Modified Pilates as an adjunct to standard physiotherapy care for urinary incontinence: a mixedmethods pilot for a randomized controlled tria

Author(s): A. Lausen Department of Affective Neuroscience and Psychophysiology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, and Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK L. Marsland School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK S. Head Physiotherapy Department, Anglian Community Enterprise Community Interest Company, Colchester, UK J. Jackson, University of Essex, B Lausen, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Essex - Pages: 20-33

Abstract

Background. Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing condition affecting at least 5 million women in England and Wales. Traditionally, physiotherapy for UI comprises pelvic floor muscle training, but although evidence suggests this can be effective, it is also recognized that benefits are often compromised by patient motivation and commitment. In addition, there is increasing recognition that physical symptoms alone are poor indicators of the impact of incontinence on individuals’ lives. Consequently, more holistic approaches to the treatment of UI, such as modified Pilates (MP) have been recommended. This study aimed to provide preliminary findings about the effectiveness of a 6-week course of MP classes as an adjunct to standard physiotherapy care for UI, and to test the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design.

Methods. The study design was a single-centre, pilot RCT, plus qualitative interviews. Seventy-three women referred to Women’s Health Physiotherapy Services for UI at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust were randomly assigned to two groups: a 6-week course of MP classes in addition to standard physiotherapy care (intervention), or standard physiotherapy care only (control). The main outcome measures were self-reported UI, quality of life, and self-esteem at baseline (T1), completion of treatment (T2) and 5 months after randomization (T3). Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subgroup at T2 and T3. Because of the nature of the intervention, blinding of the participants, physiotherapists and researchers was not feasible.

Results. Post-intervention data revealed a range of benefits for women who attended MP classes, and who had lower symptom severity at baseline: improved selfesteem (P = 0.032); decreased social embarrassment (P = 0.026); and lower impact on normal daily activities (P = 0.025). In contrast, women with higher symptom severity showed improvement in their personal relationships (P = 0.017). Qualitative analysis supported these findings, and also indicated that MP classes could positively influence attitudes to exercise, diet and well-being.