Many of us have heard of “Kegel” or pelvic floor exercises and have a vague feeling that we should probably do more. For many women, our social media news feed is full of the latest gizmo and gadget ads for pelvic floor exercise. Some brands use game-like apps like Perifit and Elvie, and Kegel balls are also on sale.
As technology advances and the need for pelvic floor rehabilitation after pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause continues, the demand for innovation in these devices is increasing. Second, there is a pandemic that limits access to face-to-face health care, encouraging many of us to put our health in our hands.
But what exactly are these devices used for and do they really work? Easy answer: Pelvic floor strengthening; and that’s not the case.
4 things the pelvic floor does and why it often fails
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that run from the pubis to the coccyx and between the ischia, covering the base of the pelvis. Unlike what is generally believed, you don’t have to lie on the floor to move the pelvic floor.
The role of the pelvic floor muscles is as follows:
- Holds all organs (bladder, uterus, intestines) in the pelvis
- Keep the bladder and intestinal sphincter closed (until you are ready to relax in the bathroom)
- Providing sexual sensations
- It works with other deep core muscles to help stabilize the core.
The pelvic floor does not always work as intended. Bladder leakage (also known as urinary incontinence) and pelvic organ prolapse are common pelvic floor complaints in women of all ages.
About one in three women experience urinary incontinence at some point in our lives, especially when a baby is born. Other risk factors include repeated lifting of heavy objects, constipation tension, carrying extra weight, pelvic surgery, and hormonal changes.
Shutterstock
Read more: “Is Kegel exercises really good for you?”
Shape the pelvic floor
Pelvic floor strength training is recommended as the first treatment for incontinence and escape, along with lifestyle changes such as healthy bladder and bowel habits, good general fitness, and weight management.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist is a medical professional specially trained to provide personalized advice on pelvic floor symptoms based on assessment and context. They will probably recommend daily exercises that may include rapid contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, coordination, and longer holds.
Those who are struggling to stick to a prescribed exercise, or who do not have access to appropriate physiotherapy for geographical or financial reasons, may be interested in trying out biofeedback devices. These devices and related apps are designed to provide detailed information about when and how to exercise, notify you to do the exercise, and help you continue your program.
Staying motivated can be difficult. Studies show that regular pelvic floor workouts usually take at least 6-12 weeks to see results (you can’t train your muscles overnight like you would go to the gym).
Shutterstock
Read more: Urinary incontinence can be a problem for women of all ages, but there are cures
Does the pelvic floor biofeedback device work?
There is some evidence suggesting that pelvic floor reminder apps and biofeedback devices may help improve pelvic floor function and bladder control. This may be better than pelvic floor exercise alone. Again, it may not make a difference.
Some women do not believe that the use of technology will help with pelvic floor training. Barriers include connectivity and setup issues, privacy needs, distracting techniques, and pricing. Insertable devices should be used with caution as they are rarely suitable during pregnancy, within the first 6 weeks after surgery on the baby or pelvis, or if there is unexplained bleeding, pain or active infection. is. If in doubt, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider.
The advantages of a pelvic floor trainer with a game-like app that syncs with the inserted device are:
- Provides real-time feedback on the screen about pelvic floor performance and correct techniques
- Allowing women to remotely control their physiology
- Measuring and tracking improvements in strength, endurance, and coordination over time
- Providing a reminder prompt via phone notification to complete training
- Adjust the training difficulty for each session based on your body’s reaction (this takes into account time zone fluctuations and fatigue)
- Entertain users with a variety of games and tasks and increase their chances of sticking to the pelvic floor program.
Shutterstock
Read more: Why you shouldn’t get into the habit of “peeing” “just in case” — and don’t tell your child either
Conclusion
Evidence clearly supports pelvic floor movements for incontinence and escape, which is best done with the help of properly trained professionals such as pelvic floor physiotherapists.
Early studies look promising, but evidence of commercially available pelvic floor feedback devices has not yet caught up with their hype. However, if you want to try a pelvic floor biofeedback device or app to improve pelvic floor tension to improve bladder control, prolapse symptoms, or sexual function, try it (especially agree with specialized physiotherapy). If you do).
After all, the best kind of pelvic floor exercise therapy is what you stick to.
