Is there a long-lasting effect of pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence after ischemic stroke? A 6-month follow-up study

Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2007 Mar;18(3):281-7. doi: 10.1007/s00192-006-0137-3. Epub 2006 Jun 28.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-lasting effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in women with urinary incontinence after stroke measured by quality of life parameters. Twenty-four (24/24) women with urinary incontinence after stroke, who had completed a prospective, randomised controlled and single-blinded trial evaluating the effect of 12 weeks PFMT, were included in this follow-up study. The follow-up assessments were done by telephone interview 6 months after the intervention. The effect was evaluated by The Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey Questionnaire and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ). Twenty-four subjects completed the study. In the treatment group, the SF-36 showed a trend to a long-lasting effect in one of the eight domains and the IIQ showed a tendency to decreased impact of UI in two sub-scales compared to the control group. Our data indicated that PFMT may have a long-lasting effect measured by quality of life parameters.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle, Smooth / physiopathology
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Stroke / complications
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / rehabilitation*