E-Posters-Kegel Exercises: Who Knows What? - Sophia Delpe Goodridge, MD

Kegel Exercises: Who Knows What? - Sophia Delpe Goodridge, MD

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to assess the general public's knowledge and performance of kegel exercises. A cross-sectional survey was administered to women aged 18 years and older, with 3,452 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. The majority of respondents reported being familiar with kegel exercises, and a significant number of women reported being taught how to perform these exercises. However, only 53.9% reported performing them on a regular basis. The frequency of kegel exercise performance varied, with 43.1% doing them at least monthly, 50.8% doing them when they remember, and 6.0% doing them rarely. The presence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse impacted participants' likelihood of performing kegel exercises.<br /><br />Kegel exercises are known to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and are often recommended for patients with urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. This study's findings can serve as a scaffold for introducing prophylactic pelvic floor exercises to the general public, outside of the existing pathology or childbirth context. The study provides valuable insights into public knowledge and participation regarding kegel exercises, highlighting areas for improvement in patient understanding and regular exercise performance.<br /><br />The authors disclose no conflicts of interest, except for Dr. Dmochowski, who consults for Medtronic, Allergan, and Serenity, and Dr. Kaufman, who consults for Boston Scientific and Cook Myosite. The reference list includes relevant studies on kegel exercises, including their role in the functional restoration of perineal muscles and in preventing and treating pelvic organ prolapse.

Keywords

kegel exercises

public knowledge

exercise performance

urinary incontinence

pelvic organ prolapse

survey

women

frequency

prophylactic pelvic floor exercises

patient understanding