Evaluating the Efficacy of Kegel Exercises in Reducing Postoperative Urinary Incontinence Among Elderly Patients Following Pelvic Surgery

Abstract

Background: UI continues to affect elderly patients considerably after pelvic operation, leading to 40-60% prevalence rates. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of Kegel exercises (pelvic floor muscle training) for elderly surgical patients is not substantial because research in this area remains scarce.
Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of structured Kegel exercises in reducing UI severity and improving self-management confidence among elderly patients undergoing pelvic surgery.
Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design to study 50 elderly patients (minimum age 60) at a tertiary medical institution. Patient participants conducted Kegel exercises with standard protocols consisting of three daily sessions of ten to fifteen concentrated repetitions for four weeks. Valid questionnaires measured UI severity and confidence levels through a 5-point Likert scale before and after the intervention. A statistical analysis of paired t-tests and chi-square tests was conducted through SPSS version 26.
Results: The outcomes of this study showcased an essential decrease in urinary incontinence severity since participants started from 3.6 (±0.8) but ended at 2.1 (±0.9) (p<0.001, d=1.38). Participants who performed Kegel exercises twice daily achieved an 87.5% improvement while participants with minimal exercise reported only 38.9% improvement in urinary incontinence severity (p=0.001). Participant confidence in performing Kegel exercises showed a significant improvement based on the "Very Confident" ratings, increasing from 4% to 36%. A significant reduction in incontinence occurred most prominently in the patients who started with moderate to severe incontinence, since they comprised 60% of the cohort.
Conclusion: The success of Kegel exercises for UI management highly depends on patient adherence frequency when used by elderly surgical patients. The intervention helps patients feel more confident and incorporates postoperative care as a standard practice