Importance of a pelvic floor lifestyle program in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions: A pilot study

We aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on the symptoms and quality of life of patients undergoing supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Secondary objectives included: baseline assessment of patients' knowledge of the pelvic floor; and patient satisfaction and symptom improvement after the entire PFMT program.

An observational questionnaire-based study in women attending a PFMT program consisting of four educational sessions, one visual feedback session, and five personalized training sessions. The patients completed the questionnaire at baseline, after the four educational sessions and then after completion of program. The questionnaires included the ICIQ-SF, USP, Contilife, PFDI 20, Kess and Wexner scores. Additional questions were added before treatment about the patient's knowledge of the pelvic floor.

Seventy-nine women were included. Improvement in symptoms was significant after the four educational sessions: mean PFDI-20 score decreased from 68.5-29.5 (p < 0.05); ICIQ-SF score from 8.0-3.1 (p < 0.05), Wexner and Kess scores from 8.2-6.5 and from 13.3-10 (p < 0.05). Symptom scores were also all significantly improved on completion of the program. After the four educational sessions, 50 of the 68 patients (73.5 %) with complete questionnaires reported feeling better or much better. Only 12 (15.2 %) women overall located the pelvic floor across the entire bottom of the pelvis.

This preliminary study suggests that four educational sessions can improve symptoms and quality of life before PFM reinforcement itself. If confirmed by larger prospective studies, a solid educational element should be systematically integrated in all PFMT programs.