Effects of an Intervention on Improving Midlife Women's Menopause-related Symptoms

Effects of an Intervention on Improving Midlife Women's Menopause-related Symptoms

This study was an experimental study with repeated measures. Study aims were to examine the effects of pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT) combined with yoga on improving genitourinary/climacteric symptoms, the pelvic floor muscles strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Study participants were assigned to the intervention group or comparison group. Data analyses were based on the information obtained from 91 midlife women with a mean age of 56.6 years. Information related o the pelvic floor muscles strength was only obtained from 45 women. Descriptive statistics were used to represent study participants' individual characteristics, genitourinary/climacteric symptoms, the pelvic floor muscles strength, and HRQL. Paired t tests, independent t tests, and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) procedures were used to examine the intervention effects.

This study was an experimental study with repeated measures. Study aims were to examine the effects of PFMT combined with yoga on improving genitourinary/climacteric symptoms, the pelvic floor muscles strength, and HRQL. Study participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or comparison group. All study participants received an educational section (a discussion section and an abbreviated practice section) and related educational materials. The intervention group attended on-site group practice sessions and performed individual home-based practice. The comparison group performed individual home-based practice only. Data analyses were based on the information obtained from a sample of midlife women with a mean age of 56.6 years. Relevant information was mainly collected by a structured questionnaire. Information related to the pelvic floor muscles strength was only obtained from 45 women in the intervention group by using the FemiScan pelvic floor therapy system. Descriptive statistics were used to represent study participants' individual characteristics, genitourinary/climacteric symptoms, the pelvic floor muscles strength, and HRQL. Paired t tests, independent t tests, and GEE procedures were used to examine the intervention effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who experienced ≥1 genitourinary symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being pregnancy or breastfeeding, experiencing iatrogenic menopause (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy or radiation related), maintaining regular PFMT and/or yoga practices, using oral contraceptive or psychiatric medications, and having physical weakness/limitation or major cognitive impairment.