Does pelvic floor muscle training augment the effect of surgery in women with pelvic organ prolapse? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is often used as a treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and can improve function. However, the effectiveness of this modality as an adjunct to prolapse surgery for women with POP is unknown. Aims: To evaluate whether the use of pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to prolapse surgery is superior to surgery alone for women with pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science from their inception dates to June 30, 2014 for data describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the efficacy of PFMT with or without lifestyle modification plus surgery versus surgery alone for women with POP. Additional relevant studies were identified by searching the references of retrieved articles and using Google Scholar. Two investigators independently reviewed and selected relevant studies that met the pre‐specified inclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies according to the Cochrane Handbook, version 5.1.0. Due to great heterogeneity in the choice and reporting of outcome measures and the different durations of follow‐up among the studies, this analysis is confined to a qualitative systematic review. Results: Five RCTs involving 591 women were reviewed (treatment group [TG], 292 cases; control group [CG], 299 cases). Generally, the five RCTs exhibited low risk of bias. This study indicated no significant improvement in prolapse symptoms, in quality of life, or in the degree of prolapse for women with POP in the TG compared to those in the CG. Conclusions: Insufficient evidence was found to support adding perioperative PFMT to surgery over the use of surgery alone in women undergoing surgery for POP. Adequately, powered RCTs with longer follow‐up periods are required to evaluate the long‐term effect of perioperative PFMT. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:666–674, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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- Authors
- Zhang, F., Wei, F., Wang, H., Pan, Y., Zhen, J., Zhang, J., & Yang, K.
- Affiliations
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University Lanzhou Gansu China
- Gansu Provincial Hospital (CN)
- The Second Department of Gynecology Gansu Provincial Hospital Lanzhou Gansu China
- Department of Medical Psychology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou Gansu China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University Lanzhou Gansu China
- Venue
- Neurourology and Urodynamics
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2015-05
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 666-674
- ISSN
- 0733-2467 (ISSN-L)
- 1520-6777
- OpenAlex
- W1514420758
- Cited by
- 18
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 0.26
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Neurourology and Urodynamics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Lanzhou University Institutional Repository (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Uterine Myomas and Treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
- Keywords
- pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic organ prolapse, prolapse surgery, perioperative rehabilitation, adjunctive therapy, quality of life, prolapse symptoms, women
- MeSH terms
- Combined Modality Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Female, Humans, Quality of Life, Urologic Surgical Procedures, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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