This study primarily aimed to investigate the feasibility of recruiting to a telehealth-delivered PFMT program to treat stress UI in women with breast cancer on AIs. The secondary aim was to assess the change in the prevalence of UI and pelvic floor muscle strength post intervention.
A pre-post single cohort clinical trial was conducted with 54 women diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving AI with stress UI. Participants engaged in a 12-week PFMT program using an intra-vaginal biofeedback device, femfit®. The intervention included eight supervised sessions via Zoom™ and a home exercise program. Feasibility was the primary outcome, assessed by consent, retention, adherence, and satisfaction rates. Secondary outcomes included changes in UI prevalence and burden, measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), and pelvic floor muscle strength, measured by intravaginal squeeze pressure.
The mean age was 50 years (SD±7.3). All women who expressed interest were eligible and consented (n = 55/55). This study had a retention rate of 87% (n = 48/55), mean attendance rate of 95.9% (SD±3.1) and mean adherence rate of 76.3% (SD±11.4). The intervention was well-received, with all participants reporting that the program was beneficial and met their needs. Significant reductions in the prevalence (percentage difference 42%, 95% CI 28, 57%) and burden (ICIQ-UI SF score change: 9.4, 95% CI 8.5, 10.4) of UI were observed post-intervention. Additionally, a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle strength was noted (mean change: 4.8 mmHg, 95% CI 3.9, 5.5).
This study demonstrated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered PFMT program to treat stress UI in women with breast cancer. The high consent, retention, attendance and satisfaction rates suggested that participants who consented to this study were highly motivated and interested in engaging with the PFMT intervention. Further research through randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm findings related to clinical outcomes and explore the long-term benefits of this intervention on UI and pelvic floor muscle function.
The findings from this study have important implications for physiotherapy practice and breast cancer care, that PFMT may potentially be a viable and effective treatment for UI in women following breast cancer treatment. While further research is required, these results present an opportunity to place pelvic floor physiotherapy in breast cancer care pathways to ultimately improve the quality of life in women with breast cancer.
Urinary incontinence
Breast cancer care
