Developing a self-massage method of pelvic floor muscles for adults women with subjective urinary incontinence: mixed methods research

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of a non-face-to-face self-massage program for the pelvic floor muscles on subjective incontinence outcomes in adult women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and determine necessary improvements from semi-structured individual interviews for developing a simpler and adhered SUI prevention program.

Methods: We conducted the experiment with an embedded mixed-methods intervention design in September 2022. Subjects were recruited from users of social networking services (Facebook, Instagram). 40 adult women with SUI (quantitative survey; 40 participants, qualitative survey; 32 participants) implemented a 12-week self-massage, at least once daily for ≥5 days weekly, following a 2-week control period. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the primary outcome measure, was administered upon starting the control period, at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention. The intervention’s accuracy, material content, and expression, including the appropriateness of the used devices, were evaluated through interviews conducted at weeks 1, 6, and 12.

Results: With repeated ANOVA measures, the main effect was found in ICIQ-SF scores. Multiple comparisons revealed that the ICIQ-SF scores at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of post-intervention were significantly lower than that at baseline. The interviews identified issues with the instruction manual, size of the ball used, and support methods.

Conclusion: A 12-week self-massage program for the pelvic floor muscles demonstrated potential benefits in reducing subjective symptoms of SUI. However, the balls and provided materials should be improved to further enhance the effects.