Effects of Hip Strengthening Exercises on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The pelvic floor muscle provides stability and mobility to the contents of the pelvis. When, the pelvic floor is not effective in providing their function, it leads to pelvic floor dysfunction. A study performed in 2020 quoted the prevalence rate of pelvic floor dysfunction to be 34% in rural India. The pelvic floor muscle thus plays an essential function in maintaining a good quality of life among women.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of hip muscle strengthening exercises in improving pelvic floor muscle strength.
Methodology: The study was conducted at Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai. Subjects were included in the study after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An informed consent was obtained from the participants who are willing to participate in the study. Subjects were randomly allotted into two groups. Pretest measures of OTRIZ SCALE and OXFORD MMT for pelvic floor was obtained Control group received abdominal strengthening exercise and pelvic floor muscle training and intervention group received hip muscle strengthening exercises, Abdominal strengthening exercise and pelvic floor muscle training. The post-test measurements were taken at the end of 12 weeks of intervention.
Result and Discussion: Within group analysis shows a significant improvement in Otriz and Oxford scale after intervention in both groups (p<0.05).Between group analysis shows shows no statistically significant difference in Otriz and Oxford scale between control and intervention groups (P>0.05)
Conclusion: Twelve weeks of hip strengthening exercise has no significant effect on OTRIZ scale and OXFORD scale among women.