Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

Regular antenatal exercise including pelvic floor muscle training reduces urinary incontinence three months postpartum -- follow-up of a randomised controlled trial [with consumer summary]
Johannessen HH, Froshaug BE, Lysaker PJG, Salvesen KA, Lukasse M, Morkved S, Stafne SN
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2021 Feb;100(2):294-301
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence is a frequently reported condition among women with pregnancy and delivery as established risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an antenatal exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum urinary incontinence, and explore factors associated with urinary incontinence three months postpartum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a short-term follow-up and secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial conducted at two Norwegian University Hospitals including healthy, pregnant women > 18 years with a singleton live fetus. Women in the exercise group received a 12-week standardized exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training, with once weekly group exercise classes led by a physiotherapist and twice weekly home exercise sessions. The controls received standard antenatal care. Data were obtained from questionnaires answered in pregnancy week 18 to 22, and three months postpartum. Urinary incontinence prevalence in the exercise and control groups were compared, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied. Urinary incontinence prevalence three months postpartum was assessed by Sandvik severity index. RESULTS: Among the 722 (84%) women who responded three months postpartum, significantly fewer women in the exercise group (29%) reported urinary incontinence compared to the standard antenatal care group (38%, p = 0.01). Among women who were incontinent at baseline, 44% and 59% (p = 0.014) were incontinent at three months postpartum in the exercise and control group, respectively. Urinary incontinence three months postpartum was associated with age (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.0 to 1.1), experiencing urinary incontinence in late pregnancy (OR 3.6, 95%CI 2.3 to 5.9), birthweight >= 4,000g (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.2 to 2.8) and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1 to 6.1). Caesarean section significantly reduced the risk of urinary incontinence three months postpartum compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR 0.2, 95%CI 0.1 to 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate intensity exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training reduced prevalence of urinary incontinence three months postpartum in women who were incontinent at baseline.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help