Effects of Hypo-pressive Exercises and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on the Severity of Stress Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in Postpartum Women

Postpartum stress urinary incontinence is a widespread condition characterized by involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion, such as sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy weights. Most frequently occur in multiparous women with vaginal delivery, who are obese, constipated, or with low maternal education. Damage to the levator ani muscle complex and adjacent fascia during childbirth affects urethral mobility and consequently results in sphincter insufficiency.

Hypopressive exercises involve breathing techniques that regulate the intra-abdominal pressure. HE has been recently recognized for benefits such as pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, endurance, postural control, core muscle activation, and respiratory capacity, which efficiently improve symptom severity and quality of life in postpartum women.

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a set of frequent voluntary contractions designed to improve strength, coordination, and control. PFMT is considered as standard treatment protocol for urinary incontinence and other postpartum complications.

The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) and the Incontinence Quality of Life (IQOL) are used to assess symptom severity and quality of life, respectively. This study seeks to bridge that gap by evaluating and comparing the outcomes of HE and PFMT in postpartum women experiencing SUI. This research aims to support postpartum recovery, improve women's daily functioning, and enhance their overall well-being.