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Combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program for urinary incontinence in middle‐aged women
Author(s) -
Kim Gwang Suk,
Kim Eun Gyeong,
Shin Ki Young,
Choo Hee Jung,
Kim Mi Ja
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
japan journal of nursing science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.363
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1742-7924
pISSN - 1742-7932
DOI - 10.1111/jjns.12072
Subject(s) - medicine , urinary incontinence , pelvic floor muscle , physical therapy , quality of life (healthcare) , lower urinary tract symptoms , intervention (counseling) , urinary system , psychological intervention , urology , nursing , prostate , cancer
Aim Urinary incontinence is a major health problem among middle‐aged women. Pelvic muscle exercise is one of the primary interventions, but difficulty performing this exercise has led researchers to seek alternative or conjunctive exercise. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga intervention program on urinary incontinence. Methods A single group pre‐/post‐test design was used. Subjects were recruited from a community health center in Seoul, Korea, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. Fifty‐five women participated in the first day of the program, 34 of whom completed the 8 week, twice weekly intervention program. Urinary incontinence was measured by five domains of urinary tract symptoms: filling factor, voiding factor, incontinence factor, sexual function, and quality of life. Also measured were attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise and pelvic muscle strength. Results Significant improvements were found in attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise, pelvic muscle strength, and incontinence factor. Daily performance of pelvic muscle exercise was positively correlated with improved incontinence factor and with quality of life related to urinary tract symptoms. Conclusion A combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program was effective for improving overall urinary incontinence in community health center attendees in Korea. Further study is needed with a control group, different populations, and a longer intervention period.