Effectiveness of pelvic foor muscle training on symptoms and urofowmetry parameters in female patients with overactive bladder

Abstract

Background/aim: To evaluate the efects of pelvic foor muscle training (PFMT) on symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) as well asurofowmetry parameters and functional bladder capacity.Materials and methods: Fify-nine female patients with OAB symptoms were included. Patients were assessed by SEAPI-QMM,urofowmetry, and abdominal ultrasound. A specially designed PFMT program using a Pilates ball was generated for patients. Tetraining period was 1-h sessions twice a week for 6 weeks and aerobic home exercises to be performed at home 4 or 5 times every otherday. Following training, subjects were reevaluated for body mass index, SEAPI questionnaire, and urofowmetry.Results: Initial mean SEAPI score, mean maximum and average fow rates, and mean voided volume were 9.8 ± 7.2, 29.8 ± 16.4 mL/s,16.3 ± 8.7 mL/s, and 211.6 ± 173.5 mL, respectively. Afer completion of the training program, SEAPI scores improved signifcantly to3.4 ± 6.4 (P < 0.05). Maximum and average fow rate results did not show signifcant changes, whereas voided volume seemed to haveimproved in conjunction with patients symptom scores (Pearson correlation coefcient: 0.86).Conclusion: According to our results, we think that proper PFMT results in increase of functional bladder capacity as well asimprovement in OAB symptoms and can be recommended as frst-line therapy or in conjunction with medical therapy in severe cases.