To find the effect of yoga and structured exercises on muscle strength, stress and quality of life in patients with Stress Urinary incontinence.
Fifty six patient with stress urinary incontinence, between the age group of 35 to 50 years were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 28), all were females. Patients with organ prolapse, neurological deficits, pregnancy, and abdominal surgery were excluded. Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured through EMG, stress through Perceived stress scale and quality of life through ICIQ-SF scale. Participants in group A performed yoga and structured exercises facilitated through perineometer group B continued with conventional physiotherapy. A total of twenty four sessions were performed in a time period of eight weeks. Assessment was done at baseline, after 1, 2 months of treatment and a follow up after 6 months were performed.
After data acquisition, results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to determine the within group difference and for between group one way ANOVA was performed. Both groups showed significant improvement with time in muscle strength, stress and quality of life (p 0.05). However the group A which received yoga and structured exercises showed statistically significant changes (p 0.05) after 1, 2 and 6 months compared to group B which received the conventional exercises.
Yoga and structured exercise had beneficial effect on muscle strength, stress and quality of life in patients with Stress Urinary incontinence. The exercises when facilitated by perineometer had additional benefit as the visual feedback motivated the patients.
Yoga and structured exercise not only beneficial during the treatment period but also during the follow up period the gained effect was found to be maintained. Hence this treatment protocol can be utilized to maintain the effect for long term period.
Yoga
Structured exercises
