1*PhD Scholar, School of Nursing, Noida International University. Email: ankita.chhikara25@gmail.com, +91 9560535442, +91 9953525603, ORCHID Id: 0009-0003-4296-8052
2Prof. Dr., Dean School of Nursing, Noida International University. Email: dir.son@niu.edu.in, +91 9988963832, ORCHID Id: 0000-0003-0977-2130
Background: Pelvic floor trauma and hormonal changes plays a key role in the cause of postpartum urinary incontinence (PUI), which can occur in as much as 50% of women who give birth. Psychologically and physically, it is negative, it damages the quality of one's life.
Objective: To examine the efficacy of a structured Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) program in decreasing the amount of and incidence of PUI in postpartum women.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was performed with 160 postpartum women (≤12 weeks post-delivery) randomized to either a 12-week structured PFMT program or standard care. The outcomes measured were urinary incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle strength (Modified Oxford Scale) and quality of life (IIQ-7). Follow-up data were collected six months post-intervention and at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: The PFMT group had a substantial decrease in International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores (13.5 to 6.0) as compared to the control group (13.5 to 13.0). Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores dropped from 41.0 to 21.0 and muscle strength improved from 1.5 to 3.5. Adherence averaged 88.25%.
Conclusion: PFMT reduces PUI symptomatology and improves quality of life in a structured manner. Early rehabilitation and long-term maternal well-being are recommended for the integration of PFMT into routine postpartum care.
Keywords: Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Postpartum Urinary Incontinence, Randomized Controlled Trial, Quality of Life, Maternal Health
How to cite this article: Chhikara A, Sethi D. Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Reducing Postpartum Urinary Incontinence. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 769-776; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.86.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None