Introduction
Pelvic Floor Muscle training is regarded as the key measure for preventing Urinary Incontinence among women. However, the aspects of apparent hypertrophy of the muscle fibers are widely discussed in various researches. The importance of PFM training can not be underestimated and it is generally used in therapeutic measures, which is significant for UI prevention and treatment. This paper aims to provide critical analysis of the Pelvic Floor Muscle training research and assess the key values of this training for therapeutic needs.
Discussion
Significance
The medical value of this research is doubted by some scientists, however, most agree that the training measures are required for proper preventive measures of urinary infections and improvement of the personal hygiene measures among women. Because up to 63% of the research target audience experience incontinence-related problems, it should be stated that the significance of the study may help improve the entire quality of life. (Cetinel and Demirkesen, 2007)
The problem of Urinary Incontinence is highly actual for pregnant or postnatal women, as the PFM is weakened, and the instance of incontinence (including fecal and urinary) violate the basic hygiene principles. Hence, PFM training may be also regarded as antenatal or postnatal care. The researchers pay little attention to this aspect of the problem
Ethical Considerations
The research itself does not disclose any personal information about participants. Moreover, all the participants gave written consent, and the research was monitored by the ethical committee of EGE University School of Nursing.
Results
In the results part, the authors point out that another similar study revealed the absence of any statistical difference between the training group and the control group, while the present research clearly shows the difference of PFM strength variations in the training group in comparison with the control one. Thought, the instances of leakages are higher in the training group. This may be explained by the fatigue of the muscle, however, the differences in other parameters are not significant. (Sari and Khorshid, 2009)
Assessment
The article is based on the properly gathered and structured research data that is aimed at studying the difficulties and complications associated with PFM training as well as Urinary Incontinence. The training process revealed that women could improve the strength of their Pelvic Floor Muscles that the urine loss was 82% lower. Hence, the researchers managed to prove that PFM training was effective for improving the quality of life for women, as an accidental urinary loss could cause urinary infections and cause complications of the existing gynecological problems. (Gray, 2009)
Moreover, it should be emphasized that the training control process was not performed, and participants were trusted, however, the psychological and physical training of the PFM could not stay ‘unmentioned’ by the organism. The variations of the results are so low that it makes me think over the possibility of another research where participants will be controlled properly for performing the everyday training.
Moreover, the research could be fuller if various training techniques were applied by several different groups. This means that the effects of the results could be used for revealing the most effective technique, while the corresponding group could be subjected to further research considering the matters of quality of life, further improvement of the Urinary Continence measures as well as performing improved hygiene measures.
Reference List
Cetinel, B., Demirkesen, O (2007) Hidden Female Urinary Incontinence in Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinics in Turkery: What are the determinants of bothersome urinary incontinence and help seeking behavior? Int Urogynecol and Pelvic Floor Dyscfunct. 18. 659-664
Gray, M. (2009) EDITORIAL – Context for WOC Practice: Unavoidable Pressure Ulcers, Wound Swabs, Bladder Cancer, and Pelvic Floor – Muscle Training: Time to Call for a WOC Nurse Consult! Journal of Wound Ostomy an Continence Nursing. 36(4): 360.
Sari, D., Khorshid, L. (2009) Continence Care – The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Stress and Mixed Urinary Incontinence and Quality Of Life. Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing. 36(4):429.