Effect of Hip Strengthening Exercises and Pelvic Floor Exercises on Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postnatal Women

Abstract

Introduction: The most prevalent type of UI, known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), occurs when urine leaks out with exertion including when they cough, sneeze, or are physically active. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for postpartum urinary incontinence, a prevalent problem in women. This study was done to examine the impact of hip strengthening exercises and pelvic floor exercises on SUI in postnatal women. Material and methods: One hundred twenty multiparous women, suffering from mild or moderate degree of SUI, age 30 to 35, BMI<30 kg/m² , were randomized into four equivalent groups: control group with no intervention, three study groups received the  procedures as the following hip exercises group received hip strengthening exercises for abductors, adductors, external rotators and hips extensors, pelvic floor exercises group received pelvic floor exercises, combined exercises group received hip strengthening exercises in addition to pelvic floor exercises as the same way of the other two study groups together. All groups were assessed for maximum vaginal squeeze by using Biofeedback (Myomed 632v) and Urogenital Distress Inventory Questionnaire - Short Form (UDI-6) prior to and post treatment. Results: Groups (B), (D), and (C) had significantly different maximal vaginal squeeze and UDI-6 values compared to group (A), with a p-value of 0.001 for each. However, there was no significant difference in UDI-6 among groups (B) and (D). None of the other groups showed statistically significant differences in these measures. Conclusions: from the obtained results, it could be concluded that one part of a strategy that can help improve SUI is strengthening the hip muscles as it improves PFM power and reduces leakage in those with SUI and may be considered a starting point for those women who find PFM contractions difficult to perform.