Evaluating the effectiveness of an 8-week hypopressive exercise training program on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle strength

The study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week hypopressive exercise training program on urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle strength. The data found that hypopressive exercise training improved pelvic floor muscle strength and UI symptoms in these patients.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common gynecological health issue. It occurs due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It is particularly common in women who have given birth, overweight women, or in those who practice heavy lifting activities. This weakness causes many conditions such as UI an involuntary urine leakage. This impacts a woman’s quality of life.

Pelvic floor muscle training (PMFT) is a known first-line treatment. PMFT is often combined with other types of treatments to treat UI. This technique has been shown to provide positive strength and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles. A new technique such as hypopressive exercises has been increasingly applied. Hypopressive exercises involve rhythmic and sequential movements, which follow certain positions and aim to improve posture. However, the effectiveness of hypopressive exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength and UI symptoms is unknown.  

The study included 117 women aged 18-60 years old with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction for more than 6 months. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received the hypopressive exercises (62 women) and the other group received no intervention (55 women). The intervention was carried out for 8 weeks, twice a week for 20 minutes.

After 8 weeks, there was a significant decrease in symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and UI in the hypopressive exercise group. Additionally, there was an improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength.

The study concluded that hypopressive exercises improved pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence.

The study was done in Spain only and does not reflect the general population. Also, follow-ups were not conducted to assess the long-term effects.