Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Patients Following Low Anterior Resection A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE:The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on bowel function and health-related quality of life among patients who have undergone low anterior resection. METHODS:A systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled findings was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. SEARCH STRATEGY:A literature search was completed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL electronic databases; we searched studies published in English and Korean languages. Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies, evaluated their methodological quality, and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted of pooled findings. FINDINGS:Thirty-six of 453 articles retrieved were read in full and 12 articles were included in the systematic review. In addition, pooled findings from 5 studies were selected for meta-analysis. Analysis revealed that PFMT reduced bowel dysfunction (mean difference [MD] -2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.79 to -0.99) and improved several domains of health-related quality of life: lifestyle (MD 0.49, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.82), coping (MD 0.36, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.67), depression (MD 0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.70), and embarrassment (MD 0.24, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46). IMPLICATIONS:Findings suggested PFMT is effective for improving bowel function and enhancing multiple domains of health-related quality of life after low anterior resection. Further well-designed studies are required to confirm our conclusions and provide stronger evidence for the effects of this intervention.

Automated summary

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on bowel function and health-related quality of life in patients who have undergone low anterior resection. The findings suggest that PFMT can reduce bowel dysfunction and enhance multiple domains of health-related quality of life.