• Remedios López-Liria, María de Los Ángeles Varverde-Martínez, David Padilla-Góngora, and Patricia Rocamora-Pérez.
• 1 Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.
• J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019 Apr 1; 28 (4): 490-501.

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) may be defined as involuntary urine loss, which can be diagnosed based on patient-reported measures and is a hygiene and social problem in those who have it, affecting their quality of life negatively.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the effectiveness of distinct physiotherapy techniques used in the treatment of UI in women through a systematic review of the existing literature. The scales and instruments used for the assessment and follow-up of UI were described.MethodsOn searching the PubMed, Dialnet, PEDro, and SciELo databases, 16 articles, with information on 1220 patients that comply with the inclusion criteria and conform to the proposed objectives were obtained, limiting the publication period to 2007-2016. The PRISMA statement was adopted.ResultsThe "Pad Test" is a commonly used diagnostic test and bladder diaries on paper; the Oxford scale was used in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength. Distinct protocols and techniques have been described in the treatment of UI in women, namely, pelvic floor exercises, vaginal cones, biofeedback, and electrostimulation. Upon analysis of the content of the articles, the quality of the included clinical trials was determined using the PEDro scale.ConclusionsStudies included in this work propose that physiotherapy treatment may improve UI, the patients' quality of life, and social relations in women. It is necessary to establish group treatment protocols for women with UI, supervised by a physiotherapist to reduce the financial burden incurred from this health problem.

9 keywords...

hide…