The Effect of Reflexology and Pelvic Floor Muscle (Kegel) Exercises on Urinary Incontinence in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose:This study was conducted to determine the effects of reflexology and Kegel exercise on urinary incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Materials and methods:A single-blind, controlled pretest-posttest study was conducted. The study included 15 patients with MS who presented to the neurology outpatient clinic between March 2020 and February 2022. Patients were assigned to the reflexology, Kegel exercise, or control group using block randomization. Data were collected from all patients using a sociodemographic information form, and quality of life was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and Incontinence Severity Index. The Wilcoxon paired-samples test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the data.Results:The mean age of the patients was 39.86 +/- 9.99 years, and the mean MS duration was 104.46 +/- 84.12 months. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scores did not differ significantly between the groups before or after the intervention (P = 0.788). Incontinence Quality of Life Scale total and subscale scores also did not differ between the groups, but significant improvement was noted in the reflexology group between the pretest and posttest assessments (P = 0.970). Incontinence Severity Index scores did not differ between or within the groups (P = 0.193).Conclusion:Reflexology and Kegel exercise did not exert different effects on urinary incontinence, whereas reflexology improved incontinence-related quality of life.