Efficacy of Community-based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to Improve Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Chinese Perimenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on perimenopausal women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). A two-group longitudinal experimental design with multiple comparisons. The intervention group (n = 37) received a 3-month intervention combining Kegel and yoga exercise. The control group (n = 37) received Kegel exercise. The combined training alleviated PFD symptoms, improved life quality and increased pelvic floor muscle strength of perimenopausal women. Women with PDF symptoms can integrate PFMT and yoga exercise to promote rehabilitation and improved outcomes. Combined exercise should be taught and practiced under supervision by qualified health professionals.

Author’s contribution

XFN: Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Supervision; Validation; Visualization; Writing original draft; Review & editing.

LR: Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Supervision; Validation; Visualization; Writing original draft; Review & editing.

SWY: Data curation; Methodology; Validation; Visualization; Writing original draft.

S. R. Redding: Conceptualization; Methodology; Supervision; Validation; Review & editing.

Y-QOY*: Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Supervision; Validation; Visualization; Review & editing.

QZ*: Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Supervision; Validation; Visualization; Review & editing.

Data availability statement

There are no linked research data sets for this article. The data are confidential.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.