Pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: is group exercise effective?

Author(s): S. Titman & T. Cook - Pages: 19–28

Abstract

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can play a key role in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and is recommended as a first-line conservative treatment. The aims of this paper are: to review the current literature comparing group and individual PFMT delivered to this client group; and to consider the implications for clinical practice in the context of the delivery of cost-effective and clinically beneficial services. Ten key articles were identified, and comparisons were made regarding: the type, intensity and duration of the PFM exercises; the frequency of group attendance; and the outcome measures used to assess change. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies included, direct comparisons were difficult; however, group exercise for PFM rehabilitation in the management of SUI appears to be as effective as or more beneficial than one-to-one treatment. The authors conclude by identifying the changes made to service delivery at Homerton University Hospital, London, UK, in the light of this review.

Keywords: group exercise, pelvic floor, physical therapy, stress urinary incontinence.