A randomized controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle training for stages I and II pelvic organ prolapse

Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009 Jan;20(1):45-51. doi: 10.1007/s00192-008-0726-4. Epub 2008 Sep 20.

Abstract

Forty-seven women participated in a pilot study for a multi-centre randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with prolapse. Women with symptomatic stage I or II prolapse [measured by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q)] were randomized to a 16-week physiotherapy intervention (PFMT and lifestyle advice; n = 23) or a control group receiving a lifestyle advice sheet (n = 24). Symptom severity and quality of life were measured via postal questionnaires. Blinded POP-Q was performed at baseline and follow-up. Intervention women had significantly greater improvement than controls in prolapse symptoms (mean score decrease 3.5 versus 0.1, p = 0.021), were significantly more likely to have an improved prolapse stage (45% versus 0%, p = 0.038) and were significantly more likely to say their prolapse was better (63% versus 24%, p = 0.012). The data support the feasibility of a substantive trial of PFMT for prolapse. A multi-centre trial is underway.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Pelvic Floor / physiopathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy
  • Uterine Prolapse / complications
  • Uterine Prolapse / physiopathology
  • Uterine Prolapse / therapy*