Effects of physical exercise on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunctions: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: The postpartum period is a time when women are exposed to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) due to the gestational period, but there is still a lack of quality evidence evaluating the effect of interventions on pelvic floor muscle recovery in postpartum women. Objective: Investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and low pressure fitness (LPF) on discomfort related to PFMD in the postpartum period. Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled study of 35 women who gave birth at the Maternal and Child University Hospital (HUMAI) in the city of Ponta Grossa, Brazil. The effects of LPF and PFMT were tested in three groups: LPF (n = 12), PFMT (n = 12), and minimal intervention/placebo (MI, n = 11). The three groups received the interventions on-line. Results: Training with LPF and PFMT showed better results compared to MI in some disorders related to PFMD after 12 weeks of treatment. The LPF was most effective on the global score of the Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) at 6 and 12 weeks, on stress urinary incontinence at 12 weeks, and on dyspareunia at 6 and 12 weeks. Conclusion: It is possible to reduce the discomfort related to PFMD in the postpartum period by means of LPF and PFMT.