Jacarezinho

Urinary incontinence affects about 40% of postmenopausal women and is considered a significant public health issue. Conservative treatments like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) are commonly recommended as a standard approach. This research aims to compare the effects of three months of PFMT and Pilates exercises, which also target muscle stabilization and pelvic floor contractions, on improving urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70 years who have not menstruated for at least one year. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one will perform PFMT consisting of sets of voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions held for increasing durations in various positions, while the other group will perform Pilates exercises including stretching and strengthening of key muscle groups with repeated sets. Each intervention lasts for three months, and both groups are encouraged to maintain their exercise routines as scheduled. Throughout the study, researchers will assess urinary incontinence and quality of life using questionnaires, a 7-day voiding diary, a Pad test to measure urine loss, female sexual function via a validated index, and pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance through physical tests. Data will be analyzed to compare the groups' improvements after 12 weeks of treatment, with thorough statistical methods applied. The study will monitor participant adherence and outcomes during this 3-month intervention period.