Effects of Pilates Versus Pelvic Muscle Strengthening Exercise on Stress Urinary Incontinence - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the priority health issues recognized by WHO. It is very common and distressing medical condition severely affecting quality of life (QOL). There are different conservative management focusing on treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) includes improving the way of living by bladder re-training, pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, biofeedback, vaginal cones and electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to find out the effect of Pilates versus Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercise in females with stress urinary incontinence. Methodology: Total 90 patient were enrolled into the study and the study intervention were given to the patients in two separate group physiotherapy group (45 patients) and Pilates group (45 patients). Intervention was given to the patients for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were recorded in the form of score of Pelvic floor muscle strength and Kings Health questionnaire. Results: Data was analyzed using Paired and unpaired ‘t’ test and showed that there was significant improvement seen in both the outcome measures when compared within the groups. While intergroup comparison Pilates group showed significant improvement in both the outcome measures compare to Kegel’s exercise. Conclusion: Pilates method can be used for treatment option for stress urinary incontinence as it showed same effects as PFM strengthening. Key words: Kegel’s exercise, Pelvic floor strengthening exercise, Pilates exercise, Stress urinary Incontinence.