Effects of Pelvic Floor Strengthening and Relaxation Exercises in Women Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

Comparison of the Effects of Pelvic Floor Strengthening and Relaxation Exercises Delivered Via Telerehabilitation in Women Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pelvic floor strengthening and relaxation exercises on lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), depression and quality of life (QoL) in women with Multiple Sclerosis (WwMS). The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Are pelvic floor relaxation exercises effective on lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD)?
• Is there a difference in the effect on LUTD symptoms between pelvic floor strengthening exercises and relaxation exercises? Participants were divided into three groups: pelvic floor strengthening, relaxation and combined (both pelvic floor strengthening and relaxation together) exercise groups. Participants were called every week for 8 weeks and an online session was held one day per week. Participants were asked to perform the exercises 3 times a day, every other day. Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questioonaire (IIQ-7), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder Assessment Form (OAB-V8), 24-Hour Voiding Diary and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) were used to evaluate.

In MS, neurogenic bladder and lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) are common symptoms observed in approximately 75% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) . Untreated urinary dysfunctions may lead to lower urinary tract infections, renal damage, emotional stress, sleep disturbances, social isolation, and a decline in quality of life (QoL) 6, 7. To manage neurogenic LUTD, the conservative treatment approaches constitute the first-line therapy for symptoms. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) have important role for treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) and neurogenic LUTD. Tension and spasm in the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can lead to a variety of symptoms that negatively impact QoL, including voiding dysfunction, pain, sexual dysfunction, and anorectal disorders. Inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor during micturition may result in symptoms such as urinary frequency, post-void residual urine, urgency, increased daytime voiding, and urge UI. Therefore, relaxation exercises targeting the PFM, as well as comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation, can be utilized in the management of these symptoms While PFM strengthening protocols have been utilized in the management of neurogenic LUTD in women with MS (WwMS), there is currently no therapeutic program in the literature that combines both relaxation and strengthening exercises applied simultaneously to the PFM. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined exercise protocol-targeting both relaxation and strengthening of the PFM-on neurogenic LUTD and depression in WwMS.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants were eligible to participate if they:

• were female and aged 18 years or older,
• had a score of less than 6.5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and were ambulatory,
• experienced neurogenic LUTD such as urgency, urge UI, urinary frequency, and nocturia,
• had normal cognitive function, defined as a score above 24 on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE)-Turkish version.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants were excluded if they:

  • had spasticity in the lower extremity muscles, particularly in the adductors,
  • experienced an MS relapse within the previous two months,
  • had a current urinary tract infection,
  • were pregnant,
  • had undergone urogynecological surgery within the past six months,
  • lacked access to or the ability to use tools required for telerehabilitation (e.g., internet, camera, microphone, or smartphone).