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Effect of an Abdominal Hypopressive Technique Program on Pelvic Floor Muscles and Urinary Incontinence in Women

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Mild Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Interventions
Other: Abdominal hypopressive technique
Registration Number
NCT02212418
Lead Sponsor
Rafael J. Curbelo
Brief Summary

Abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is a therapy created for the treatment of the pelvic floor dysfunctions in the postpartum. In the last years it has been extended out of such medical context but there is a lack of scientific evidence, and the endurability of the effects of this technique are unknown. The investigator´s aim was to evaluate the effect of a 12 weeks AHT program on 1) the tone of the pelvic floor muscles and 2) on urinary incontinence, in women out of the postpartum phase. In addition the investigators looked for the endurability of its effect.

Methods: The investigators performed a cross-over blinded intervention study of 4 month duration, in which women, stratified by age, were randomly assigned to a sequence of AHT-no AHT or no AHT-AHT. The AHT program consisted of 30 minute sessions, 3 days per week during 2 months. The investigators compared the effect of AHT versus no AHT, and of no AHT after 2 months versus AHT.

The endpoints were the differences in perineal tonometry, and urinary incontinence symptoms, as measured by the ICIQ_SF. Comparisons were tested with student t tests, paired or unpaired as adequate.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
42
Inclusion Criteria
  • no systematic participation in sports or physical activities (≤ 3 sessions per week, ≤ 2 weeks per month)
  • between 20 and 65 years old
  • with availability for three afternoons per week.
Exclusion Criteria
  • hypertension
  • serious diseases
  • pregnancy
  • postpartum phase up to 2 months after delivery.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Abdominal hypopressive techniqueAbdominal hypopressive technique-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change of pelvic floor tone at 2 months and after 4 monthsat baseline, after 2 months, and after 4 months

Pelvic floor tone was measured by a tonometer (PhoenixTM USB2, France) in a PelvimètreTM, and results are expressed in g/cm2. A physiotherapist specialist in urogynecology did the measurement. This measure was not available for women in their first three days of menstruation or virgins

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change of urinary incontinence at 2 months and after 4 monthsperfomed at baseline, after 2 months, and after 4 months

Urinary incontinence was measured with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ_SF) . The questionnaire includes three scored items about frequency, severity and perceived impact of incontinence.

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