Pure Barre is a form of physical exercise using low-impact, high-intensity, pulsatile isometric movements that may serve as a treatment option for urinary incontinence.
The objective of this study was to measure the effects of the Pure Barre workout on urinary incontinence symptoms and sexual function.
This was a prospective observational study of new, female Pure Barre clients with urinary incontinence. Eligible participants completed 3 validated questionnaires at baseline and at follow-up after 10 Pure Barre classes within 2 months. Questionnaires included the Michigan Incontinence Symptoms Index (M-ISI), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, and the Female Sexual Function Index-6. Matched differences in domain questionnaire scores between baseline and follow-up were analyzed.
All questionnaire domains significantly improved for all 25 participants after 10 Pure Barre classes. Median M-ISI severity domain scores decreased from 13 (interquartile range, 9-19) at baseline to 7 at follow-up (interquartile range, 3-10; P < 0.0001). Mean ± SD M-ISI urgency urinary incontinence domain scores decreased from 6.40 ± 3.06 to 2.96 ± 2.13 (P < 0.0001). Mean ± SD M-ISI stress urinary incontinence scores decreased from 5.24 ± 2.71 to 2.48 ± 1.58 (P < 0.0001). Mean ± SD Urinary Distress Inventory domain scores decreased from 42.17 ± 17.15 to 29.67 ± 13.73 (P < 0.0001). Matched rank sum analysis indicated increasing Female Sexual Function Index-6 scores from baseline to follow-up (P = 0.0022).
The Pure Barre workout may be an enjoyable, conservative management option that improves symptoms of urinary incontinence and sexual function.
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2023 May 17 [Epub ahead of print]
Rebeccah S Briskin, Ali M Luck
From the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI.