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Effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on pelvic floor muscle activity and voiding functions during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Author(s) -
Kahyaoglu Sut Hatice,
Balkanli Kaplan Petek
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.22728
Subject(s) - medicine , pelvic floor muscle , pregnancy , pelvic floor , overactive bladder , postpartum period , urinary incontinence , urology , gynecology , obstetrics , physical therapy , surgery , genetics , alternative medicine , pathology , biology
Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period on pelvic floor muscle activity and voiding functions. Methods Pregnant women (n = 60) were randomly assigned into two groups (Training [n = 30] and Control [n = 30]) using a computer‐based system. Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using a perineometry device. Urinary symptoms were measured using the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7), and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB‐q). Voiding functions were measured using uroflowmetry and 3‐day voiding diaries. Measurements were obtained at week 28, weeks 36–38 of pregnancy, and postpartum weeks 6–8. Results Pelvic floor muscle strength significantly decreased during the pregnancy ( P < 0.001). However, pelvic floor muscle strength improvement was significantly higher in the Training group compared to the Control group ( P < 0.001). The UDI‐6, IIQ‐7, and OAB‐q scores did not significantly change during weeks 36–38 of pregnancy in the Training group ( P > 0.05). However, UDI‐6, coping, concern, and total scores of OAB‐q were significantly decreased during weeks 36–38 of pregnancy in the Control group ( P < 0.05). The UDI‐6 and OAB‐q scores were significantly improved during postpartum weeks 6–8 ( P < 0.05). Voiding functions were negatively affected in both groups, decreasing during weeks 36–38 of pregnancy and improving during the postpartum period. Conclusions Pregnancy and delivery affect pelvic floor muscle strength, urinary symptoms, quality of life, and voiding functions. Pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy and the postpartum period increase pelvic floor muscle strength and prevent deterioration of urinary symptoms and quality of life in pregnancy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:417–422, 2016 . © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.