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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Sep;34(9):2067-2080.
doi: 10.1007/s00192-023-05499-0. Epub 2023 Mar 23.

Does multiple-component intensive pelvic floor muscle training decrease muscle fatigue and symptoms in women with urinary incontinence?

Ozge Celiker Tosun  1 , Irem Keser  2 , Damla Korkmaz Dayican  3 , Onur Yavuz  4 , Gokhan Tosun  5 , Sefa Kurt  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Does multiple-component intensive pelvic floor muscle training decrease muscle fatigue and symptoms in women with urinary incontinence?

Ozge Celiker Tosun et al. Int Urogynecol J. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: A multiple-component intensive pelvic floor muscle training (MCI-PFMT) protocol was developed as a neurophysiological-based rehabilitation model to improve neuroplasticity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the MCI-PFMT protocol on muscle fatigue and symptoms in women with urinary incontinence.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 49 female patients with mixed urinary incontinence. Participants were divided into the MCI-PFMT group and the control group. The MCI-PFMT group performed supervised intensive pelvic floor muscle training, while the control group received bladder training and standard pelvic floor muscle training as a home program. Both training sessions were conducted 5 days a week for a single week. Participants' symptoms were evaluated with questionnaires, bladder diary, and pad tests. Superficial electromyography, ultrasonography, and the PERFECT scale were used to evaluate pelvic floor and abdominal muscle functions.

Results: In the post-treatment evaluation, symptoms were decreased in both groups, with a significant decrease in the MCI-PFMT group (p < 0.05). While average and peak work values of pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominus, and internal oblique muscles increased in both groups, maximum voluntary contraction values of these muscles decreased (p < 0.05). A 12.7% decrease was observed in the maximum voluntary contraction values of pelvic floor muscles in the control group, while a 9.6% decrease was observed in the MCI-PFMT group.

Conclusions: The MCI-PFMT protocol can lead to pelvic floor and abdominal muscle fatigue. However, it may be effective at decreasing symptoms in women with urinary incontinence. Additional studies on this issue are needed.

Keywords: Fatigue; Pelvic floor muscle training; Symptoms; Urinary incontinence.

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