Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of Kegel exercises for management of post-episiotomy weak pelvic floor musculature.
Methodology: This experimental trial conducted at National Hospital, Faisalabad, included 45 women with diagnosed pelvic floor muscles (PFM) weakness after episiotomy. Subjects were pre-instructed to perform Kegel exercises according to given protocol. Outcome measures were pain intensity and strength of PFM; assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and vaginal digital examination along with modified oxford grading scoring system, respectively.
Results: Out of 45 women, 19 (42.2%) had complaint of pain and urinary incontinence. By applying Friedman test, the median pain score was 5.00 before intervention while it was reduced to 3.00 after 3 weeks of performing exercises. The median manual muscle testing (MMT) score was 2.00 before intervention, but it remains 2.00 after 3 weeks. Patients showed better results for pain (p=0.000) and for pelvic muscles strength (p=0.000).
Conclusion: Kegel exercises are simple and cost-efficient method as they relieved patient’s pain and improved incontinence. They helped in improving pain after episiotomy therefore they should be included in post-natal patient care program.
Mehr un Nisa, Arooj Fatima, Sundas Sohail, Shiza Kazmi, Ashfaq Ahmad, Syed Amir Gilani. (2020) Effects of Kegel exercises for the management of pelvic floor muscles weakness after episiotomy, , Volume 45, Issue-4.
