A randomized clinical trial comparing pelvic floor muscle training to a Pilates exercise program for improving pelvic muscle strength.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Pilates exercise program and a pelvic floor muscle-training (PFMT) program could provide similar improvements in pelvic muscle strength.


METHODS
Sixty-two women with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were randomized to Pilates or PFMT. Each group had 24 biweekly 1-h sessions with either a physical therapist or Pilates instructor. Strength was measured via perineometry (cmH(2)O). Two questionnaires--pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20) and pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7)--were also collected.


RESULTS
At baseline, the Pilates and PFMT groups measured 14.9 +/- 12.5 and 12.5 +/- 10.4 cmH(2)O, respectively (p = 0.41). Both the Pilates and PFMT groups got stronger (6.2 +/- 7.5 cmH(2)O, p = 0.0002 and 6.6 +/- 7.4 cmH(2)O, p = 0.0002, respectively), with no difference between groups p = 0.85. PFIQ and PFDI scores improved from baseline but not between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Further study is required to determine if Pilates can actually treat pelvic floor dysfunction.
Culligan
Patrick J
PJ
Atlantic Health Division of Urogynecology, 95 Madison Ave Suite 204, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA. patrick.culligan@atlantichealth.org
Scherer
Janet
J
Dyer
Keisha
K
Priestley
Jennifer L
JL
Guingon-White
Geri
G
Delvecchio
Donna
D
Vangeli
Margi
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology*