Background: The aim of this review was to analyze training interventions used and their effectiveness in improving pelvic floor muscle function related to urinary continence in postmenopausal women. We then characterized the recommended pelvic floor muscle training programs used in experimental studies based on four training components: frequency, intensity, duration, and type of pelvic floor muscle exercise. Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a literature review of works published up until the end of 2024, available in the Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text databases. We used the keywords “pelvic floor muscle”, “training”, and “postmenopausal women”. Initially, we identified 205 articles published between 1997 and 2024. Then, based on specific criteria, we qualified 15 for analysis. Results: Thirteen studies included only PFMT, while three of them combined PFMT with other physical activity. In two studies, training was conducted in the form of a virtual video game using a pressure platform. We have noted that researchers most often use a 1 h pad test, digital palpation, and surface electromyography to assess the function of pelvic floor muscles. In improving pelvic floor muscle function related to urinary incontinence, 14 out of the 15 analyzed studies showed improvement. In only eight of the fifteen articles, researchers characterized all components of the implemented PFMT that enable full replication of the training intervention. In four of the studies, only one of the required components, namely intensity, was missing. The recommended number of training sessions was 2 to 7 per week, on average 3 ± 2 (M ± SD). Training interventions lasted from 2 to 24 weeks, on average 10 ± 6 weeks. Conclusions: Regardless of the chosen form of training intervention, PFMT is an effective method in improving the function of pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single session of EMG biofeedback in a group of postmenopausal women on improving technique in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions (exercises). Methods: Sixty-two women aged 60 to 85 years (69 ± 4; mean ± SD) participated in the study. We assessed the technique of PFM exercises via surface electromyography (EMG) using a vaginal probe. A single assessment sequence consisted of 11 exercises involving the conscious contraction of the PFM, during which the order of activation for selected muscles was determined. We then awarded scores for exercise technique on a scale from 0 to 4, where 4 represented the best technique and 0 represented no activation of PFMs. In the second assessment, we used a biofeedback method to teach PFM exercise technique. Results: In total, 32% (n = 20) of the participants were unable to correctly perform the first PFM contraction, scoring 0.9 ± 0.79. After a single EMG biofeedback session, these women received 1.7 ± 1.08 scores (p = 0.003). In the tenth exercise, there was also a statistically significant improvement between the first (baseline) and second assessment (1.7 ± 1.34 and 2.15 ± 1.09, respectively; p = 0.037). For the remaining exercises, the results were not statistically significant, but we observed a positive trend of change. Conclusions: The use of a single EMG biofeedback session is an effective method of improving technique in PFM exercises in a group of women who initially performed them incorrectly.

The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play a crucial role in urinary continence and sexual function. Regular training of PFM has been extensively studied and is widely recommended to maintain a high quality of life, particularly among women. However, there is a notable lack of information regarding the effectiveness of PFM exercises in men. This study aimed to evaluate changes in neuromuscular activity of the PFM in men before and after a 6-week PFM training program. The exercises were performed independently by the participants and integrated into their regular strength-training routines as a short 5–10 min isolated PFM sessions. The study included 16 men aged 23 ± 4 years (M ± SD), who were healthy and did not report symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction confirmed by the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Neuromuscular activity of the PFM was assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) with anal probe (Lifecare Anal Probe PR-06), employing the TeleMyoTM2400 (DTS) system from NORAXON. The EMG assessment protocol included 11 voluntary PFM contractions followed by relaxations, based on the Glazer’s protocol. Immediately after the first EMG assessment, participants performed PFM contractions and relaxations using the biofeedback method. The same protocol was repeated after 6 weeks of training program. After the 6-weeks, a significant improvement was observed in all performed contractions. The mean amplitude of five 3-s quick contractions increased from 7.94 μV to 12.72 μV ( p = 0.006; ES: r = 0.68). For five 10-s contractions, the mean value improved from 7.8 μV to 13.32 μV ( p = 0.001; ES: r = 0.82). The 60-s hold contraction showed an increase from 6.39 μV to 10 μV ( p = 0.001; ES: r = 0.82). Positive effects on neuromuscular activity of the PFM in men were observed after a 6-week training program. Regular performance of PFM exercises may be beneficial for maintaining the health and physiological functions associated with this muscle group. Therefore, such training should be widely recommended in men.