The Effects of Pilates in Muscle Strength of the Pelvic Floor as Treatment of Post Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence

The Effects of Pilates Method in Muscle Strength of the Pelvic Floor as Treatment of Post Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: : a Randomized Control Trial

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy between a Pilates exercise program and a Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) protocol combined with anal electrical stimulation (AES) in muscular pressure strength of the pelvic floor as conservative treatment of urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.

This randomized clinical trial includes 115 individuals with urinary incontinence one month after radical prostatectomy. One physiotherapist, with experience in urogynecology, was responsible for all the assessments. muscular pressure strength of the pelvic floor, 24-hour pad test and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) were the variables evaluated.

The subjects were allocated in one of three treatment groups (G1: Pilates; G2: anal electrical stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training and G3: Control Group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteers between 50 and 75 years old;
• Submitted to radical prostatectomy;
• With complaints of urinary incontinence;
• That completed one month of surgery;

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of incontinence;
• Transurethral resection of the prostate;
• Diagnosis of neurological or cognitive impairment;
• Subjects who were unable to attend treatment sessions, due to distance or physical limitations.