Home-Based Self-Management Multimodal Pelvic Health Programs for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Scoping Review

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is commonly managed through pelvic health rehabilitation. Home-based multimodal pelvic health programs (MMPHPs) are gaining attention as a conservative intervention combining multiple components. However, the evidence surrounding their use remains underexplored.

To map the current trial evidence (including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies) on home-based MMPHPs for managing UI in women, and to identify their core components, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), bladder training (BT), breathing exercise, behavioral and lifestyle adjustment, and pelvic health education.

This scoping review followed the (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR checklist. A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Cochrane Library) and gray literature sources until 31 May 2025. Four independent reviewers screened studies using Rayyan software. Eligibility was limited to experimental studies evaluating home-based multimodal interventions that combined multiple pelvic health components.

Forty studies met the inclusion criteria involving women with UI across diverse settings and countries. They evaluated home-based formats, including paper booklets, printed instructions, digital resources, and mobile applications, over 4 to 12 weeks. Most combined PFMT with additional components, including education, behavioral and lifestyle adjustments, and BT. Outcomes included UI severity, quality of life, and adherence. However, heterogeneity limits comparability.

Home-based MMPHPs show promise for managing UI among women. However, variation in program design, delivery methods, outcome measures, and inconsistencies highlight the need for standardized protocols in future trials.