THE EFFECT OF PELVIC MUSCLE EXERCISES WITH BIOFEEDBACK FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE POST-PROSTATECTOMY.
Contributors: University of Florida.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 182
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy.
Description: The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of pelvic muscle exercises (PME) with biofeedback on the length of time urine loss is experienced following a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The 53 patients scheduled for a retropubic or perineal prostatectomy from Shands Hospital and the Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center (GVAMC) were randomly assigned to either a PME/biofeedback group or a non-PME/biofeedback group. The PME/biofeedback group performed PME three times per week for 12 weeks while the non-PME group did not perform PME. Bladder diaries and Urine Control Perception Scales were completed at Weeks 2, 5, 9, and 12 post-prostatectomy, and 24-hour pad tests and pelvic muscle activity were monitored at Weeks 5 and 12 for both groups. Study variables included (1) length of time urine loss was experienced, (2) number of episodes of urine loss, (3) ounces of urine loss, and (4) number of pads used post-prostatectomy. Additional variables studied were voiding frequency and self-reported perception of urine control.

Data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-square statistic. Although the PME/biofeedback group demonstrated a mean reduction in episodes of urine loss and pad usage during Weeks 2, 5, 9, and 12 following removal of the urinary catheter, this mean reduction was not statistically significant when compared to the non-PME group.

When comparing the length of time for regaining urinary continence postsurgery, the PME/biofeedback group regained continence at a mean of 51 days, while the non-PME group regained continence at a mean of 56 days. This difference was not statistically significant.

The PME/biofeedback group voided almost twice as many times per day as the non-PME group at Weeks 2 and 5. The mean frequency of voiding for the PME/biofeedback group at Week 9 was significantly lower (t = $-$2.4, p =.02) than for the non-PME group.

Results showed that Post-prostatectomy subjects regained urinary continence before 12 weeks in both groups. The PME/biofeedback group demonstrated clinically significant reductions in pad use, episodes and amount of urine loss when compared to the non-PME group.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-02, Section: B, page: 0990.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 1995.

School code: 0070.