Group-based pelvic floor telerehabilitation for urinary incontinence in older women: A six-month follow-up pilot study

Abstract

Background

Urinary incontinence is prevalent among older women. This pilot study evaluated the effects of an online group-based pelvic floor muscle training program in older women with urinary incontinence at a six-month follow-up.

Methods

Women aged 65 and over, with stress or mixed urinary incontinence, were recruited. Eligibility was established through in-person evaluations, during which pelvic floor physiotherapists taught and verified correct pelvic floor muscles contraction using digital palpation. The 12-week online pelvic floor muscle training program comprised weekly one-hour training sessions, followed by an unsupervised maintenance exercise regimen. Data were collected before the program (PRE), immediately after (POST), during an interim phone call three months after the end of the program (3MO) and at a follow-up six months after the end of the program (6MO). Participants reported symptoms of urinary incontinence using a 7-day bladder diary and standardized questionnaires at PRE, POST and 6MO. Adherence to maintenance exercises was recorded at 3MO and 6MO. At 6MO, participants provided feedback on their perceived improvement and overall satisfaction.

Results

Women experienced a median leakage reduction of 73 % (range 38–88 %) from PRE to 6MO. Improvements were maintained from POST to 6MO for leakage episodes, symptoms of urinary incontinence, quality of life, and urinary incontinence self-efficacy. Adherence to maintenance exercises was substantial at 3MO and 6MO. Participants expressed high satisfaction with symptom improvement and the program overall at 6MO.

Conclusions

A 12-week online group-based pelvic floor muscle training including an in-person pelvic floor muscle evaluation and an unsupervised maintenance exercise regimen demonstrated sustained clinical benefits. Further validation through a randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.