Effect of Kegel Exercise-Focused Intervention on Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intervention focused on pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), traditionally referred to as Kegel exercises, on the severity and related characteristics, along with the impact of daily life, in elderly women with urinary incontinence (UI).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial design.

SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: The sample comprised 60 elderly women (intervention = 30, control = 30) with UI receiving home care in Antalya, Turkey.

METHODS

Women in the intervention group received PFME training during visits to their homes. The frequency of UI, the amount of urine leaking, and the impact of UI on daily living were assessed with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and questions on the assessment of the perceived impact at the onset of the study (baseline) and follow-up home visits paid at 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

When compared to control participants, women performing PFME experienced a significant decrease in the level of UI, an increase in the level of quality of life, and a decrease in complaints about UI at both 6 and 12 weeks following the intervention. In addition, almost three-quarters (73.3%, n = 22) of the intervention group participants stated that they continued to perform PFME daily.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings indicate that PFME learned through one-to-one training and frequent home follow-ups reduced the frequency of UI and amount of urine leakage and alleviated the negative impact of UI on daily life.