The effect of digital pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of digital pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Fifty-five volunteer women with SUI symptoms were included the study. The women were randomized in the exercise group (n=27) or the control group (n=28) by four-block randomization. PFMT performed 3 days a week, one day via videoconferencing and supervised by a physiotherapist and 8 weeks in total. Both groups received lifestyle advices about SUI. UI symptoms assessed by Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) before and after treatment. Quality of life assessed by King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) before and after treatment. Impression of improvement was assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale and adherence was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after treatment. While UDI-6, ICIQ-SF and ISI scores were improved in the exercise group (p<0.001), no change was found in the control group (p>0.05). All KHQ scores were improved in the exercise group, except personal relationship limitations. Role limitations and sleep/energy disturbances scores were deteriorated in the control group, but no change was observed in the other KHQ scores. UDI-6 (p<0.001), ICIQ-SF (p=0.004) and ISI (p<0.001) scores of the exercise group were improved compared the control group. PGI-I and adherence were found significantly higher in the exercise group compared the control group. In conclusion, digital PFMT given via videoconferencing to women with SUI, was found to be effective in improving UI symptoms and quality of life. We think that PFMT can be taught to women with SUI via videconference.