EFFECT OF INTEGRATED PELVIC FLOOR AND CORE MUSCLE REHABILITATION ON SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION AMONG YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES: A PILOT STUDY.

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated pelvic floor and core muscle rehabilitation program in reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among young female athletes. 
Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated pelvic floor and core muscle rehabilitation program in reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and improving functional outcomes in young female athletes. 
Materials & Methods: A convenience sample of 15–20 female athletes aged 18–25 years with self-reported urinary incontinence or pelvic pain was recruited. Participants underwent a 12-week supervised rehabilitation program (3 sessions/week) integrating pelvic floor muscle training with progressive core stabilization and sport-specific exercises. Outcome measures included the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Secondary measures included pelvic floor strength and core endurance. 
Results: Pelvic pain significantly decreased, with VAS scores reducing from 4.80 ± 1.2 to 1.65 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001). ICIQ-UI scores improved by 9.20 points with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 3.42). Leakage frequency reduced substantially, with 85% reporting minimal or no episode’s post-intervention. OAB-q symptom bothers scores decreased from 24.15 to 9.80 (SRM = 2.31), alongside marked improvements in quality of life. Activity interference scores reduced from 6.85 to 1.20. A strong negative correlation (r = −0.74, p < 0.01) was observed between core stability and bladder symptoms, with 95% achieving clinically meaningful improvement. 
Conclusion: Integrated pelvic floor and core rehabilitation is highly effective in reducing PFD symptoms and improving function. This approach supports inclusion in athletic rehabilitation and prevention programs to enhance performance and reduce reliance on 
medical interventions.