Efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle function.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function.

Methods: Data of 120 parturients with full-term singleton pregnancy who delivered vaginally in the Guang'an People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the study subjects were grouped into a Kegel exercise group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercise alone), an electrical stimulation group (n=40, receiving electrical stimulation alone) and a combined group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation) according to the treatments received. All three groups received intervention for 3 months. The overall response rates (ORRs) at 3 months, changes in PFM strength and vaginal pressure during treatment, the scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and the incidence rates of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) were evaluated in the three groups.

Results: ORR in the combined group (100.00%) was higher than that of the Kegel exercises group (87.50%) and the electrical stimulation group (85.00%) ( < 0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention, the combined group was superior to the Kegel exercises and the electrical stimulation groups in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of pelvic floor, and the continuous SBP of type I and II muscle fibers ( < 0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the scores of ICIQ-UI SF and I-QOL in the combined group were higher than those in the Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups ( < 0.05). The score of satisfaction in the combined group was higher than in Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups ( < 0.05).

Conclusion: Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation have a good therapeutic effect on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, which can markedly improve PFM strength and vaginal pressure.