Comparison of the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training and hypopressive exercises in women with pelvic organ prolapse: a randomized controlled study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Objective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and hypopressive exercises (HE) in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methodology. Thirty-two women diagnosed with POP (stages 2 and 3) according to the POP Classification System were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: the PFMT group (n=10), the HE group (n=12), and the control group (n=10). To ensure that the participants performed the exercises correctly, they received three sessions of biofeedback-assisted PFMT/HE training. The exercises were performed as a home program for 12 weeks. All participants were given recommendations regarding POP. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, pelvic floor muscle strength assessment (using a perineometer), and quality of life assessment (using a Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) were applied. Compliance with the 12-week exercise program was also assessed using VAS. Results. Compared to baseline and the control group, both PFMT and HE groups showed a reduction in POP symptoms, an increase in pelvic floor muscle strength, and an improvement in the quality of life after 12 weeks of treatment (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the exercise groups in post-treatment assessments (p>0.05). Exercise adherence was similar between the PFMT and HE groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. Pelvic floor muscle training and hypopressive exercises, when taught with biofeedback, were found to be effective in reducing POP symptoms. Teaching the exercises with biofeedback may have contributed to the patients’ correct understanding and execution of the exercises, thereby improving adherence. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effectiveness of exercise approaches and to develop patient-specific strategies to enhance compliance.
Source: Ginecologia ro
Institutions: Hacettepe University, Liv Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412809034