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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 8/2012

01-08-2012 | Original Article

Pelvic floor muscle training to improve urinary incontinence in young, nulliparous sport students: a pilot study

Authors: Thuane Da Roza, Maíta Poli de Araujo, Rui Viana, Sara Viana, Renato Natal Jorge, Kari Bø, Teresa Mascarenhas

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 8/2012

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent in sport students. We hypothesized that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can improve pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and symptoms of UI in this group of physically active women.

Methods

Sixteen sport students with UI participated in this pre-post test pilot study. However, only seven of them, mean age 20.0 ± 0.8 years, completed the 8-week program. Activity level was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The outcome measure was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ UI SF). PFM strength was measured by manometry as maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).

Results

Vaginal resting pressure improved by 17.4 cmH2O (SD 6.7), p = 0.04 and MVC by 16.4 cmH2O (SD 5.8), p = 0.04. ICIQ UI SF score, frequency, and amount of leakage showed statistically significant improvement.

Conclusions

PFMT increased PFM strength and reduced frequency and amount of UI episodes in sport students that completed an 8-week PFMT program. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.
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Metadata
Title
Pelvic floor muscle training to improve urinary incontinence in young, nulliparous sport students: a pilot study
Authors
Thuane Da Roza
Maíta Poli de Araujo
Rui Viana
Sara Viana
Renato Natal Jorge
Kari Bø
Teresa Mascarenhas
Publication date
01-08-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 8/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1759-2

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