Year: 2026 | Month: August | Volume: 13 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 442-448
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260844
Effect of Hypopressive Exercises Along with Kegel Exercises on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Pradhapsankar V1, Manoj Abraham M2, Haripriya B3
1Assistant Professor, KG College of Physiotherapy (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2Professor / Principal, KG College of Physiotherapy (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
3BPT Intern, KG College of Physiotherapy (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Corresponding Author: Pradhapsankar V
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition among women, characterized by involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, lifting. Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a major contributing factor and negatively affects physical activities, emotional well-being, social participation, and overall quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training, especially Kegel exercises, is widely recommended as a first-line conservative treatment. Hypopressive exercises, which involve specific postures and breathing techniques to reduce intra-abdominal pressure, may further enhance pelvic floor muscle activation in women with stress urinary incontinence.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of hypopressive exercises combined with Kegel exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence.
METHODOLOGY: A single-group pre and post experimental study was conducted among women diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence who met the inclusion criteria. Participants underwent a structured exercise program consisting of hypopressive and Kegel exercises for 12 weeks. Pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention using the Modified Oxford Scale and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. The collected data were statistically analyzed to compare pre and post intervention results.
RESULTS: The study showed significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength which improved significantly from 1.50 to 3.10 and quality of life scores improved from 31.77 to 36.63 (p<0.05)
CONCLUSION: Hypopressive exercises combined with Kegel exercises are effective in improving pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence.
Keywords: Stress urinary incontinence, Hypopressive exercise, Kegel exercise, Pelvic floor muscle strength, Quality of life.
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