[Effects of pelvic floor muscle training on quality of life of a group of women with urinary incontinence: randomized controlled trial]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Kinesiotherapy on function and level of pressure of pelvic floor muscle and quality of life (QOL) of a group of women with urinary incontinence (UI).

Materials and methods: This is a randomized controlled pilot trial. Thirty women (age 60.87±9.05 years) were evaluated, before and after 12 weeks of treatment, for urinary loss, pelvic floor muscle function and pressure; and quality of life (QOL). Volunteers were randomly allocated into two groups: Kinesiotherapy Group and Control Group. The Kinesiotherapy Group protocol consisted of 12 1-hour sessions with exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscle and information for UI. The Control Group did not receive any treatment during the corresponding time. The data were analyzed by non-parametric Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test. The significance level was 5%.

Results: The Kinesiotherapy Group presented a significant improvement in urinary loss (p=0.053), pelvic floor muscle function (p<0.006) and pressure (p=0.0014) and in some domains of Kinǵs Health Questionnaire for QOL assessment: incontinence impact (p=0.034), limitations of daily activities (p=0.025), sleep and disposition (p=0.018) and also gravity domains (p=0.004). No differences were found in the control group for any variables.

Conclusion: The protocol to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle used by the Kinesiotherapy Group was effective to improve the UI, QOL, function and pressure of pelvic floor muscle contraction.