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Graded pelvic muscle exercise. Effect on stress urinary incontinence
M Dougherty1, K Bishop, R Mooney
1College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0197.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Pelvic muscle exercise (PME) significantly reduced stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women. The 16-week program improved pelvic muscle function and decreased urine loss episodes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gerontology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition affecting middle-aged and elderly women.
- Pelvic muscle exercise (PME) is a non-invasive treatment option for SUI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 16-week pelvic muscle exercise (PME) program in treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in parous women aged 35-75.
- To assess the impact of PME on urine loss and pelvic muscle function.
Main Methods:
- A 16-week randomized controlled trial involving 65 women with mild to moderate SUI.
- Participants underwent a 4-week control period followed by PME (3 sessions/week).
- Urine loss was measured using a urinary diary and 24-hour pad tests; pelvic muscle function was assessed via pressure measurements.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed after the control period.
- Significant reductions in urine loss (p < .0001) and decreased episodes of urine loss (from 2.6 to 1.0) were noted after PME.
- Significant improvements in pelvic muscle strength (p < .0001) were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic muscle exercise is an effective treatment for reducing stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women.
- Consistent PME leads to significant improvements in both urinary continence and pelvic muscle strength.