A 4-Week Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Program in Female Medical Students: Knowledge and Ultrasound Assessment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-week pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training program using different activation strategies on pelvic floor muscle function in healthy women. An additional objective was to assess participants' knowledge of pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function, and voluntary activation. Healthy female medical students were assigned to one of three training groups: a breathing exercise group, an isolated pelvic floor muscle contraction group, or a combined pelvic floor muscle contraction with breathing group. The training program lasted four weeks. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed before and after the intervention using transabdominal ultrasound imaging. Prior to the intervention, participants completed an author-developed questionnaire assessing their knowledge of pelvic floor muscles.

Inclusion Criteria: * female aged 18-28 years * student status * no history of injuries or surgeries involving the pelvis or lower urinary tract * no previous pregnancies or childbirths * no pelvic disorders or conditions (e.g., endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent bladder infections, kidney stones) * no active infection * no inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract * no diseases or disorders of the respiratory system Exclusion Criteria: * previous therapy with a urogynecological physiotherapist * pregnancy or history of childbirth * history of surgery involving the pelvis, lower urinary tract, spine, or abdominal cavity * pelvic diseases and disorders * ongoing infections or inflammatory conditions * lack of consent to participate in the study * cancer * inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract * age below 18 or above 28 years * active smoking of cigarettes or e-cigarettes * diseases and disorders of the respiratory system