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A meta‐analysis of pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of urinary incontinence
Author(s) -
Nie XiaoFei,
Ouyang YanQiong,
Wang Lan,
Redding Sharon R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.12232
Subject(s) - medicine , urinary incontinence , pelvic floor muscle , quality of life (healthcare) , confidence interval , physical therapy , pelvic floor , cochrane library , meta analysis , strictly standardized mean difference , palpation , urology , surgery , nursing
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 ( CI s) 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 .