A pilot study of combined pelvic floor and abdominal muscle training for urinary incontinence: Home-based program

Abstract

Introduction:

This study examined the impact of incontinence severity on the outcomes of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening training in women with stress urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods:

Sixteen women with stress and mixed UI were divided into two groups based on 24-h pad test results: mild (4–20 g, n = 9) and moderate-severe (⩾ 21 g, n = 7). Both groups underwent a 6-week home-based program including Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and Abdominal Muscle Training. Outcomes assessed before and after intervention included UI severity (24 h pad test), pelvic floor muscle strength (EMG biofeedback), quality of life (King’s Health Questionnaire), symptom distress (UDI-6), and pelvic floor dysfunction (GPFBQ).

Results:

Both groups showed significant reductions in UI severity and improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength, quality of life, and symptom scores after the intervention. The decrease in UI severity was more pronounced in the moderate-to-severe group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups regarding muscle strength or quality of life.

Conclusion:

These preliminary results suggest that home-based combined PFMT and abdominal muscle training can effectively reduce UI severity and improve pelvic floor function and quality of life in women with UI, regardless of initial severity. These findings support integrating abdominal muscle exercises into the conservative management of UI. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings. NCT05549193, 22/09/2022, retrospectively registered.