A meta‐analysis of pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of urinary incontinence

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 138; no. 3; pp. 250 - 255
• Main Authors: Nie, Xiao‐Fei, Ouyang, Yan‐Qiong, Wang, Lan, Redding, Sharon R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-2017
• Subjects: Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Meta‐analysis; Pelvic Floor - physiology; Pelvic floor muscle training; Pelvic floor muscles; Quality of Life; Stress urinary incontinence; Urgency urinary incontinence; Urinary Incontinence - psychology; Urinary Incontinence - rehabilitation; Pelvic floor muscle training; Urgency urinary incontinence; Stress urinary incontinence; Pelvic floor muscles; Meta-analysis; Quality of life
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12232

Background
Symptoms associated with urinary incontinence (UI) frequently affect quality of life.
Objectives
To assess the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) among women with UI.
Search strategy
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched using relevant terms for all English‐language studies published up to August 15, 2016.
Selection criteria
Studies that evaluated the effects of PFMT on UI symptoms, PFM function, and quality of life were included.
Data collection and analysis
Data were screened and collected by two independent investigators. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Main results
Twelve studies were included, involving 763 patients. Use of PFMT increased PFM strength when measured by digital palpation and the Muscle Strength Oxford Scale (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.18, 95% CI 0.56–1.80). The PFM pressure was increased by PFMT when measured using a perineometer (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.07–0.73). Finally, PFMT improved quality of life (SMD 1.67, 95% CI 0.41–2.94).
Conclusions
Regular use of PFMT provided symptom relief and improved quality of life among women with UI.
Regular use of pelvic floor muscle training was effective for symptom relief and improved quality of life among women with urinary incontinence.