Impact of Pelvic-Floor Muscle Training on Stress Urinary Incontinence – A Narrative Review

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 02 | Page :
By

Anumol Johns,

P. Sneha Balakrishnan,

  1. BPT Intern, St John’s Institute of Physiotherapy, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  2. Associate Professor, St John’s Institute of Physiotherapy, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI), characterized by the unintentional loss of urine, is a common health issue among women globally. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most frequently reported type and can adversely affect daily activities and overall well-being. Various contributing factors, including obesity, pregnancy, and advancing age, are associated with its occurrence. Pelvic-floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly advocated as a primary conservative management strategy for SUI. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of pelvic-floor muscle training (PFMT) in women with stress urinary incontinence and to identify the most effective PFMT approaches for improving symptoms. Methods: A literature review of studies published between 2018 and 2024 was conducted using the PubMed database. The search strategy included the terms urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic-floor muscle training, biofeedback, and electrostimulation. The review included randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Studies meeting the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected, and their methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro and CASP appraisal tools. Results: The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated that PFMT significantly reduces urinary leakage and improves quality of life in women with SUI. Optimal outcomes were observed with training programs lasting 6–12 weeks, with sessions conducted more than three times per week. Supervised PFMT showed better adherence and effectiveness compared to unsupervised programs. Adjunct therapies – such as electroacupuncture and extracorporeal magnetic innervation – enhanced treatment outcomes, whereas biofeedback showed no significant long-term advantage over PFMT alone. Conclusion: PFMT is considered an effective and non-invasive first-line management option for stress urinary incontinence. Customized exercise programs combined with supportive therapies may contribute to improved treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Stress urinary incontinence, pelvic-floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrostimulation, women’s health, quality of life

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions ]

How to cite this article: Anumol Johns, P. Sneha Balakrishnan. Impact of Pelvic-Floor Muscle Training on Stress Urinary Incontinence – A Narrative Review. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2026; 16(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Anumol Johns, P. Sneha Balakrishnan. Impact of Pelvic-Floor Muscle Training on Stress Urinary Incontinence – A Narrative Review. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2026; 16(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjohp/article=2026/view=253203

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
Issue 02
Received 05/05/2026
Accepted 03/07/2026
Published 24/08/2026
Publication Time 111 Days

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