Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise and Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition in women that causes involuntary urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. This condition can negatively affect physical, emotional, and social well-being and reduce overall comfort. Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is the recommended first-line conservative treatment for SUI, while progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) may help reduce muscle tension and improve psychological well-being. However, the combined effects of these two interventions on comfort have not been well studied.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of PFME, PMR, their combined application, and routine care on comfort in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four study groups and followed for six weeks. Comfort will be assessed at baseline and at Weeks 2, 4, and 6 using a validated questionnaire. The findings are expected to provide evidence for improving conservative treatment strategies and enhancing patient-centered care for women with stress urinary incontinence.