Pelvic floor muscle training for women with overactive bladder syndrome?

This study looked at the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). This study concluded that pelvic floor muscle training did not improve OAB symptoms in women.

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a sudden, frequent urge to urinate. It may result in urge incontinence (unable to hold in urine). Urination is usually eight or more times a day and two or more times at night. OAB can have a negative impact on quality of life. Medications can be taken to calm the muscles and nerves which cause OAB. These medications however, can carry side effects. 

Pelvic floor training, or Kegel exercises, are another OAB treatment. Kegel exercises involve squeezing the pelvic floor muscles for a period of time every day to try and strenghten the muscles that cause urge incontinence. After 6 to 8 weeks, fewer leaks and more bladder control should be achieved.

Studies involving women ≥16 years old who had overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence symptoms were included. These women took part in studies for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Improvement in OAB was measured by monitoring frequency of urination, urodynamic testing, and quality of life questionnaires. 8 studies were analyzed for PFMT effectiveness, including 1161 women. In the studies, PFMT was compared against biofeedback (using sensors and computers to monitor the muscles you are exercising), electrical stimulation, bladder training, drug therapy, and combination treatments of PFMT and bladder training.

Across the different studies, PFMT showed improvements in urinary frequency and quality of life. However, these results were not statistically significant in most studies.

Researchers concluded that the studies have not shown clearly if PFMT is an effective treatment for OAB.

The authors note that the number of participants in each study was low and may mean that results were not significant. The difference in frequency of exercise across the studies also made it difficult to compare them. 

If you are interested in learning more about possible overactive bladder treatment with pelvic floor muscle training, contact your doctor.