Investigation of the Preoperative Effectiveness of Intensive Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women With Urinary Incontinence: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs and maintaining continence. Weakness in these muscles can lead to dysfunctions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence (UI), and sexual or anorectal disorders. UI, defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common globally and classified as stress, urge, or mixed incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - the most prevalent type among women - occurs during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Risk factors include female sex, aging, obesity, smoking, chronic constipation, previous gynecological surgeries, and childbirth. Treatment options for SUI include conservative and surgical methods. Pelvic floor training (PFT), first described by Arnold Kegel in 1948, is a conservative approach that strengthens PFM and alleviates symptoms. Although surgery is often used for SUI, with over 200 procedures described, this study aims to evaluate the preoperative effectiveness of intensive PFT in women with SUI. It will assess changes in muscle function and symptoms before surgery, guiding pelvic rehabilitation strategies to potentially reduce surgical burden and improve outcomes.
• Being a woman between the ages of 18-65
• Being diagnosed with SUI or SUI-predominant mixed type urinary incontinence by an obstetrician-gynecologist
• Having active pelvic floor muscle contraction
• No genital anatomical abnormality
• Being able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• The patient was referred to physiotherapy at least 6 weeks before the planned surgery date
• Patients performed 75% or more of the given exercises (categorized as adequate compliance)