Effect of a pelvic floor muscle training program on gynecologic cancer survivors with pelvic floor dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a pelvic floor rehabilitation program (PFRP) on pelvic floor function and quality of life (QoL) in gynecological cancer survivors in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.MethodsThirty-four patients with gynecological cancers recruited between July 2009 and December 2009 were randomly allocated into two groups: a PFRP group (n = 17), who participated in a 4-week PFRP exercise program, and a non-PFRP group (n = 17), who received the usual health care. The pelvic floor strength, the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by sacral and transcranial magnetic stimulation, the pelvic floor questionnaire, and the scores on two QoL questionnaires, (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-CX 24, from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were evaluated to assess changes in pelvic floor function and QoL before and after the exercise program.ResultsTwenty four patients (12 from each group) completed the exercise program. The PFRP group improved in pelvic floor strength (mean difference (MD) = 14.22, t9 = 2.389, P = 0.036) and sexual functioning. The PFRP group also improved in physical and sexual function compared with the non-PFRP group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the PFRP improved pelvic floor dysfunction and QoL of gynecological cancer patients. A larger randomized controlled trial is planned.

► This pelvic floor rehabilitation program improved pelvic floor dysfunction through increased pelvic muscle strength and enhancement of excitatory motor pathway.
► This pelvic floor rehabilitation program also improved the quality of life and sexual function of gynecological cancer survivors.