A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Exercise on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of two pelvic floor exercise programs on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in participants with multiple sclerosis. Design This is a prospective, single-blind, clinical trial. Settings The study used a community rehabilitation program within a large metropolitan health service. Participants Thirty women in moderate stage of multiple sclerosis were referred for outpatient rehabilitation. Interventions In a period of 6 mos, participants underwent a pelvic floor exercise program, associated or not with vaginal electrotherapy. Main Outcomes The main outcomes are overactive bladder, perineal contraction, and quality of life. Results The findings showed benefits of both programs on overactive bladder and quality of life. Participants undergoing exercise plus electrotherapy presented greater improvement on contraction of the perineal musculature and quality of life. Conclusions Six months of exercise provided benefits on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis. Electrical stimulation potentiated the improvement on perineal musculature and quality of life. This trial was registered prospectively with the Clinical Trials Register, ID: BR-287q65 ().