Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Thomas Mohr

Keywords

Urinary Incontinence -- rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of physical therapy treatment for the pelvic floor dysfunction of urinary incontinence based on percent resolution and pelvic floor strength. Percent resolution is based on the number of leakage episodes and amount, and the number and type of pads used. Pelvic floor strength is based on the length of the endurance hold, the number of repetitions, and functional use. It was found that 60% of patients had 100% resolution and 93% of patients regained functional strength following treatment. Of the remaining 40% of patients who did not have 100% resolution, 20% had less than one small leakage episode per week. The 7% of patients who did not regain functional strength were discharged as functional. These patients just did not meet the standard thirty repetitions or ten second endurance hold. This study helps prove that the pelvic floor dysfunction of urinary incontinence can be effectively treated with conservative treatment.

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