Comparative effect of 2 packages of pelvic floor muscle training on the clinical course of stage I–III pelvic organ prolapse

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of 2 packages of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the clinical course of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women attending a gynecology outpatient department in Chandigarh, India.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 8, 2010, and October 31, 2011. Overall, 140 women with stage I–III POP were allocated to a 24-week behavioral therapy intervention. Group A (n = 70) received 1-to-1 PFMT and a self-instruction manual (SIM), whereas Group B (n = 70) received SIM alone. Symptoms were assessed using the POP symptom scale (POP-ss), visual analog scale (VAS), and pelvic floor impact questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) scores.ResultsMarked improvements in mean POP-ss, VAS, PFIQ-7 scores were observed in both groups from baseline to week 24. However, significant between-group changes in mean POP-ss scores were observed from baseline to 6 weeks (P < 0.001), 18 weeks (P = 0.001), and 24 weeks (P = 0.002). Significant between-group changes in mean VAS scores were observed at 18 and 24 weeks (P = 0.009 and P = 0.005). Significant between-group changes in mean PFIQ-7 scores were observed at 6 (P = 0.001), 18 (P < 0.001), and 24 weeks (P < 0.001).ConclusionProvision of both 1-to-1 PFMT and SIM led to greater improvements in POP symptoms than provision of SIM alone.ctri.nic.in: CTRI/2010/091/001190.