An alternative intervention for urinary incontinence: Retraining diaphragmatic, deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscle coordinated function. To review an abstract of the study - please click here.

This study examined the effectiveness of an at-home pelvic floor regiment (control group) versus training for pelvic floor exercises (training group) as an alternative treatment of urinary incontinence. The study found that participates in the training group demonstrated significantly better results.

Women in the control group were asked to perform at-home, self-monitored, pelvic floor exercises - that did not include breathing or abdominal work. The women in the training group followed a specific exercise program that included diaphragmatic, deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercises.

After the four-month study period, more participants in the training group reported improvements - the improvement rate was above 90%. The amount of leakage and number of leaks were significantly lower in the training group but not in the control group. The study concluded "coordinated retraining diaphragmatic, deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscle function could improve symptoms and quality of life."

Additionally, other studies show that 65% of women who think that they are doing kegels are not activating the pelvic floor muscles. Rather they are contracting their glutes and/or hip flexors.

What you do in a basic core class at Studio One should improve Pelvic Floor function in a holistic way. If you have been coming for a while and still struggle with engaging inner thighs, pelvic floor, low abs and you suffer from urinary incontinence you may consider seeing a pelvic floor specialist (recommendations provided below).

Julie Osgood, PT

United Physical Therapy (907) 929-8400

 

Joy Baxtrum, PT or Karie Pirano, PT

The Physical Therapy Place (907) 569-5557