Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background Objective to analyze the effect of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises on urinary incontinence in patients with cervical cancer
Methodology This study included 45 cervical cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy by using non-probability -convenience sampling technique and design as quasi-experimental one-group pre-post design. Intervention- consisted of four pelvic floor exercises The patient was assessed for urinary incontinence by using the ICIQ UI-SF tool and perineometer on the 8th and 12th weeks. The statistical evaluation plan was the demographic and clinical data summarized with descriptive statistics and primary objectives evaluated with Friedman test, one-way ANOVA test and secondary objectives were evaluated with frequency distribution and chi-square t-test
Results In this study 45 women received the intervention . The result showed the frequency, quantity of urinary incontinence significantly reduced from the patient’s baseline parameters. Participant’s ICIQ UI SF total score was observed that on pre-test mean 12.56 (SD±3.74),8 weeks of intervention mean 11.33 (SD±3.48) and 12 weeks of intervention mean 8.86 (SD±2.97) and P-value was statistically significant (p <0.001). There was a significant (P <0.001) improvement in the quality of life of participants. The research hypothesis was accepted. There was significant (p <0.001) alleviation in urinary incontinence after pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises in a patient with cervical cancer undergoing radiation therapy. The pelvic floor muscle contractility on perineometer on pre-intervention mean was 21.63 (SD±2.71), on post-intervention 8 weeks mean was 22.33(SD±2.65) and 12 weeks mean was 23.49 (SD±2.16). The pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises were statistically significant (p <0.001)
Conclusion Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises were effective for alleviating urinary incontinence which improved the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiation therapy. It is a statistically significant intervention.