The feasibility and effects of a telehealth-delivered physical therapy program for postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence: A pilot mixed-methods study

Kuan-Yin Lin; Chao-Yin Chen; Pei-Chi Wu; Min-Hsuan Huang; Yin-Chien Ou; Yao-Lin Kao; Kuan-Han Lin

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108376

The feasibility and effects of a telehealth-delivered physical therapy program for postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence: A pilot mixed-methods study

Maturitas. 2025 Jun:197:108376. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108376. Epub 2025 Apr 23.

Authors

Kuan-Yin Lin¹, Chao-Yin Chen², Pei-Chi Wu³, Min-Hsuan Huang⁴, Yin-Chien Ou⁵, Yao-Lin Kao⁵, Kuan-Han Lin⁶

Affiliations

¹ School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 3F., No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd. (Zhongshan S. Rd.), Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan. Electronic address: kuanyinl27173@ntu.edu.tw.
² School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 3F., No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan; Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd. (Zhongshan S. Rd.), Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan.
³ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd. (Zhongshan S. Rd.), Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan. Electronic address: peggywu0707@ntuh.gov.tw.
⁴ Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd. (Zhongshan S. Rd.), Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan.
⁵ Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 138, Sheng Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
⁶ Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 413305, Taiwan.

PMID: 40286562
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108376

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered pelvic floor muscle training program for postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence, in comparison with face-to-face pelvic floor muscle training.

Stud design: This was a pilot mixed-methods study that included a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial with a nested qualitative study. Community-dwelling postmenopausal women (>40 years) with urinary incontinence were recruited and randomly allocated to 12 weeks of telehealth or face-to-face pelvic floor muscle training. The face-to-face group received supervised training twice weekly, while the telehealth group had eight virtual sessions plus weekly telephone coaching.

Main outcome measures: Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up included feasibility, anthropometry, body composition, hand grip strength, functional exercise capacity, physical activity levels, the severity of urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor muscle function (assessed through vaginal manometry, transperineal ultrasound, and digital palpation).

Results: Among 55 potential participants, 22 enrolled (40 % consent rate). Attendance was 100 %, with 63.3 % adherence to the home program. Satisfaction was high (very satisfied: 71 % face-to-face, 89 % telehealth). Both groups reported increased confidence in pelvic floor muscle training. Urinary symptoms and pelvic floor function improved in both groups, with benefits sustained at three months. Telehealth pelvic floor muscle training also enhanced grip strength. No significant differences were found between groups.

Conclusions: Telehealth pelvic floor muscle training appears to be a feasible and potentially effective alternative to face-to-face therapy for postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and guide future interventions.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05970796); date of registration: 29/07/2023.

Keywords: Menopause; Pelvic floor muscle training; Telehealth; Urinary incontinence.

Publication types

Equivalence Trial

MeSH terms

Aged
Exercise
Exercise Therapy* / methods
Feasibility Studies
Female
Hand Strength
Humans
Middle Aged
Patient Satisfaction
Pelvic Floor* / physiopathology
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Pilot Projects
Postmenopause*
Telemedicine
Treatment Outcome
Urinary Incontinence* / therapy

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05970796