The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Applied Via Telerehabilitation During the Postpartum Period: a Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the short- and medium-term effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) applied via telerehabilitation (TR) on pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor symptoms, and quality of life. Methods: Fifty-eight women between the ages of 18 and 35 who were between 6 and 8 weeks postpartum were included. The participants were randomized into the PFMT applied via TR (TR-PFMT) group or the supervised PFMT (S-PFMT) group. The PFMT was performed for 8 weeks, 2 days a week, and 45-50 min a day. The participants' pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor symptoms, and quality of life were evaluated with the superficial electromyography, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7, respectively. Results: Phasic, tonic, and endurance activities of the pelvic floor muscles were significantly higher in both groups immediately after and 8 weeks after the exercise program (all p < 0.05). In addition, total PFDI-20 and all subscales' scores decreased significantly in the TR-PFMT group (all p < 0.05). In the S-PFMT group, total PFDI-20 (p = 0.012) and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (p = 0.012) scores improved significantly. A significant difference was found between the groups in favor of the TR-PFMT group in terms of total PFDI-20 (p = 0.024; p = 0.024) and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (p = 0.033; p = 0.040) scores immediately after and 8 weeks after the exercise program. Conclusions: TR-PFMT and S-PFMT improved women's pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor symptoms, and quality of life in the short and medium term. Improvement in urinary symptoms was greater after TR-PFMT. TR-PFMT should be considered for postpartum women.