Do moderate aerobic exercise and strength training influence electromyographic biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles in female non-athletes?
Maria Lucia Campos Gonçalves, Samantha Fernandes, João Batista de Sousa
PMID 29545703WHAT IT FOUND
Over three months, pelvic floor contraction scores rose in all three groups of female non-athletes, but the largest rise occurred in previously inactive women who started moderate gym exercise.
The study did not randomize participants.
Key findings
01At baseline, women already doing moderate exercise had higher pelvic floor EMG scores than women who had been inactive.
02At three months, the group that started exercising had the highest pelvic floor EMG score.
03The change from baseline to three months was greatest in women who started exercising.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Participants were not randomized, so the groups may have differed in ways that affected pelvic floor scores. Body mass index differed between groups, with the Sedentary group having the highest value. All participants received EMG biofeedback instructions and contraction commands, which may have improved contraction technique, especially in the Sedentary group. The primary outcome was an EMG score, not continence, prolapse, or pain. The authors reported a small sample size and a single assessment parameter as limitations. No pelvic floor exercises were taught, so the study cannot show what a pelvic floor training program would do.
Declared interests
The authors reported no financial relationships relevant to the article and no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that moderate gym exercise causes stronger pelvic floor contractions. The groups were not randomized, all women received EMG biofeedback instructions, and pelvic floor symptoms did not differ between groups.