Using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction| Biomed Grid

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine if lifestyle modifications along with a specialized exercise program improved symptoms and pain levels due to pelvic floor dysfunction. Subjects: 36 women aged 45.5 ± 9.1 years old (mean ± s.d.) identified with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Methods: The subjects were assessed for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ–7). After a 30- day control period of no changes to lifestyle and activities, the subjects were introduced to lifestyle modifications and a specialized exercise program that included eight 45-minute live group sessions and a home exercise program to be performed at least three times per week. The subjects were re-assessed after completion of the intervention. IBM SPSS Version 24 statistical programming was used, and Wilcoxon non-parametric analyses were applied to compare the pre- and post-intervention data to determine if significant relief from dysfunction occurred. Results: The intervention significantly improved pelvic floor disorder symptoms (PFIQ-7, z (36) = -3.777, p < 0.05) and diastasis recti separation, (z (36) = -4.926, p < 0.05). The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications and a specialized exercise program can significantly improve symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction