EFFECTS OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISES ON QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Introduction & Objective: Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem among middle-aged women and can affect their quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise on quality of life outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence. Materials & Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted at Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital of Tehran in 2009. After baseline evaluation, fifty women were assigned to this clinical trial. Participants were trained to do pelvic floor muscle exercises for 3 months and their quality of life were measured before and 3 months after intervention. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software using descriptive statistical tests and paired T experimental test. Results: forty-six women completed the trial. After 12 weeks, the descriptive statistical tests and paired T experimental test showed significant difference in the quality of life scores of women with stress urinary incontinence before and after intervention(P<0.0001). Conclusion: 12 weeks exercise of pelvic floor muscle significantly improved the quality of life outcomes of women with stress urinary incontinence.