were randomised to PFMT plus electromyographic biofeedback and 300 to PFMT alone. INTERVENTIONS:Participants in both groups were offered six appointments with a continence therapist over 16 weeks. Participants in the biofeedback PFMT group received supervised PFMT and a home PFMT programme, incorporating electromyographic biofeedback during clinic appointments and at home. The PFMT group received supervised PFMT and a home PFMT programme. PFMT programmes were progressed over the appointments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcome was self-reported severity of urinary incontinence (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ-UI SF), range 0 to 21, higher scores indicating greater severity) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were cure or improvement, other pelvic floor symptoms, condition specific quality of life, women's perception of improvement, pelvic floor muscle function, uptake of other urinary incontinence treatment, PFMT self-efficacy, adherence, intervention costs, and quality adjusted life years. RESULTS:Mean ICIQ-UI SF scores at 24 months were 8.2 (SD 5.1, n=225) in the biofeedback PFMT group and 8.5 (SD 4.9, n=235) in the PFMT group (mean difference -0.09, 95% confidence interval -0.92 to 0.75, P=0.84). Biofeedback PFMT had similar costs (mean difference £121 ($154; €133), -£409 to £651, P=0.64) and quality adjusted life years (-0.04, -0.12 to 0.04, P=0.28) to PFMT. 48 participants reported an adverse event: for 23 this was related or possibly related to the interventions. CONCLUSIONS:At 24 months no evidence was found of any important difference in severity of urinary incontinence between PFMT plus electromyographic biofeedback and PFMT alone groups. Routine use of electromyographic biofeedback with PFMT should not be recommended. Other ways of maximising the effects of PFMT should be investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ISRCTN57756448.
10.1136/bmj.m3719
Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment for urinary incontinence in women. A Cochrane systematic review.
Dumoulin C,Hay-Smith J
European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
BACKGROUND:Pelvic floor muscle training is the most commonly used physical therapy treatment for stress urinary incontinence. It is sometimes recommended for mixed and less commonly for urge urinary incontinence. OBJECTIVES:The aim of this paper was to determine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training for women with urinary incontinence in comparison to no treatment, placebo or sham treatments, or other inactive control treatments. METHOD:The Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Trials Register was searched up until December 1, 2004. The review included randomized or quasi-randomized trials in women with stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence. One arm of the trial comprised pelvic floor muscle training, the other comprised either no treatment, placebo, sham, or other inactive control treatment. The trials were independently assessed for eligibility and methodological quality. Data were extracted then cross-checked by the two authors. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. The data were processed as described in the Cochrane Handbook. The trials were sub-grouped by diagnosis. Formal meta-analysis was not undertaken because of study heterogeneity. RESULTS:Thirteen trials involving 714 women met the inclusion criteria; however, only six trials (403 women) contributed to data analysis. CONCLUSION:Overall, the review provides support for the widespread recommendation that pelvic floor muscle training be included in first-line conservative management programs for women with stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence in women.
Nature reviews. Disease primers
Urinary incontinence symptoms are highly prevalent among women, have a substantial effect on health-related quality of life and are associated with considerable personal and societal expenditure. Two main types are described: stress urinary incontinence, in which urine leaks in association with physical exertion, and urgency urinary incontinence, in which urine leaks in association with a sudden compelling desire to void. Women who experience both symptoms are considered as having mixed urinary incontinence. Research has revealed overlapping potential causes of incontinence, including dysfunction of the detrusor muscle or muscles of the pelvic floor, dysfunction of the neural controls of storage and voiding, and perturbation of the local environment within the bladder. A full diagnostic evaluation of urinary incontinence requires a medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, assessment of quality of life and, when initial treatments fail, invasive urodynamics. Interventions can include non-surgical options (such as lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor muscle training and drugs) and surgical options to support the urethra or increase bladder capacity. Future directions in research may increasingly target primary prevention through understanding of environmental and genetic risks for incontinence.
10.1038/nrdp.2017.42
Pelvic floor muscle training in multiple sclerosis patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kajbafvala Mehrnaz,Ashnagar Zinat,Lucio Adelia,Firoozeh Fahimeh,Salehi Reza,Pashazadeh Fariba,Dadgoo Mehdi,Jafari Hassan
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
BACKGROUND:Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a conservative treatment program for the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). This systematic review aimed to investigate the overall effectiveness of PFMT on LUTD in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS:Seven databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, PEDro, WOS, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Embase) were searched between 1990 and July 2019. We investigated urine leakage as our primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were neurogenic bladder symptoms measured by the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8 questionnaire) and the power/endurance of pelvic floor muscles. RESULTS:Fifteen studies were identified as eligible. Both urine leakage (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.50, 95% CI [-0.78, -0.23], and neurogenic bladder symptoms, SMD = -2.24, 95% CI [-4.44, -0.03] significantly decreased by PFMT in people with MS. PFMT increased the overall endurance and power of pelvic floor muscles moderately and significantly, SMD = 1.25, 95% CI [0.69, 1.81], and SMD = 0.64, 95% CI [0.24, 1.05], respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Moderate to high-quality studies showed the overall efficacy of PFMT in decreasing urine leakage and neurogenic bladder symptoms and increasing endurance and power of pelvic floor muscles. MS patients with lower urinary tract symptoms could benefit from PFMT in the short term.
10.1016/j.msard.2022.103559
The effect of pelvic floor muscle training and perineal massage in late pregnancy on postpartum pelvic floor function in nulliparas: A randomised controlled clinical trial.
Complementary therapies in medicine
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and perineal massage during late pregnancy on postpartum pelvic floor function in nulliparas. DESIGN:Randomised controlled trial. SETTING:The Peking University First Hospital, a teaching hospital in China. PARTICIPANTS:Two-hundred nulliparas were included. INTERVENTIONS:Nulliparas were randomised into four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Group A, control; group B, perineal massage; group C, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT); group D, perineal massage and PFMT. The intervention group received the corresponding intervention from 34 weeks of gestation until delivery. MEASUREMENTS:Changes in pelvic floor function from 34 weeks of gestation to 6 weeks postpartum were assessed using pelvic floor electromyography (EMG), pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q), and pelvic floor distress inventory-20 (PFDI-20). RESULTS:Those with PFMT (groups C and D) had a smaller decline in pelvic floor EMG of fibre II than those without PFMT (groups A and B) [- 0.2 (- 7.1, 11.3) µV vs 6.1 (- 0.2, 15.2) µV, P = 0.040]. The same scenario was observed in the pelvic floor EMG of fibre I. The Aa point measurement differences of those with PFMT (groups C and D) were smaller than those without PFMT (groups A and B) [0.0 (0.0, 2.0) cm vs 1.0 (0.0, 3.0) cm, P = 0.006]. The same result was observed for point Ba. No difference was observed in EMG and POP-Q in nulliparas with (groups B and D) or without perineal massage (groups A and C). No differences were observed in PFDI-20 scores. KEY CONCLUSIONS:PFMT during late pregnancy enhanced pelvic floor EMG, while perineal massage alone or PFMT combined with perineal massage did not. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:PFMT in late pregnancy enhances pelvic floor function.
10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102982
The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercise on Quality of Life in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence and Its Relationship with Vaginal Deliveries: A Randomized Trial.
BioMed research international
INTRODUCTION:Urinary incontinence (UI) is a health problem affecting the quality of women's lives (QOL) at various life stages. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be caused by previous vaginal deliveries and is especially likely to occur in the perimenopausal period. The most commonly recommended first-choice treatment methods involve exercises for the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of isolated PFM exercises and combined training of the PFM and the m.transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle on the QoL of patients with SUI with regard to the number of vaginal deliveries. MATERIAL AND METHODS:137 women with SUI were qualified for analysis (mean age 53,1 ± 5,5). To assess the effectiveness of PFM training QOL questionnaire was used (ICIQ-LUTS qol). PFM training for groups A (PFM+TrA) and B (PFM) was intended for 12 weeks. Statistica v. 12.0 PL, StatSoft, USA, was used for statistical calculations. RESULTS:The analysis demonstrated that conservative treatment based on the A training program (PFM + TrA) yielded statistically significantly better results than the B program (PFM), with the improvement observed in such QoL domains as the performance of household duties, physical activity and travelling, social limitations, emotions, sleep problems and fatigue, the frequency of changing panty liners, fluid intake control, and embarrassment. CONCLUSION:Both the combined training of the PFM and the synergistic (TrA) muscle and the isolated PFM exercises improve the QoL of women with SUI. Nonetheless, the combined PFM and TrA muscle physiotherapy is more effective. The exercises for the PFM and the synergistic muscle give better results in women who have given birth fewer than three times than isolated PFM exercises.
10.1155/2019/5321864
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation using biofeedback.
Newman Diane K
Urologic nursing
Pelvic floor muscle exercises have been recommended for urinary incontinence since first described by obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel more than six decades ago. These exercises are performed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, provide urethral support to prevent urine leakage, and suppress urgency. In clinical urology practice, expert clinicians also teach patients how to relax the muscle to improve bladder emptying and relieve pelvic pain caused by muscle spasm. When treating lower urinary tract symptoms, an exercise training program combined with biofeedback therapy has been recommended as first-line treatment. This article provides clinical application of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation using biofeedback as a technique to enhance pelvic floor muscle training.
The impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence: a systematic literature review.
Radzimińska Agnieszka,Strączyńska Agnieszka,Weber-Rajek Magdalena,Styczyńska Hanna,Strojek Katarzyna,Piekorz Zuzanna
Clinical interventions in aging
PURPOSE:The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women, with a particular focus on the impact of this form of therapy on the patients' quality of life (QoL). METHODS:The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (articles only in English, 1990-2017). Search terms were as follows: urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic floor exercises, quality of life. Systematic review methods were based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. RESULTS:The assessment of the impact of PFMT on the QoL of women with UI was conducted among 2,394 women in 24 selected studies. After the end of treatment, the majority of patients in the experimental groups noted a statistically significant improvement in QoL. CONCLUSION:The results of this literature review demonstrate that PFMT is an effective treatment for UI in women. PFMT significantly improves the QoL of women with UI, which is an important determinant of their physical, mental, and social functioning.
10.2147/CIA.S160057
Group-Based vs Individual Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to Treat Urinary Incontinence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Dumoulin Chantale,Morin Mélanie,Danieli Coraline,Cacciari Licia,Mayrand Marie-Hélène,Tousignant Michel,Abrahamowicz Michal,
JAMA internal medicine
Importance:Urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent health concerns experienced by older women (aged ≥60 years). Individual pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the recommended first-line treatment for stress or mixed urinary incontinence in women, but human and financial resources limit its delivery. Whether group-based PFMT performs as well as individual PFMT in this population remains unclear. Objective:To assess the efficacy of group-based PFMT relative to individual PFMT for urinary incontinence in older women. Design, Setting, and Participants:The Group Rehabilitation or Individual Physiotherapy (GROUP) study is a single-blind, randomized, noninferiority trial conducted in 2 Canadian research centers, from July 1, 2012, to June 2, 2018. A total of 362 community-dwelling women aged 60 years or older with symptoms of stress or mixed urinary incontinence were enrolled. Interventions:After an individual session conducted to learn how to contract pelvic floor muscles, participants completed 12-week PFMT as part of a group of 8 women (n = 178) or in individual sessions (n = 184). Main Outcomes and Measures:The primary outcome measure was the percentage reduction in urinary incontinence episodes at 1 year, as reported in a 7-day bladder diary and relative to pretreatment baseline. Secondary outcomes included lower urinary tract-related signs, symptoms, and quality of life immediately following treatment and at 1 year. Per-protocol analysis was used. Results:Among 362 women who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 67.9 [5.8] years), 319 women (88%) completed the 1-year follow-up and were included in the per-protocol analysis. Median percentage reduction in urinary incontinence episodes was 70% (95% CI, 44%-89%) in individual PFMT compared with 74% (95% CI, 46%-86%) in group-based PFMT. The upper boundary of the 95% CI for the difference in the percentage reduction in urinary incontinence episodes at 1 year was lower than the prespecified margin for noninferiority of 10% (difference, 4%; 95% CI, -10% to 7%; P = .58), confirming noninferiority. Individual PFMT and group-based PFMT had similar effectiveness for all secondary outcomes at 1 year. Adverse events were minor and uncommon. Conclusions and Relevance:Results of the GROUP study suggest that group-based PFMT is not inferior to the recommended individual PFMT for the treatment of stress and mixed urinary incontinence in older women. Widespread use in clinical practice may help increase continence-care affordability and treatment availability. Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02039830.
10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2993