The effect of parity on pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in
women with urinary incontinence: a cross sectional study |
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| Authors: | ?zlem ??nar ?zdem?r Yesim Bakar Nuriye ?zeng?n Bülent Duran |
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| Affiliation: | 1) School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey;2) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey |
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| Abstract: | [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activityafter vaginal birth, and the effect of parity on PFM strength and quality of life (QoL) inwomen with urinary incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] Patients (n=241) who gave birthvaginally and experienced urinary incontinence were divided into three groups: group 1consisted of women having 1–3 children, group 2 consisted of women having 4–6 children,and group 3 consisted of women having more than 6 children. All patients underwentdetailed examination of the PFM. The Turkish version of the self-administered IncontinenceQuality of Life Instrument (I-QoL) questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects ofstress urinary incontinence on participants’ QoL. [Results] Comparison of PFM strengthsshowed a significant intergroup difference. Group 1 showed significantly higher PFMstrength scores than those of groups 2 and 3. I-QoL scores related to stress incontinenceshowed a significant intergroup difference. As number of deliveries increased, quality oflife decreased. Comparison of PFM strengths and I-QoL scores related to stressincontinence showed a significant intergroup difference. [Conclusion] Increasing theawareness of PFM training in women will reduce potential postpartum incontinence due to aweak PFM strength; and will increase quality of life.Key words: Parity, Pelvic floor muscle strength, Urinary incontinence |
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