The pelvic floor plays an important role in maintaining perineal functionality. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) could be an important therapeutic alternative for preventing pelvic floor dysfunctions during pregnancy and postpartum. Contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during perineal exercises results in the elevation of the urethra, vagina, and rectum, leading to pelvic floor stabilization and resistance to downward movement. Perineal muscle training can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence both at the end of pregnancy (≥34 weeks) and in the postpartum period (≤12 weeks after delivery).

Ten randomized trials involving 2529 women evaluated the effect of PFMT on pelvic floor symptoms. Significant differences were observed in urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle strength. The trial with the largest study population (n=855) found a 42% reduction in urinary incontinence in the PFMT group compared to a 53% reduction in the control group. Other studies also reported similar results, with a 32% incidence in the intervention group versus 48% in the control group, and even lower rates of urinary incontinence, such as 6.9% in the PFMT group versus 96.6% in the control group.

Regarding muscle strength, only five out of the ten previous clinical trials analyzed data on increased strength in the perineal muscles following PFMT intervention. They reported statistically significant strength gains in four of them, with a 47.4% increase in the PFMT group compared to a 17.3% increase in the control group.

In conclusion, it can be stated that PFMT prevents and improves urinary incontinence and helps strengthen the perineal muscles.

Inés Carmona Barrientos

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