Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of app use on urinary incontinence control through pelvic floor muscle training when compared to the postal treatment plan. The secondary objectives were to evaluate how app use may affect the quality of life (QoL) of users and treatment adherence.
Material and methods: Eight databases (PubMed, SciELO, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, Open Gray, Open Thesis, and OATD) were used as research sources. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42020145709). Randomized controlled trials assessing urinary incontinence (UI) control with app use, with no restriction of year, language, and status of publication were included. The JBI Systematic Reviews Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials assessed the risk of bias of the studies selected. The mean scores of QoL between the pre- and postintervention periods were compared through standardized mean differences, which were weighted according to the number of months between the two periods.
Results: Only three studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The methodological quality of the studies was from "low" to "moderate" risk of bias. The full sample included 203 patients with app-based treatment e 203 controls of postal treatment. All studies showed the reduction of urinary symptoms. In addition, two studies showed a reduction of QoL scores specific for the condition, while one study presented increased scores.
Conclusion: Reminder therapy seems to be a promising strategy for controlling UI.
Keywords: mobile app; pelvic floor; pelvic floor muscle training; urinary incontinence.
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