Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined by the International Continence Society as the
involuntary leakage of urine, is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women. Hormonal decline,
pelvic floor muscle weakness, connective tissue alterations, and impaired neuromuscular coordination
contribute significantly to its development. UI adversely affects physical functioning, emotional well-
being, and social participation, thereby reducing overall quality of life. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
(PFME) are considered the first-line conservative management strategy. However, urinary continence
depends not only on pelvic floor strength but also on coordinated activation of the diaphragm,
abdominal musculature, and pelvic floor muscles. Exercise approaches such as Pilates and Dynamic
Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), which emphasize core stability, breathing control, and
neuromuscular coordination, may enhance the effects of PFME.
Aim: To compare the effects of Pilates combined with PFME versus DNS combined with PFME on
urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women.Methodology: A randomized comparative study was conducted among 40 postmenopausal women
aged 45–65 years with urinary incontinence. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups
(n=20 each). Group A received Pilates with PFME, while Group B received DNS with PFME for six
weeks (four sessions per week). Outcomes were measured using the King’s Health Questionnaire and
the one-hour Pad Test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results and Conclusion: Both groups showed significant improvements; however, DNS combined
with PFME demonstrated comparatively greater reduction in urinary leakage and improvement in
quality of life. DNS may therefore provide superior clinical benefits in pelvic floor rehabilitation
Keywords: Urinary Incontinence, Postmenopausal Women, Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise,
Pilates, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, King’s Health Questionnaire, Pad Test
Publication date: 2026/10/01
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10548.pdf
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doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10548
