Effects Of Tele-PFME On Urinary Incontinance, Pelvıc Floor Functions and Childbirth

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of pelvic floor exercises performed via prenatal tele-rehabilitation on the following issues:

1. Perceived symptom severity and frequency associated with the development of urinary incontinence and quality of life
2. Pelvic floor muscle function and
3. Birth and delivery parameters in pregnant women. Research Questions

1. Does prenatal tele-pelvic floor exercise reduce the frequency or symptom severity of urinary incontinence in the late stages of pregnancy and the early postpartum period? 2. Does prenatal tele-pelvic floor exercise improve pelvic floor muscle function and contraction performance? 3. Does prenatal tele-pelvic floor exercise affect delivery parameters such as labor duration, mode of delivery, episiotomy, and perineal trauma? The current literature indicates that prenatal tele-pelvic floor exercise can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence during pregnancy and the postpartum period by preserving pelvic floor muscle function in pregnant women, and recommends the application of pelvic floor muscle exercises and pelvic floor training during pregnancy due to their protective effect. However, more data are needed to draw meaningful conclusions about the participation (continuity) of PTKE in treatment, how and by whom it is administered, and its effects on postnatal UI. In addition to preventing UI, studies are needed that more clearly express the effects of antenatal PTKE, such as improved quality of life specific to UI with a reduction in the severity, frequency, and amount of leakage, and the determination of changes in pelvic floor muscle strength and function in the long term. There are studies that mention various content regarding education and exercise practices. With the Covid-19 conditions, the way healthcare institutions operate has been visibly affected. Based on this, potential situations such as individuals not being able to benefit sufficiently from healthcare facilities may occur. Investigators believe that tele-rehabilitation methods will provide us with positive support in this regard, in terms of reaching individuals and providing healthcare services to individuals during the thesis study. Furthermore, more studies are needed on the effects of PTKE programs conducted through tele-health applications on treatment participation, patient adherence to treatment, and prenatal/postnatal urinary tract infection.

Evidence from research on application/tele-rehabilitation-based pelvic floor muscle exercises in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period shows potential benefits in terms of adherence and symptom management, but the literature is less mature than the literature on general pelvic floor muscle exercises. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation-supervised pelvic floor muscle exercise program (PFME) in preventing urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum, and its effects on pelvic floor function, strength, and delivery parameters.

Hypotheses H0 (primary): In pregnant women, a structured tele-rehabilitation-based pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) program does not differ from a home exercise program in terms of its effect on urinary incontinence symptoms in the late pregnancy and early postpartum period.

H1 (primary): In pregnant women, a structured tele-rehabilitation-based PFME program reduces urinary incontinence symptoms in the late pregnancy and early postpartum period compared to a home exercise program.

H0 (primary): In pregnant women, a structured tele-rehabilitation-based pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) program does not differ from a home exercise program in terms of its effect on pelvic floor muscle function in the late pregnancy and early postpartum period.

H 2 (primary): In pregnant women, a structured tele-rehabilitation-based PFME program improves pelvic floor muscle function in late pregnancy and early postpartum compared to a PFME program given as a home exercise program.