A pelvic floor fitness program for older women with urinary symptoms: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of an adapted pelvic fitness and educational program to control urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women older than 65 years.

Design: Feasibility study.

Setting: Residential independent-living facilities.

Participants: Forty-three study subjects, limited to women 65 years and older residing in or using an independent-living facility, who self-reported that they had symptoms of UI or OAB.

Methods: Study participants volunteered to participate in a 6-week pelvic fitness class. Classes were held at 3 different independent-living sites. Forty-three women in 4 different treatment groups with 9-15 women per group completed the adapted group pelvic fitness and education instruction, which was provided twice a week for 6 weeks. At one site, in addition to the treatment group, an education-only group met; in this group, 14 women received an alternate intervention consisting of only one educational session and a booklet presenting the didactic content without specific muscle isolation or training.

Main outcome measurements: In addition to demographics, standardized assessments using validated instruments were obtained before the first class and after the last class, including general health, self-reported bladder function, quality of life, and the timed up-and-go test.

Results: Most participants (97%) were white, with a mean age of 83 years (range, 67-95 years). Most participants in the treatment groups (83%) reported symptom improvement. Statistically significant improvements in OAB and bladder symptoms were found after 6 weeks in the treatment groups, based on visual analog scale scores (P = .0058) for bothersomeness of bladder symptoms, the total score of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Short Form (P ≤ .0001), and the total score of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (P = .0036).

Conclusions: A group pelvic floor fitness program combined with pelvic health education is a promising approach to reduce urinary symptoms and improve the quality of life of older women living with OAB or UI symptoms.