Bone-Targeted High-Intensity Training Does Not Reduce Quality of Life Related to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The...

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Gerontology
• Women's health

Background:

• High-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) is effective for bone health.
• HiRIT is often contraindicated for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
• Osteoporosis and PFD frequently coexist in postmenopausal women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of HiRIT versus low-intensity Pilates-based exercise (LiPBE) on PFD-related quality of life.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of HiRIT in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

Main Methods:

• 115 healthy postmenopausal women with low bone mass were randomized to 8-month supervised HiRIT or LiPBE.
• Pelvic floor-related quality of life was measured using the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7.
• Subgroup analyses examined effects based on a history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Main Results:

• No significant between-group differences were observed in PFDI-20 or PFIQ-7 scores.
• The LiPBE group showed improvement in the POP Distress Inventory subscale.
• Subgroup analysis indicated improved PFDI-20 scores in participants with a history of POP.

Conclusions:

• Bone-targeted HiRIT demonstrated no adverse effects on pelvic floor quality of life.
• Exercise interventions may offer benefits for pelvic floor health in postmenopausal women.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.