The most used physiotherapy treatment is the pelvic floor muscle training. Other factors are involved in the control of urination, such as the management of abdominal pressure and the activity of the muscles and fascia of the lumbopelvic region and this could be trained through generalized therapeutic exercise, which is defined as an intervention aimed at restoring musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological function. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise, combined or not with analytical training of the pelvic floor muscles, on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years of age, by reviewing the scientific literature.
To assess the effects of therapy exercise other than or combined with pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years.
An article research was done between 11th January and 7th February, 2021 on the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, Web Of Science, Sport Discus and PEDro using the search terms "Urinary Incontinence" and "Exercise Therapy".
An average of 245 results were obtained, of which 10 were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. The interventions of the analyzed articles are divided into two groups. First, a group where muscles of the abdominal-pelvic-perineal region are worked (hypopressives, yoga and strength of the abdominal muscles, resisted hip rotation...). Secondly, another group where muscles in general are worked (weight training, flexibility, balance and toning and cardiovascular training).
Urinary incontinence treated with therapy exercise other than the pelvic floor muscles training, or combined with it, suggest improvements in symptoms.
Archivos espanoles de urologia. 2022 Aug [Epub]
Mónica Ferradás-Galloso, Alejandra Alonso-Calvete, Yoana González-González, Iria Da Cuña-Carrera
Departamento de Biología Funcional y Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Vigo. Campus A Xunqueira s/n. CP 36005. Pontevedra, España.