The effects of stabilization exercises focusing on pelvic floor on postnatal complications: low back pain and stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Background: Lumbar local stabilizing muscles inhibition is one of the most important causes of postnatal low back pain (LBP) and vaginal delivery is known to be an important risk factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Many studies showed the efficacy of pelvic floor exercises and lumbar stabilization exercises in improving postpartum SUI and LBP, respectively. This study was done to investigate the effects of stabilization exercises focusing on pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) on LBP and SUI in women 3-6 months after normal delivery. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 80 women (20-45 Y/O), with chronic nonspecific LBP and SUI were recruited. They were randomly assigned to the control group (n=40) that received no treatment, or the intervention group (n=40) that received stabilization exercises focusing on PFMs (12 weeks). Clinical characteristics of the study subjects including SUI intensity, functional disability, pain intensity, PFM strength and endurance, and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle strength were measured before and after 12 weeks by International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-UI-SF, Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, vaginal examination, and pressure biofeedback respectively. Results: PFM strength, TrA muscle strength, functional disability and pain intensity were significantly improved in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.05). All outcomes except pain intensity (P=0.06) were improved in intervention group after the intervention period (P<0.05). PFM strength and endurance and SUI intensity were improved in control group after the 12 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusions: stabilization exercises focusing on pelvic floor can improve LBP and SUI symptoms in women suffering from postnatal LBP and SUI symptoms 3-6 months after normal delivery