Interventions that incorporate self-directed exercise components

Multicomponent interventions that incorporate self-directed exercise components & education, for patients on wait lists for pelvic organ prolapse surgery (5, 6).

Intervention:

A moderate quality RCT published across two studies(5, 6) explored the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention incorporating self-directed education and pelvic floor muscle training amongst patients waiting for POP surgery. This was compared to a control group receiving no intervention. The intervention was delivered a minimum of 3 months before the surgery date. Participants were directed to performed pelvic floor exercises, and received written education around technique, along with lifestyle advice. In addition, all postmenopausal women received local oestrogen therapy unless contraindicated, irrespective of group allocation.

The evidence of effectiveness of multicomponent interventions incorporating self-directed exercise components & education is lacking for the following outcomes:

Muscle strength: 

Might be effective (one moderate quality study showing a significant effect for the intervention, compared to control) (6).
 
Urinary and colorectal anal distress:

Might not be effective (one moderate quality showing no effect for the intervention compared to control) (5).

Health-related QoL: 

Might not be effective (one moderate quality study showing no effect for the intervention compared to control) (5).