The effect of e-pelvic floor muscle training on symptoms in women with stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

Kamalı S., Özengin N., Topçuoğlu M. A.

Women and Health, vol.63, no.6, pp.473-483, 2023 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 63 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2223729
  • Journal Name: Women and Health
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Periodicals Index Online, AgeLine, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, PAIS International, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.473-483
  • Keywords: Pelvic floor, telerehabilitation, urinary incontinence, videoconferencing
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate how e-pelvic floor muscle training (e-PFMT) affected urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Fifty-five women with SUI symptoms were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 27) or the control (n = 28) group. Both groups were given lifestyle advice about SUI. The intervention group performed e-PFMT three days a week, one day via videoconference, and was supervised by a physiotherapist for eight weeks. UI symptoms were assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), the Urinary Distress Inventory−6 (UDI−6), and QoL was assessed by the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) before and after intervention. After intervention, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale was used to assess improvement, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess adherence. While the intervention group’s ICIQ-UI SF, ISI, and UDI−6 scores improved (p <.001), there was no change in the control group (p >.05). Except for personal relationship limitations, all KHQ scores improved in the intervention group. The control group’s role limitations and sleep/energy disturbances scores worsened. ICIQ-UI SF (p =.004), ISI (p <.001), and UDI−6 (p <.001) scores of the intervention group were improved compared to the control group. PGI-I and adherence were found to be higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. e-PFMT performed via videoconference to women with SUI, was found to be effective in improving UI symptoms and QoL as compared to lifestyle instructions only.