Supervised versus unsupervised pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of women with urinary incontinence — a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study synthesized the effects of supervised and unsupervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) programs on outcomes relevant to women’s urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: Five databases were searched from inception to December 2021, and the search was updated until June 28, 2022. Randomized and non-randomized control trials (RCTs and NRCTs) comparing supervised and unsupervised PFMT in women with UI and reported urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL), pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function/ strength, the severity of UI, and patient satisfaction outcomes were included. Risk of bias assessment of eligible studies was performed by two authors through Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model with the mean difference or standardized mean difference. RESULTS: Six RCTs and one NRCT study were included. All RCTs were assessed as "high risk of bias", and the NRCT study was rated as "serious risk of bias" for almost all domains. The results showed that supervised PFMT is better than unsupervised for QoL and PFM function of women with UI. There was no difference between supervised and unsupervised PFMT for urinary symptoms and improvement of the severity of UI. Results of patient satisfaction were inconclusive due to the sparse literature. However, supervised and unsupervised PFMT with thorough education and regular reassessment showed better results than those for unsupervised PFMT without educating patients about correct PFM contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Supervised and unsupervised PFMT programs can both be effective in treating women's UI if training sessions and regular reassessments are provided. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00192-023-05489-2.