Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON ANABİLİM DALI, Turkey
Approval Date: 2019
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: HAVVA SÜMEYYE ÖZER
Supervisor: İlke Keser
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of incontinence severity on pelvic floor
and abdominal muscle strengthening training in women with stress urinary incontinence.
Sixteen patients with stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence were
included in the study. According to 24-hour pad test (24hPT), individuals were divided
into two groups as group 1 (24hPT 4-20gr, mild group, n: 9) and group 2 (21g and above in
24hPT, moderate and severe group, n: 7). The groups were taught pelvic floor muscle
training to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and abdominal exercises to strengthen the
abdominal muscles for 6 weeks. Urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle strength
measurement, quality of life, symptom and presence of pelvic floor dysfunction were
evaluated respectively 24hPT, Electromyography (EMG) Biyofeedback device, King’s
Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Global Pelvic Floor
Bother Questionnaire (GPFBQ). Evaluations were performed at the beginning and end of
the physiotherapy program, and subjective improvement rate was determined. After
treatment 24hPT values decreased in groups, but this decrease was only significant in
group 2 (p<0.05). The increase in the EMG-Biyofeedback values of both groups were
determined significant (p<0.05). The scores obtained in KHQ, UDI-6 and GPFBQ
decreased significantly in both groups at the end of treatment (p<0.05). Any difference was
detected between the groups in terms of other evaluation parameters and subjective
improvement rate except for 24 hPT (p>0.05). The results obtained from this study showed
that there was no difference between mild and moderate-severe groups in terms of having
benefit from strengthening training to the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. It was
proved that, regardless of the severity of urinary incontinence, an increase in pelvic floor
muscle strength and quality of life, a decrease in urinary incontinence symptoms and pelvic
floor dysfunction could be achieved with physiotherapy application and improvements in
subjective recovery rate were provided.
Key Words : Stress Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Muscles, Abdominal Muscles,
Incontinence Severity