Is pelvic floor muscle training effective for symptoms of overactive bladder in women? A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome can be very bothersome and is associated with impaired quality of life and work productivity.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on OAB symptoms in women. Furthermore, to assess the influence of PFMT on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, satisfaction with treatment, side effects, adherence and the quality of exercise reporting.

Data sources: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was used to assess the quality of exercise reporting.

Study selection: Full text RCTs including non-pregnant female participants, investigating PFMT vs inactive control or usual care, other life style modifications or other interventions.

Synthesis methods: Descriptive analysis.

Results: Eleven RCTs were included. There was considerable heterogeneity of PFMT protocols, outcome measures and follow-up periods. Hence, a qualitative analysis was undertaken. PFMT provided a significant reduction of OAB symptoms in five studies with a reduction in urinary frequency (n=1), and urgency urinary incontinence (n=4). PFM function was assessed in three studies, and two studies found improvement in favor of PFMT.

Limitations: A meta-analysis was not possible due to huge heterogeneity of included studies.

Conclusion: PFMT might reduce OAB symptoms, however, due to many limitations of the published studies it is not possible to clearly determine the effect of PFMT on OAB symptoms and PFM function. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018085640.

Keywords: Overactive bladder; Pelvic floor muscle training; Physiotherapy; Women.