Comparative Effects of Hypopressive Exercises and Paula Method on Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Postpartum Women

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent pelvic floor disorder among postpartum women specially with multi-parity, significantly affecting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Repeated vaginal deliveries can lead to pelvic floor muscle weakness, reduced support to pelvic organs, and impaired urinary control. Many non-invasive physical therapy strategies have gained popularity, particularly among women unable to effectively contract their pelvic floor muscles voluntarily. Two such techniques are Hypopressive Exercises and the Paula Method. Hypopressive exercises involve specific breathing patterns combined with postural adjustments that activate the pelvic floor through reflex mechanisms. In contrast, the Paula Method is based on the concept of muscular synergy among circular muscles. It utilizes rhythmic contractions of peripheral circular muscles (such as the eyes, lips, and sphincters) to stimulate the pelvic floor, making it especially beneficial for individuals with coordination issues or discomfort performing direct pelvic contractions.

This study will be a randomized clinical trial with a sample size of 60 postpartum females. The setting of the study will be Bilal Medicare, Sargodha. 60 postpartum women will be included based on age, parity, mode of delivery and type of urinary incontinence. Women with primary gravida, cesarean section and urge and mixed urinary incontinence will be excluded. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Hypopressive Exercises and the Paula Method in improving urinary incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in postpartum women. Patients of both groups receive two treatment sessions per week over an 8-week period. Group A will be given Hypopressive exercise and Group B will be given Paula exercise protocol. Both groups will perform a standardized kegel exercises for pelvic floor muscle activation and strengthening as baseline treatment followed by their assigned interventions. Outcome measures will include the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI SF), Modified Oxford Scale for muscle strength, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) for QoL assessment. Data will be statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25.