Efficacy of antenatal synergistic facilitation of pelvic floor muscles versus kegel exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength- a post-partum review

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of antenatal synergistic muscles facilitation on pelvic floor versus kegels exercises on postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength. Quasi-experimental, Post-test only design with a comparison group. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, P. S. Govindasamy Hospitals, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Seventy-eight antenatal women were randomly selected. Among the 78 women, 39 each were assigned to Group A [interventional group] and to Group B [control group]. Finally 21 women in each group continued the treatment program. o Group A- synergistic muscles of pelvic floor [Diaphragm, Abdominals, Ankle dorsiflexors and pelvic floor muscles] o Group B - kegels exercises [Only pelvic floor muscles]. The pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using Perineometer after 30 days. Data from 42 women were analyzed. Independent t- test was used as statistical tool. A significant difference in the postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength was found between the interventional and the control group. The mean difference between the interventional and control group was 1.762mm hg. The calculated t value using independent t- test was 3.584 which was greater than tabulated test statistical value of the 1.960 at [p < 0.05]. The pelvic floor muscle strength was comparatively greater among the women who performed synergistic muscle re-education than kegels exercise group. Hence, antenatal Motor Relearning approach of diaphragmatic, deep abdominal and pelvic floor exercises can be implemented during a normal pregnancy unless precluded by additional risk factors