Pelvic-Floor-Muscle Training Adherence: Tools, Measurements and Strategies-2011 ICS State-of-the-Science Seminar Research Paper II of IV.

AIMS: This paper on pelvic-floor-muscle training (PFMT) adherence, the second of four from the International Continence Society's 2011 State-of-the-Science Conference, aims to (1) identify and collate current adherence outcome measures, (2) report the determinants of adherence, (3) report on PFMT adherence strategies, and (4) make actionable clinical and research recommendations. METHOD: Data were amassed from a literature review and an expert panel (2011 conference), following consensus statement methodology. Experts in pelvic floor dysfunction collated and synthesized the evidence and expert opinions on PFMT adherence for urinary incontinence (UI) and lower bowel dysfunction in men and women and pelvic organ prolapse in women. RESULTS: The literature was scarce for most of the studied populations except for limited research on women with UI. OUTCOME MEASURES: Exercise diaries were the most widely-used adherence outcome measure, PFMT adherence was inconsistently monitored and inadequately reported. Determinants: Research, mostly secondary analyses of RCTs, suggested that intention to adhere, self-efficacy expectations, attitudes towards the exercises, perceived benefits and a high social pressure to engage in PFMT impacted adherence. STRATEGIES: Few trials studied and compared adherence strategies. A structured PFMT programme, an enthusiastic physiotherapist, audio prompts, use of established theories of behavior change, and user-consultations seem to increase adherence. CONCLUSION: The literature on adherence outcome measures, determinants and strategies remains scarce for the studied populations with PFM dysfunction, except in women with UI. Although some current adherence findings can be applied to clinical practice, more effective and standardized research is urgently needed across all the sub-populations.

2014 consensus statement on improving pelvic floor muscle training adherence: International Continence Society 2011 State-of-the-Science Seminar.

AIMS: To summarize the findings and "expert-panel" consensus of the State-of-the-Science Seminar on pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) adherence held prior to the 41st International Continence Society scientific meeting, Glasgow, 2011. METHODS: Summaries of research and theory about PFMT adherence (based on a comprehensive literature search) were presented by subject experts at the 2011 Seminar to generate discussion and guidance for clinical practice and future research. Supplemental research, post-seminar, resulted in, three review papers summarizing: (1) relevant behavioral theories, (2) adherence measurement, determinants and effectiveness of PFMT adherence interventions, and (3) patients' PFMT experiences. A fourth, reported findings from an online survey of health professionals and the public. RESULTS: Few high-quality studies were found. Paper I summarizes 12 behavioral frameworks relevant to theoretical development of PFMT adherence interventions and strategies. Findings in Paper II suggest both PFMT self-efficacy and intention-to-adhere predict PFMT adherence. Paper III identified six potential adherence modifiers worthy of further investigation. Paper IV found patient-related factors were the biggest adherence barrier to PFMT adherence. CONCLUSION: Given the lack of high-quality studies, the conclusions were informed by expert opinion. Adherence is central to short- and longer-term PFMT effect. More attention and explicit reporting is needed regarding: (1) applying health behavior theory in PFMT program planning; (2) identifying adherence determinants; (3) developing and implementing interventions targeting known adherence determinants; (4) using patient-centred approaches to evaluating adherence barriers and facilitators; (5) measuring adherence, including refining and testing instruments; and (6) testing the association between adherence and PFMT outcome.

Predictors of long-term adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise therapy among women with urinary incontinence.

This study assessed predictors of long-term adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) therapy including a health education programme among women with urinary incontinence. Sequential multiple regression analyses revealed several significant predictors that predicted 50% of variance in long-term adherence behavior. Short-term adherence significantly predicted long-term adherence. Further, women with frequent weekly wet episodes before and 1 year after therapy were more likely to have high adherence levels 1 year after therapy than women with fewer weekly losses. Thus, women seemed to adapt long-term adherence behavior to their symptoms. Adherence to PFME therapy was very high. The protocol checklist for the PFME therapy developed to standardize treatment among physiotherapists had structured therapy content, which may have optimized adherence behavior in this study. Implementation of this protocol checklist in clinical guidelines is suggested.

Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise therapy supplemented with a health education program to promote long-term adherence among women with urinary incontinence.

AIMS: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) therapy supplemented with a health education program to promote long-term adherence among women with stress, mixed, and urge urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: Women (n = 129) were evaluated by their general practitioner (GP) and randomized in either the control group (PFME therapy alone) or one of the three experimental groups (PFME therapy with one of the three health education program versions). Therapy consisted of 9-18 individual 30 min sessions with a specialized physiotherapist, over 14-22 weeks. Outcome measures were weekly frequency of wet episodes and adherence behavior. Women were assessed up to 1 year after therapy. RESULTS: The health education program had no additional impact to individual contact during PFME therapy on treatment outcome, nor on adherence. However, the individual physiotherapeutic treatment protocol was very effective in reducing weekly frequency of wet episodes from 23 to 8 times a week immediately after therapy, and effects were maintained during the 1-year follow-up period. Adherence was very high; most women followed the behavioral advice on average 6 days/week at posttest and still 4-5 days 1 year after therapy. Results were not different between incontinence types. Women who had relatively frequent wet episodes before and 1 year after therapy had higher adherence levels compared to women who had fewer weekly losses. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a standardized protocol checklist for physiotherapists covering all treatment aspects of PFME therapy, may optimize long-term treatment outcome and adherence behavior among patients, and outshines the addition of a health education program.

Program development for promoting adherence during and after exercise therapy for urinary incontinence.

This paper presents the development process of a health education program to promote adherence to a pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) therapy for women with urinary incontinence (UI). The development process started with a needs assessment phase in which the health problem, health-related quality of life, and behavioral and environmental determinants were assessed. Guided by the intervention mapping (IM) approach, program objectives were formulated and, on the basis of both empirical and theoretical data, intervention methods for influencing determinants of adherence to PFME therapy were chosen and translated into practical strategies. This information was assimilated to a transparent description of the program design. The theoretical rationale of the program was based on the transtheoretical model, the self-regulation theory and principles of targeted communication and sex-specific health care.