Short term effects of home-based bladder education and pelvic floor exercises on urinary incontinence symptoms

Although UI is not a life threatening problem among women, it affects social and familial life in terms of physical and psychological aspects. Because of these reasons it should be handled meticulously. The study aimes to investigate the effects of a home-based pelvic floor muscle exercise and bladder education on UI symptoms among women. The study included 25 individuals who were diagnosed with UI. Kegel exercises which strengthen pelvic floor muscle were described to patients in litotomy position with using digital assessment method. Kegel exercises last for 6 weeks in a home exercise programme. Exercises were planned according to symptoms of patients. Participants were trained on performing Kegel exercises and bladder education. Assessments were done at the beginning and end of the 6-week long exercise programme. Mean age, BMI, birth number, abortion, miscarriage number are respectively; 47,6 ± 10,12 year (28-73); 30,8 ± 5,88 kg/cm2 (20,2 – 42,97); 3 ± 2,1 (0- 10); 1,04±1,24 (0 – 4); 0,2 ± 0,64 (0-3). 92 % of the participants bore at least one child with 76 % giving natural birth and 16 % undergoing caesarean section. 8 % did never give birth. Pre- and post-treatment assessments with pad test showed that the level of incontinence decreased statistically and the quality of life of participants increased significantly. The difference between pre- and post-treatment scores of UI was statistically significant. Additionally participants subjectively reported that their sexual health was improved as well. Keywords: urinary incontinence, pelvic floor exercise, bladder education, physiotherapy