Background:

Urinary incontinence is defined as involuntary urine leakage. The International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) estimates a 25-45% prevalence of urinary incontinence worldwide. Kegel exercises are included in the clinical management of incontinence, to increase the strength of urethral closure. However, reports in the medical literature state that 25% of the population utilizes poor technique in performing those exercises, producing a worse prognosis in relation to the natural history of the disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Kegel exercises in a population with urinary incontinence, measuring urethral pressure response.

Materials and methods:

An observational and prospective study was conducted on 38 patients with urinary incontinence. The demographic variables of the patients were collected, and they were given a 5 min explanation of the exercises. Maximum urethral closure pressure and urethral pressure were measured to the point of functional pressure of the urethral sphincter. After the performance of the Kegel maneuver, patients were assessed in relation to an increase in the maximum urethral closure pressure.

Results:

Of the 38 patients, only 52% achieved an increase in urethral pressure with the Kegel exercises. A lack of response to the exercises was found in patients that presented with overweight (p=0.015).

Conclusion:

The performance of Kegel exercises had a limited response in patients with urinary incontinence and there was a lack of effectiveness on urethral pressure in overweight patients.