Abstract

REDUCING RISK FACTORS OF PELVIC FLOOR DISORDER WITH AN EXERCISE PROGRAM
By
Katy Ann Santiago
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Background and Purpose.  Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) was once assumed to be the result of acute force applications such as those during child labor.  A new mechanical model, however, of pelvic floor disorder identifies spinal curvature, specifically decreased lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis, as a risk factor.  For this study, an exercise program specific to reducing this risk factor by changing spinal curvature was tested for effectiveness.  Participants and Design.  Twenty-three women between the ages of 31 and 59 were randomized into exercise intervention (N=15) or control (N=8) groups.  Outcome Measures.   Thoracic and lumbar curve widths and lengths, adductor group strength, and pelvic stability were measured and compared before and after treatment.  Results.   After four weeks of exercise intervention, the intervention group showed a 58% increase in lumbar width (LW) (P=.02), a 25% increase in lumbar length (P=.03) and a 22% decrease in thoracic width (P<.001).  Pelvic stability using transverse abdominal muscles was increased by 22% (P<.001).  Adductor strength increased by 40% (P<.001).  Conclusions.  Spinal curvatures that are risk factors for PFD can be changed with a specific exercise program, potentially decreasing the occurrence of female PFD.