A randomised-controlled trial pilot study examining the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on steroid hormone concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we attempted to examine the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on testosterone and cortisol concentrations in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of participants included in the analysis was 59: 30 women in the experimental group (EG) and 29 women in the control group (CG). The EG underwent pelvic floor muscle training, whereas the CG did not receive any therapeutic intervention. In the present study the authors measured testosterone and cortisol concentrations as well as body mass index (BMI) in all study participants at the initial and final assessments. RESULTS: The initial and final assessment results were compared and showed a statistically significant decrease in cortisol concentration and an increase in testosterone concentration in the EG. However, no statistically significant differences in the measured variables were observed in the CG at the initial and final assessments. The authors did not report any statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations and the BMI score in the EG and CG. Also, statistically significant correlations between testosterone and cortisol concentrations in the EG were not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of the concentration of testosterone and cortisol is a method that may help to objectify pelvic floor muscle training outcomes in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence.