Mobile app for pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, addressing the difficulties arising from social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by utilizing a specialized mobile app. METHODS: This randomized, single-group clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app (Diario Saúde) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants were instructed via telephone to engage in pelvic floor muscle training exercises twice a day for 30 days. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires regarding urinary symptoms and quality of life through telephone interviews. Additionally, treatment adherence was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 156 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.3±14.2 years. Significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life were observed following pelvic floor muscle training guided by the mobile app (p<0.001). Notably, 74.3% of the participants reported performing the exercises with appropriate frequency. Of the participants, 62% reported either complete or substantial improvement in urinary symptoms post-treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed notable enhancements in stress urinary incontinence, urinary storage, and overall quality of life subsequent to pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mobile app demonstrated robust acceptance and adherence among women experiencing urinary incontinence.

What more comprehensive physiotherapy techniques than pelvic floor muscles training should be investigated in the context of post-prostatectomy? A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: In a previous article, we have underlined the emerging level of evidence for the effectiveness of a more comprehensive functional physical therapy than solely pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT) for men after radical prostatectomy (RP). More and more authors suggest that physiotherapy programs should not focus only on the side effect of continence, but more generally on the interaction of continence disorders with all other side effects related to patient's physical and emotional functioning. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aims of this narrative review are to highlight rehabilitation approaches unrelated to analytical PFMT that would seem relevant to consider in the future for post-RP men. METHOD: Our narrative review sought to map the body of literature relevant to the primary objective (non-PFMT), supplementing the data from our previous review with additional recent articles that were not eligible due to not meeting the inclusion criteria for a systematic review. RESULTS: After full text screening, 13 interventional studies have been selected. Intervention strategies were based on five major type of exercises: flexibility, synergism & co-activation, coordination & movement control, strength & endurance, aerobic & games therapy. Most of the studies of this narrative review focused on synergies, co-activations and movement control techniques that emphasized the deep abdominal muscles and PFMs reflexive activation. The wide variety of countries represented in the 13 studies with consistent results point to the potential effectiveness and replicability across various socio-cultural, ethnical, or religious contexts. CONCLUSION: We found 13 studies from 9 different countries that provide a more complete rehabilitation approach than PFMT alone in men post-RP. Intervention strategies were built around five main types of exercises, with the majority of them emphasizing synergies, co-activations, and movement control techniques. In light of these data, we hope that future research will enable us to offer the most relevant and patient-centered physiotherapy treatment.

Prehabilitative versus rehabilitative exercise in prostate cancer patients undergoing prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: The study compared the efficacy of commencing supervised exercise in men with prostate cancer before and after prostatectomy on objective and patient-reported outcomes, hospital length of stay, and urinary incontinence. METHODS: Forty-one men were randomised to a 6-week prehabilitation or rehabilitation exercise programme. Prehabilitation involved resistance and aerobic exercise thrice weekly pre-surgery, while rehabilitation comprised the same commencing 6-weeks post-surgery. Assessments included strength, function (chair rise, stair climb, 400-m, 6-m usual, fast, and backwards walk), body composition, fatigue and quality of life, undertaken at pre-surgery, early post-surgery and late post-surgery phase, with urinary incontinence (24-h pad test) assessed at 2, 6, and 12-weeks post-surgery. Intention-to-treat and sensitivity analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: Of thirty-eight men (48-73 years), 29 completed all assessments with most undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (92.1%). In the pre-surgery phase, prehabilitation improved muscle strength (leg press: 17.2 kg; chest press: 2.9 kg; p ≤ 0.001), 400-m, chair rise, 6-m fast and backward walk tests (p ≤ 0.001-0.028). Strength and function declines in the early post-surgery phase were maintained late post-surgery. Rehabilitation showed declines of these outcomes after surgery with improvement late post-surgery (leg press: 14.6 kg, p < 0.001; chest press: 6.8 kg, p < 0.001; 400-m walk: -12.0 s, p = 0.005), resulting in no difference between groups at 12 weeks. There were no significant differences between groups for patient-reported outcomes, hospital length of stay or urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: Pre-surgical exercise enhanced strength and function, protecting against post-surgery declines. Although exercise post-surgery is beneficial for recouping strength and function, where possible men undergoing prostatectomy are encouraged to exercise pre-surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12617001115325 registered 31 July 2017.

Factores pronósticos del resultado del tratamiento rehabilitador en la incontinencia urinaria femenina / Prognostic factors and treatment outcomes for female urinary incontinence rehabilitation

Introducción La incontinencia urinaria es la pérdida involuntaria de orina. Presenta una alta prevalencia en el sexo femenino y un gran impacto biopsicosocial. Son numerosos los factores de riesgo asociados con esta entidad. El tratamiento rehabilitador se establece como de primera línea, aunque su uso no ha sido protocolizado. Objetivo Identificar qué factores de riesgo personales y tipo de tratamiento aplicado se encuentran relacionados estadísticamente con la mejoría de las pacientes. Material y método Estudio de cohortes retrospectivas de las pacientes de sexo femenino diagnosticadas de incontinencia urinaria y que acudieron a la consulta de Rehabilitación de Suelo Pélvico del Hospital Universitario Río Hortega de Valladolid, recibiendo tratamiento rehabilitador a lo largo del año 2021. El periodo de seguimiento mínimo fue de 12 semanas, evaluando la mejoría o no según 7 variables objetivas y subjetivas, estableciendo la mejoría como la evolución positiva en al menos 5 de las 7. Resultados Se analizaron 114 mujeres con incontinencia urinaria. Los tipos de incontinencia más frecuentes fueron: de esfuerzo (53%) y mixta (36%). Los factores de riesgo y enfermedad asociada más importantes fueron la episiotomía (68%), infecciones de orina de repetición (61%) y el estreñimiento (40,9%). Ninguno de estos factores demostró una relación estadísticamente significativa con la mejoría de las pacientes con una p>0,05. El tratamiento rehabilitador más empleado fue cinesiterapia+biofeedback (51%), que demostró una relación estadísticamente significativa con la mejoría de estas pacientes (p=0,037), junto con biofeedback+electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior (p=0,044). Conclusión Los resultados están en consonancia con los de otros estudios publicados. El biofeedback junto con la cinesiterapia o la electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior se establecen como los procedimientos rehabilitadores más efectivos (AU)

Background Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It is highly prevalent in women and has a great biopsychosocial impact. Numerous risk factors are associated with this entity. Rehabilitative treatment is established as the first line, although its use has not been protocolized. Aim To identify which personal risk factors and type of treatment applied are statistically related to patient improvement. Methods Retrospective cohort study of female patients diagnosed with urinary incontinence who attended the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Clinic of the Río Hortega University Hospital of Valladolid, receiving rehabilitation treatment during the year 2021. The minimum follow-up period was 12 weeks, evaluating improvement or not according to 7 objective and subjective variables, establishing improvement as positive evolution in at least 5 of the 7. Results A total of 114 women with urinary incontinence were analyzed. The most frequent types of incontinence were stress (53%) and mixed (36%). The most important risk factors and associated pathology were episiotomy (68%), repeated urinary tract infections (61%), and constipation (40.9%). None of these factors showed a statistically significant relationship with patient improvement with a p>0.05. The most used rehabilitative treatment was kinesitherapy+biofeedback (51%), which showed a statistically significant relationship with the improvement of these patients (p=0.037), together with biofeedback+posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation (p=0.044). Conclusion The results are in line with other published studies. Biofeedback together with kinesitherapy or posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation are established as the most effective rehabilitative procedures (AU)

A novel multifaceted physical therapy approach for stress incontinence secondary to prostatectomy: Randomized controlled trial.

METHOD: 40 men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to radical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to two groups (control = 20, treatment = 20). The treatment group received a novel multifaceted approach (including interferential therapy, a combination of exercise therapy approaches, and manual therapy) and the control group received sham electrotherapy. Both groups received 12 sessions of treatment in one month. Outcome measures include SF12 form to assess the quality of life and bladder diary to assess incontinence parameters including urination amount, fluid intake, urinary frequency, and incontinence frequency. RESULT: treatment group shows significant improvement in comparison with the control group in quality of life (control group from 29.6 ± 4.5 to 31.0 ± 4.9 and the treatment group from 30.6 ± 4.4 to 42.2 ± 2.4, P = 0.003), urinary frequency (control group from 10.1 ± 2.0 to 9.2 ± 1.8 and treatment group from 9.7 ± 1.91 to 7.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.038), and incontinence frequency (control group from 7.0 ± 2.2 to 6.4 ± 2.0 and treatment group from 7.8 ± 2.4 to 1.2 ± 1.1, P = 0.003). Also, urination amount (control group from 1621.50 ± 403.7 to 1507.2 ± 402.3 and treatment group from 1638.3 ± 356.1 to 1360.55 ± 360.9, P = 0.503) and fluid intake (control group from 2024.0 ± 595.5 to 1865.2 ± 596.5 and treatment group from 2184.4 ± 484.5 to 1724.2 ± 596.6, P = 0.987) showed no significant difference between the two groups after the treatment sessions. CONCLUSION: the multifaceted approach presented here, consists of electrotherapy (interferential therapy), exercise therapy, and manual therapy that can improve incontinence and quality of life in patients with stress incontinence secondary to prostatectomy. To determine the long-term efficacy of this approach, studies with long-term evaluation are required.

Prevalence and Normalization of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Female Strength Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Mahoney, K, Heidel, RE, and Olewinski, L. Prevalence and normalization of stress urinary incontinence in female strength athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1877-1881, 2023-Strength training is increasing in popularity in women but is also a potential risk factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). There is potential for normalization of SUI in sports with high rates of SUI. Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for SUI in both athletes and nonathletes, but female strength athletes may not be aware of this option. Our study sought to assess prevalence, normalization, rates of treatment, and preferred sources of information about SUI in female strength athletes. A novel cross-sectional survey was distributed online through social media groups dedicated to female strength athletes with 425 women responding within 4 days. Statistical significance of results was assumed at a 2-sided alpha value of 0.05. 43.5% of athletes experienced incontinence with daily tasks, 59.1% experienced incontinence with normal strength training, and 50.2% experienced incontinence during competition. Of the athletes who experienced incontinence, 61.4% did not have incontinence before starting their sport and only 9.4% had ever sought treatment. 67.9% of all athletes surveyed believed that urinary incontinence was a normal part of their sport. Our findings indicate that SUI is common in female strength athletes and may be a consequence of the sport itself. Normalization of SUI is common, and few athletes seek treatment.

Pelvic floor muscle training: Novel versus traditional remote rehabilitation methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis on their effectiveness for women with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of supervised remote rehabilitation programs comprising novel methods of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training for women with urinary incontinence (UI). DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving novel supervised PFM rehabilitation programs as intervention groups (e.g., mobile applications programs, web-based programs, vaginal devices) versus more traditional PFM exercise groups (acting as control); both sets of groups being offered remotely. METHODS: Data have been searched and retrieved from the electronic databases of Medline, PUBMED, and PEDro using relevant key words and MeSH terms. All included study data were handled as reported in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the evaluation of their quality was undertaken utilizing the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2 (RoB2) for RCTs. The included RCTs, involved adult women with stress UI (SUI) or mixed urinary incontinence, where SUI were the most predominant symptoms. Exclusion criteria involved pregnant women or up to 6-month postpartum, systemic diseases and malignancies, major gynecological surgeries or gynecological problems, neurological dysfunction or mental impairments. The searched outcomes included subjective and objective improvements of SUI and exercise adherence in PFM exercises. Meta-analysis was conducted and included studies pulled by the same outcome measure. RESULTS: The systematic review included 8 RCTs with 977 participants. Novel rehabilitation programs included mobile applications (1 study), web-based programs (1 study) and vaginal devices (6 studies) versus more traditional remote PFM training, involving home-based PFM exercise programs (8 studies). Estimated quality with Cochrane's RoB2, presented the 80% of the included studies as "some concerns" and the 20% as "high risk." Meta-analysis included 3 studies with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0) across them. Weak-evidenced results presented home PFM training equally effective with novel PFM training methods (mean difference: 0.13, 95% confidence interval: -0.47, 0.73), with small total effect size (0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Novel PFM rehabilitation programs presented as effective (but not superior) to traditional ones in women with SUI, both offered remotely. However, individual parameters of novel remote rehabilitation including supervision by the health professional, remains in question and larger RCTs are required. Connection between devices and applications in combination with real-time synchronous communication between patient and clinician during treatment is challenged for further research across novel rehabilitation programs.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No other systematic review presented the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in individual with stroke. AIMS: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to demonstrate the effectiveness of PFMT for urinary incontinence in patients with stroke. METHODS: "Web of Science (WoS), Cochrane Library, PubMed and Scopus" databases were searched. "Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool randomized trials (RoB 2)" and "PEDro" were used to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality of the studies. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted to present the results. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles were included in the review. Seven articles were classified as "good" level evidence. Four articles were considered to have "high risk" of bias for the overall score. Regarding two homogenous studies, PFMT-based rehabilitation was not superior standard urinary incontinence therapy on SF-36-Social Function score at 12-week follow-up (ES 0.47, 95% CI - 0.16-0.96). Data pooling of two studies did not provide an additional advantage of pelvic muscle training on 3 days voiding diary (night, total day) score at 12-week follow-up (ES 28, 95% CI - 0.61-0.48; ES 0.30, 95% CI - 0.23-0.95). On the other hand, low-quality evidence demonstrated that pelvic muscle training yielded better results on daytime voiding (ES 0.28, 95% CI 0.04-1.16). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that PFMT had positive effects in terms of daytime urination frequency and incontinence. Although some studies have reported positive effects on symptoms, function, strength, and endurance, the generalizability of these results is controversial. Further studies should assess the quality-of-life and function with urinary incontinence and stroke-specific tools.

[Pelvic floor rehabilitation before prostatectomy: An update]. / Rééducation sphinctérienne et périnéale avant prostatectomie : Mise au point.

PURPOSE: Preoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy is commonly prescribed to limit postoperative stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. It can be done in different ways. The objective of this work is to achieve a description of the objectives and existing techniques. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A narrative review is carried out based on a non-systematic review of the literature and on the authors' experience. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Although discussed in the literature, preoperative pelvic floor therapy is essential for patient support and follow-up. It should not be limited to strengthening the pelvic floor. It includes a significant time of information, which should not be neglected and should be carried out in association with a holistic care to best prepare the patient before his intervention.

The Role of Rehabilitation Services in the Optimal Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women.

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Therapeutic Exercise Combined or not with Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence

Introduction: The most used physiotherapy treatment is the pelvic floor muscle training. Other factors are involved in the control of urination, such as the management of abdominal pressure and the activity of the muscles and fascia of the lumbopelvic region and this could be trained through generalized therapeutic exercise, which is defined as an intervention aimed at restoring musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological function. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise, combined or not with analytical training of the pelvic floor muscles, on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years of age, by reviewing the scientific literature. Objective: To assess the effects of therapy exercise other than or combined with pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years. Material and Methods: An article research was done between 11th January and 7th February, 2021 on the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, Web Of Science, Sport Discus and PEDro using the search terms “Urinary Incontinence” and “Exercise Therapy”. Results: An average of 245 results were obtained, of which 10 were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. The interventions of the analyzed articles are divided into two groups. First, a group where muscles of the abdominal-pelvic-perineal region are worked (hypopressives, yoga and strength of the abdominal muscles, resisted hip rotation...). Secondly, another group where muscles in general are worked (weight training, flexibility, balance and toning and cardiovascular training). Conclusion: Urinary incontinence treated with therapy exercise other than the pelvic floor muscles training, or combined with it, suggest improvements in symptoms (AU)

Introducción: El tratamiento de fisioterapia más usado para la incontinencia es el ejercicio terapéutico mediante el entrenamiento específico de la musculatura del suelopélvico. En el control de la micción intervienen otros factores como la gestión de la presión abdominal y la actividadde los músculos y la fascia de la región lumbopélvica y estose podría entrenar mediante el ejercicio terapéutico generalizado, el cual se define como una intervención destinadaa restaurar la función musculoesquelética, cardiopulmonary neurológica. El objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar losefectos del ejercicio terapéutico, combinado o no con el entrenamiento analítico de la musculatura de suelo pélvico,sobre la incontinencia urinaria en mujeres mayores de 18años, mediante la revisión de la bibliografía científica.Material y Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda deartículos entre el 11 de enero y el 7 de febrero del 2021en las bases de datos: Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, Web OfScience, Sport Discus y PEDro empleando los términos debúsqueda “Urinary Incontinence” y “Exercise Therapy”.Resultados: Se obtuvieron un total de 245 resultados, de los cuales 10 fueron seleccionados tras aplicar loscriterios de elegibilidad. Las intervenciones de los artículos analizados se dividen en dos grupos, aquellos que trabajan musculatura de la región abdomino-pelvi-perineal(hipopresivos, yoga y fuerza de la musculatura abdominal,rotación de cadera resistida…) y otro grupo donde se realizaun trabajo generalizado de la musculatura (entrenamientocon pesas, flexibilidad, equilibrio y tonificación y entrenamiento cardiovascular).Conclusión: La incontinencia urinaria tratada conejercicio terapéutico distinto al entrenamiento de la musculatura del suelo pélvico, o combinado con él, parece obtenermejoras en la sintomatología (AU)

A systematic review of supervised comprehensive functional physiotherapy after radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Radical prostatectomy (RP) can generate multidimensional physiological changes, like decrease in physical and emotional functioning, as well as Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). However, only pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended as conservative treatment after RP. More comprehensive interventions than only PFMT, such as physiotherapy promoting general coordination, flexibility, strength, endurance, fitness and functional capacity may seem more relevant and patient-centered. AIM OF THE REVIEW: Our aim was to evaluate whether a more Comprehensive Functional Physical Therapy (CFPT) than PFMT alone, focused on lower limb and lumbo-pelvic exercises, would improve physical capacities and functions (including urinary continence (UI)), emotional functions and HRQoL in patients after RP. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 2022. The PICO approach was used to determine the eligibility criteria. According to the quality of selected studies, levels of evidence were given. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eight clinical trials met the eligibility criteria. Regarding UI, all the studies reported positive outcomes for CFPT between pre- and post-physiotherapy (P<0.05). The selected studies reported positive outcomes for physical capacities as well as for physical and emotional functioning, and for HRQoL (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Current literature indicates that CFPT was shown to be safe, non-invasive, and particularly effective in terms of UI recovery. CFPT could result in more positive outcomes, including physical capacities, physical and emotional functioning and HRQoL, than PFMT alone. Further standardized, physiotherapist-guided and well-designed clinical trials conducted by experienced multidisciplinary clinicians are still called for.

Rehabilitation and physical activity in gynecological oncological diseases.

BACKGROUND: The cause of gynecological tumors is multifactorial. Risk factors include higher BMI and lack of physical activity. Gynecological oncological diseases are associated with loss of function due to the pathophysiological effects of the disease, treatment, and also mental stress in patients. These problems lead to greater rehabilitation demand of patients. Rehabilitation aims to help the patient to achieve the best possible level of functional status, to foster independence, to improve acceptance of the disease, to improve patient fatigue and improve the quality of life of the patients It is essential to focus the rehabilitation examination on several factors associated with impaired function, such as impaired cardiovascular and pulmonary function, urinary incontinence or psychological or psychological distress. The pleiotropic effect of rehabilitation can also be used in pain relief, improvement of chemotherapy tolerance, in the treatment of lymphedema and in the improvement of pelvic floor muscle function. PURPOSE: The main aim of this paper is to summarize available options for rehabilitation after gynecological oncological diseases.

Definición de continencia y factores pronósticos para la recuperación temprana de la continencia urinaria en la prostatectomía radical robótica con reconstrucción posterior del rabdoesfínter. Análisis post hoc de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Continence definition and prognostic factors for early urinary continence recovery in posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Introducción La incontinencia urinaria después de la prostatectomía radical es un efecto adverso con gran impacto en la calidad de vida. Actualmente no disponemos de medidas estandarizadas para su evaluación. La reconstrucción posterior del rabdoesfínter (RPR) puede mejorar la incontinencia urinaria precoz. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar diferentes definiciones y factores pronósticos de continencia urinaria precoz después de prostatectomía radical robótica (PRR).Materiales y métodos Realizamos un ensayo clínico aleatorizado (NCT03302169) incluyendo 152 pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado sometidos a PRR y aleatorizados en anastomosis uretrovesical simple (grupo control) y RPR previa a la anastomosis (grupo RPR). La continencia urinaria se evaluó mediante cuestionarios específicos (EPIC-26 y ICIQ-SF), y la utilización de compresas (0-1 compresa y 0 compresas) a los 7, 15, 30, 90, 180 y 365 días tras la retirada de la sonda vesical. Se analizaron factores predictores para recuperación de continencia urinaria precoz.Resultados Se incluyeron 72 pacientes en el grupo control y 80 en el grupo RPR. Las características basales fueron similares entre grupos excepto el índice de masa corporal, mayor en el grupo RPR. La definición «0 compresas» fue la única que demostró beneficio de la RPR a los 30 días, con continencia del 33,8% en el grupo RPR y 18,1% en el grupo control, p=0,022, y a los 90 días, 58,8% y 43,1%, respectivamente, p=0,038. Los cuestionarios no mostraron diferencias entre grupos. La RPR fue el único factor predictor de continencia urinaria precoz.Conclusiones La RPR mejora las tasas de continencia urinaria precoz, pero la definición de continencia es determinante. El único factor predictor de continencia urinaria precoz fue la RPR (AU)

Introduction Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP) is an adverse event with high impact on patient's quality of life. Nowadays there is no standardized method for urinary continence measurement. Posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction (PRR) is a surgical step that can improve early urinary continence after RP. Our objective was to analyse different continence definitions and predictors of urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted RP (RARP).Materials and methods We conducted a double-blind, randomised controlled trial (NCT03302169) including 152 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer subjected to RARP. Patients were randomised to single urethrovesical anastomosis (control arm) or PRR before urethrovesical anastomosis (PRR arm). Urinary continence was measured with the EPIC-26 and ICIQ-SF validated questionnaires, and pad use (0-1 pads and no pads), at 7, 15, 30, 90, 180 and 365 days after catheter removal. Prognostic factors for early urinary continence recovery were analysed.Results 72 patients were included in the control arm and 80 in the PRR arm. Baseline characteristics were similar between arms, except body mass index, which was higher in PRR arm. “No pad” was the only definition assessing the benefit of PRR at 30 days, 33.8% in PRR arm and 18.1% in control arm, p=0.022; and at 90 days, 58.8 and 43.1% respectively, p=0.038. Questionnaires did not detect differences in terms of continence recovery. PRR was the only predictor for early continence recovery, p=0.03.Conclusions PRR increased early urinary continence recovery after RARP. Continence definition was critical to assess benefit. The only predictive factor for early continence recovery was PRR (AU)

Management of bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies regarding bladder rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for bladder disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to guide physicians in delineating therapeutic tools and programs for physiatrists, using the best current strategies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they included adults with bladder disorders related to MS and described specific treatments of rehabilitation interest. The search identified 190,283 articles using the key words "multiple sclerosis" AND "rehabilitation" AND "urinary" OR "bladder," of which the reviewers analyzed 81 full-texts; 21 publications met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The systematic review identified the specific rehabilitation treatments reported in the current literature. The meta-analysis compared the scores and scales used to quantify bladder disorders due to MS, both before and after rehabilitation or in a comparison with a control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests the need of a specific therapeutic protocol, based on the degree of disability and symptom complexity in patients with MS-related neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Particularly, the meta-analysis shows the effectiveness of peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). However, the goal of physiotherapy is to treat incontinence without making urinary retention worse and vice-versa, reducing the loss of urine urgency, while ensuring the emptying of the bladder.

Physiotherapy according to the BeBo Concept as prophylaxis and treatment of urinary incontinence in women after natural childbirth.

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions can lead to urinary incontinence, a condition which often affects women both during pregnancy and after childbirth. As a result of this, certain exercises are recommended during and after pregnancy to prevent and treat this incontinence, and the BeBo Concept is one of these methods used to prevent pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week course of physical therapy according to the BeBo Concept on the improvement of perineal muscle strength and endurance as well as urinary continence in women after their first vaginal delivery. The study was conducted on a group of 56 women who were randomly assigned to the exercise (n = 30) or control (n = 26) group. The exercising group participated in a 6-week physical therapy program according to the BeBo Concept. Pelvic floor muscles were assessed using the perineometer and palpation Perfect Test. UDI6 and ICIQ-SF questionnaires were used to obtain information about the symptoms of urinary incontinence, evaluate the frequency, severity and impact of urine leakage on the quality of life. In all women after natural childbirth, regardless of treatment, it was observed that measured parameters improved, but the improvement was slightly more explicit in those who participated in the Bebo Concept exercise group (e.g. ICIQ-SF exercise group p = 0.001, control group p = 0.035). Due to its positive impact on the pelvic floor, this exercise program should be recommended to women after natural childbirth.

Effects of unsupervised behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training programs on nocturia, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency in postmenopausal women: Secondary analysis of a randomized, two-arm, parallel design, superiority trial (TULIP study).

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the effects of an unsupervised behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training (B-PFMT) program delivered in two formats on nocturia, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: A secondary analysis used data collected from women enrolled in the TULIP study. Women aged 55 years or more with no urinary incontinence were provided the B-PFMT program. Each woman was randomly assigned to a face-to-face class that took about 2 h (2-hrClass) or to a DVD showing essentially the same information as a 20-minute video (20-minVideo). All women were instructed to independently continue the program following their education session. Three urinary outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 12, and 24 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nocturia and urinary urgency were examined with one item each from the questionnaire-based voiding diary, and urinary frequency was assessed with patients' self-documenting 3-day bladder diary. RESULTS: Women in the 2-hrClass group experienced significantly fewer nocturia episodes and longer average inter-void interval at each follow-up and fewer urinary urgency episodes at 12 months. Women in the 20-minVideo group experienced significantly fewer episodes of nocturia and urinary urgency and longer average inter-void interval at each follow-up time point. No significant between-group differences were found for any outcome, except for nocturia at 24 months, when effectiveness favored women in the 20-minVideo group. CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised B-PFMT programs are effective for improving postmenopausal women's urinary outcomes regardless of the format. The optimal format to deliver B-PFMT programs in terms of effectiveness should be explored in future studies.

Urotherapist activities in caring for patients with pelvic floor disorders: a prospective single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: Patients with pelvic floor disorders are growing in number. The aim of this study is to outline the main activities of a urotherapist, an advanced nurse practitioner, in the care of patients with pelvic floor disorders and to evaluate patient satisfaction with the service urotherapists provide. METHODS: The prospective single-center observational study was carried out from July 2016 to June 2018. Parameters used to assess the urotherapist activities included the number of consultations, type of counselling, time frame of consultations and therapy and patient satisfaction. In a subgroup of 38 patients, satisfaction with the urotherapy sessions was evaluated by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Totally, 1709 patients were examined by urogynecologists. Five hundred and fourteen (30%) with chronic pelvic floor disorders were subsequently referred to a urotherapist. Of these patients, 60% were at least 65 years old. The most common pelvic floor disorders (221 patients; 43%) were an overactive bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic cystitis and pelvic pain syndrome; the second most common pelvic floor disorder was pelvic organ prolapsed (151 patients; 29%). Of the study subgroup comprising 38 patients, 32 (84%) returned the patient satisfaction questionnaire. All 32 patients specified their level of agreement with the urotherapist's professional competence, empathy, temporal availability and quality of advice as "agree to strongly agree." CONCLUSIONS: Management by a urotherapist was highly appreciated. The role of the urotherapist as a care coordinator, their level of autonomy and barriers to the implementation in primary care requires further exploration.