The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises on bowel excretion problems and quality of life among individuals whose stoma was closured

This study is a randomized controlled experimental study that was carried out to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises on bowel excretion problems and quality of life in individuals whose stoma was closured. The study was conducted in general surgery inpatient wards of four hospitals with individuals whose stoma was closured (n = 34). The patients in the experimental group were given pelvic floor muscle exercise training which planned according to the Roy Adaptation Model. Data was collected by using BİVTF, BBAPSDF, WS, SF-36, DGGETF, KGGF. In the evaluation of the data, descriptive statistics and Independent Sample-t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, Pearson-χ2 with continuity correction, Fisher Exact test, Cochran-Q test statistics were used according to normality assumption. In the results; it was determined that pelvic floor muscle exercises performed in the experimental group after stoma closure significantly decreased the number of defecations, the Wexner Scale score, the need for night defecation, incomplete emptying, and pain problems during defecation compared to the control group. Furthermore, it was found that these exercises had a positive impact on psychosocial problems due to bowel excretion problems, problems in family relationships and quality of life. As a result; it was observed that pelvic floor muscle exercises were effective in reducing the excretion problems, increasing the psychosocial well-being and increasing the quality of life of patients whose stoma was closured. Therefore, it is recommended to provide training and consultancy services to patients whose stoma is closured, to add pelvic floor muscle exercises in discharge training and to encourage patients to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises effectively and regularly.