Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Muscle Strength in Postpartum Women - An Experimental Study

Background: The pelvic floor muscles primarily protect the end of pelvic organs and are also involved in breathing during speaking, deep breathing and coughing. The diaphragm and pelvic floor have a symbiotic relationship, and the pelvic floor muscle contraction protects the end pelvic organs against increased abdominal pressure under the body’s certain reactions such as deep breathing and coughing and helps breathing by relieving anal and urethral obstructions. Pregnancy affects the Pelvic floor muscle strength which may affect the respiratory function. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate is defined as the maximal flow achieved during expiration delivered with a maximal force starting from maximal lung inflation. HET’s MMT is a unique transvaginal/transrectal manual muscle testing scale exclusively designed for the evaluation of pelvic floor muscles. Therefore, the study intends to measure the effect of training of pelvic floor muscles on the peak expiratory flow rate and the strength of PFM.Objective: The objective of the study is to measure the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training on peak expiratory flow rate and strength of pelvic floor muscles in post-partum women and to determine the correlation between pelvic floor muscle strength and pulmonary function.Methodology: 15 subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. Baseline data pre pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic expiratory floor rate were measured using HET’s MMT and peak flow meter. Kegel’s exercises were given to all the 15 subjects for a period of 6 weeks again post pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic expiratory flow rate was measured.Results: The present study was an experimental study. After the data analysis, the result showed significant improvement as the mean pre and post value of PFMS and PEFR from -0.13 to 0.73 and 452L/min to 476L/min respectively. Spearman’s row was used for correlation between PFMS and PEFR, r =0.689 which shows a moderate correlation of PFMS and PEFR.Conclusion: The present study reveals that there is a significant effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise on pelvic floor muscle strength and peak expiratory flow rate and a moderate positive correlation between PFM strength and PEFR.