Yoga- and Pilates-Based Respiratory Training in Individuals with Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To compare the effects of yoga- and Pilates-based respiratory training on incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with urinary incontinence.

Forty-six women diagnosed with stress or mixed urinary incontinence were included. Participants were randomized using stratified allocation into yoga-based and Pilates-based groups. Pre- and post-assessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), 24-h pad test, Incontinence Quality-of-Life Scale (I-QoL), sEMG, McGill Core Endurance Test, and intraoral pressure measurement. Both groups completed a 6-week respiratory exercise program performed 5 days per week, twice daily, for 20-min sessions. Exercise instruction and technique correction were supervised by a physiotherapist at baseline and during follow-up sessions in weeks 3 and 5, while all other sessions were carried out at home. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods, with significance set at p < 0.05.

After treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in the ICIQ-SF, I-QOL scores and PFM contraction activity (p < 0.05). Only the yoga-based group showed a significant reduction in PFM resting sEMG activity (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons revealed significant differences in QOL and pelvic floor muscle resting parameters favoring the yoga-based group (p < 0.05).

Both yoga- and Pilates-based respiratory training improved incontinence severity and PFM contraction. Yoga-based training showed greater improvements in QOL and PFM resting activity than Pilates-based training. These results indicate that respiratory training can be safely used as a home-based exercise program for individuals with urinary incontinence.