A randomised-controlled trial pilot study examining the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on steroid hormone concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we attempted to examine the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on testosterone and cortisol concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence.Material and methods: The number of participants included in the analysis was 59: 30 women in the experimental group (EG) and 29 women in the control group (CG). The EG underwent pelvic floor muscle training, whereas the CG did not receive any therapeutic intervention. In the present study the authors measured testosterone and cortisol concentrations as well as body mass index (BMI) in all study participants at the initial and final assessments.Results: The initial and final assessment results were compared and showed a statistically significant decrease in cortisol concentration and an increase in testosterone concentration in the EG. However, no statistically significant differences in the measured variables were observed in the CG at the initial and final assessments. The authors did not report any statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations and the BMI score in the EG and CG. Also, statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations in the EG were not apparent.Conclusions: Determination of the concentration of testosterone and cortisol is a method that may help to objectify pelvic floor muscle training outcomes in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence.

Chronic psychological stress and lower urinary tract symptoms

“…108 Similarly pelvic floor exercises have been shown to reduce circulating levels of cortisol and may be beneficial for patients with urge incontinence as well as stress urinary incontinence. 109…”

Short-Term Efficacy of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Bladder Training in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity, Wide Genital Hiatus and Overactive Bladder Syndrome

“…37 Obesity is a triggering factor for urinary incontinence by causing intra-abdominal pressure increase, intra-vesical pressure increase and urethral hypermobility. 3 In the literature, it was shown that individuals who exercise regularly have less weight problems, stronger pelvic floor muscles and less urinary incontinence. 3 Weber Rajek et al detected that pelvic floor exercises in obese women stimulate myokine synthesis leading to muscle growth and hypertrophy.…”

“…3 In the literature, it was shown that individuals who exercise regularly have less weight problems, stronger pelvic floor muscles and less urinary incontinence. 3 Weber Rajek et al detected that pelvic floor exercises in obese women stimulate myokine synthesis leading to muscle growth and hypertrophy. 3 In our study, the patient groups had obesity, and GH enlargement indicating a possible pelvic floor muscle damage.…”

“…1 Aging and menopause predispose women to the development of obesity and urinary incontinence. 3 In the postmenopausal period, changes in the bladder, pelvic tissues, and central nervous system trigger lower urinary system symptoms. 1 Negative effects such as decreased pelvic floor muscle strength associated with estrogen deficiency, negative effect on urethral closing pressure and blood flow, and decrease in alpha-adrenergic receptor sensitivity are observed in the postmenopausal period.…”

“…6 The prevalence of OAB was reported to be 16% in overweight persons. 3 Genital hiatus (GH) enlargement is associated with decreased pelvic floor support. 7 One of the most important causes of this condition is the defect of puborectalis muscle, and 36% of these defects are caused by vaginal delivery.…”