Effectiveness of breathing exercises on urinary symptoms, muscle activity, and strength in women with multiple sclerosis and urinary incontinence—a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial study – Trials
Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and debilitating condition among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is more prevalent among women. Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as a treatment for UI in people with MS. MS negatively impacts pulmonary function even in the early stages of the disease and people with MS may experience respiratory muscle weakness. Considering the synergy between the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) and respiratory muscles, this trial will evaluate the effects of PFMT and breathing exercises on PFM activity and strength, diaphragm activity, and urinary symptoms in women with MS who experience UI. Methods Fifty women with MS and UI will participate in this parallel randomized controlled trial, comprising 32 treatment sessions. The intervention group consists of PFMT and breathing exercises, and the control group includes PFMT. The severity of UI symptoms, PFM activity, diaphragm acti