A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to a Pilates Exercise Program for Improving Pelvic Muscle Strength
Department
Statistics and Analytical Sciences
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2010
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Pilates exercise program and a pelvic floor muscle-training (PFMT) program could provide similar improvements in pelvic muscle strength. Methods Sixty-two women with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were randomized to Pilates or PFMT. Each group had 24 biweekly 1-h sessions with either a physical therapist or Pilates instructor. Strength was measured via perineometry (cmH2O). Two questionnaires-pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20) and pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7)-were also collected. Results At baseline, the Pilates and PFMT groups measured 14.9±12.5 and 12.5±10.4 cmH2O, respectively (p=0.41). Both the Pilates and PFMT groups got stronger (6.2± 7.5 cmH2O, p=0.0002 and 6.6±7.4 cmH2O, p=0.0002, respectively), with no difference between groups p=0.85. PFIQ and PFDI scores improved from baseline but not between groups. Conclusions Further study is required to determine if Pilates can actually treat pelvic floor dysfunction
Journal Title
International Urogynecology Journal
Journal ISSN
0937-3462
Volume
21
First Page
401
Last Page
408
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1007/s00192-009-1046-z