The effect of pelvic floor muscle training for women with pelvic organ prolapse: A meta-analysis
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as a conservative treatment for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Methods A comprehensive search to identify eligible randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase up to 10 June 2021. Results were presented as risk ratio (RR), the weighted mean difference (WMD), with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using the random effects model. Outcome variables were pooled using Review Manager version 5.3.Results Thirteen studies were included. Our results demonstrated that women who received PFMT intervention had a greater improvement than controls in prolapse symptom score (POP-SS; mean difference [MD] -1.66, 95% CI -2.36 to -0.97, p < 0.00001] and POP stages (risk ration [RR] 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-2.01, p = 0.004). The number of participants who felt better after PFMT was higher (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.21-3.24, p = 0.006). Subgroup analysis showed that the symptoms of prolapse and the degree of prolapse were improved significantly in the short term, but there was no significant difference in the long-term effect. In addition, there was no significant difference in the impact of PFMT on the elderly and the quality of life. More RCTs are needed to evaluate the effect of PFMT on the elderly and whether the quality of life can be improved.Conclusions We found that PFMT can improve subjective symptoms and objective POP severity. More research is needed on the long-term effect.
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- Authors
- Wang, T., Wen, Z., & Li, M.
- Affiliations
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (CN)
- First Hospital of Qinhuangdao (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Wen, Zhengfang
- Venue
- International Urogynecology Journal
- Published
- 2022-03-21
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1789-1801
- ISSN
- 0937-3462 (ISSN-L)
- 1433-3023
- OpenAlex
- W4220839548
- Cited by
- 24
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 0.75
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Urogynecology Journal (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Uterine Myomas and Treatments
- Keywords
- pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic organ prolapse, conservative treatment, quality of life, older women, long-term effects
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Exercise Therapy, Female, Humans, Quality of Life, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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