Effects of kegel training combined with acupoint application in preventing postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: P<0.05 for urinary leakage, Type II muscle strength, ICI-Q-SF scores, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale

• Effect Size: Not reported

• Primary Outcome: Lower rate of urinary leakage in prevention group at 42 days postpartum

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Moderate - requires training in acupoint location and application techniques, may need qualified practitioners Limited applicability - acupoint therapy not widely integrated into Australian maternity care pathways, though Kegel exercises are standard practice. Would require additional training for midwives and physiotherapists First-time mothers seeking non-pharmacological prevention of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction

Abstract

This study investigated the early preventive benefits of combining Kegel exercises with acupoint application at Qi Hai and Guan Yuan points for addressing postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). A total of 110 first-time mothers were randomized into two groups: the prevention group, which received the combined intervention, and the control group, which practiced only Kegel exercises. The interventions followed a structured schedule during the postpartum period. At 42 days postpartum, the prevention group showed a notably lower rate of urinary leakage and improved outcomes in Type II pelvic floor muscle strength, ICI-Q-SF scores, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale results (all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in Type I muscle strength, vaginal dynamic pressure, PFDI-20 scores, or anatomical positioning of the bladder and cervix (P>0.05). The treatments were well-tolerated, with only two minor cases of redness and itching at application sites. We conclude that combining Kegel exercises with acupoint application at Qi Hai and Guan Yuan points may effectively reduce postpartum urinary incontinence, strengthen specific pelvic floor muscles, and improve emotional well-being. Cette étude a examiné les bénéfices préventifs précoces de la combinaison d'exercices de Kegel avec l'application d'acupression sur les points Qi Hai et Guan Yuan pour traiter la dysfonction du plancher pelvien (DPP) post-partum. Au total, 110 primipares ont été randomisées en deux groupes : le groupe prévention, recevant l'intervention combinée, et le groupe témoin, pratiquant uniquement les exercices de Kegel. Les interventions ont suivi un calendrier structuré pendant la période post-partum. À 42 jours post-partum, le groupe prévention a montré un taux de fuites urinaires nettement inférieur et de meilleurs résultats pour la force musculaire de type II du plancher pelvien, les scores ICI-Q-SF et les résultats à l'échelle d'anxiété de Hamilton (tous p<0,05). Cependant, aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre les groupes pour la force musculaire de type I, la pression dynamique vaginale, les scores PFDI-20 ou la position anatomique de la vessie et du col de l'utérus (p>0,05). Les traitements ont été bien tolérés, avec seulement deux cas mineurs de rougeurs et de démangeaisons aux sites d'application. En résumé, combiner les exercices de Kegel avec l'acupression sur les points Qi Hai et Guan Yuan pourrait réduire efficacement l'incontinence urinaire post-partum, renforcer des muscles spécifiques du plancher pelvien et améliorer le bien-être émotionnel.

References

1. 1.Jin, Z., Li, W., Tu, J., Yan, L., & Chen, Y. (2026). Effects of kegel training combined with acupoint application in preventing postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 30(9s). https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i9s.3