Current status of research on pelvic muscle strengthening techniques.

In the past 15 years, research on the effect of pelvic muscle exercise on urinary stress incontinence has contributed substantially to the understanding of the function of the pelvic muscles and the role of pelvic muscle exercise in management of stress urinary incontinence. This literature review addresses pelvic muscle function, pelvic muscle exercise, pelvic muscle exercise training protocols and training aids, changes that result from pelvic muscle exercise, and long-term outcomes of pelvic muscle exercise. Emphasis is placed on results or research that may be used by the clinician with women who experience stress urinary incontinence.