Does a Kegel Exercise Program Prior to Resistance Training Reduce the Risk of Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Background:

• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition affecting women.
• Pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) is crucial for managing SUI.
• Resistance training (RT) is a potential intervention, but its efficacy with SUI requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and benefits of Kegel exercises (KE) preceding resistance training (RT) for reducing SUI in women.
• To compare the effectiveness of KE + RT versus RT alone on SUI, PFMS, and body composition.

Main Methods:

• A comparative pre-post intervention study design was employed.
• Participants were divided into two groups: Kegel exercise plus Resistance Training (KE + RT) and Resistance Training (RT) alone.
• Outcome measures included Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), PFMS, and body composition (BMI, fat, muscle mass).

Main Results:

• The KE + RT group showed a significantly greater reduction in SUI compared to the RT-only group.
• Both groups demonstrated large improvements in ISI scores (d = 1.50 for KE + RT, d = 1.17 for RT).
• Significant improvements in PFMS were observed in the KE + RT group, with a positive correlation between PFMS and SUI reduction. The KE + RT group also showed increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass.

Conclusions:

• A dedicated program of Kegel exercises preceding resistance training is effective in improving pelvic floor muscle strength.
• This combined approach (KE + RT) is more effective in reducing stress urinary incontinence among incontinent women compared to resistance training alone.
• Kegel exercises prior to resistance training may enhance overall body composition by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass.