Effects of Hypopressive Exercises on Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy

Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of hypopressive exercises on urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction in men following radical prostatectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving home-based pelvic floor muscle exercises and an experimental group receiving both pelvic floor muscle exercises and supervised hypopressive exercises twice per week. The study aims to determine whether the addition of hypopressive techniques, which target coordinated activation of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles without increasing intra-abdominal pressure, offers greater improvements in urinary and sexual function. Primary outcomes include pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance, while secondary outcomes include urinary incontinence severity, erectile function, and quality of life.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

* Male individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy
* Experiencing both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction
* Age \> 55 years
* A score of 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
* Literate (able to read and write)
* Willingness to participate in the study (signed informed consent)
* Ability to voluntarily contract pelvic floor muscles
* Ability to cooperate with the assessments and interventions used in the study

Exclusion Criteria

* History of urinary incontinence before surgery
* Congenital abnormalities of the urinary system
* Presence of neurological disorders
* History of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
* Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or chronic restrictive pulmonary disease
* History of inguinal hernia
* Previous or current history of radiation therapy
* Surgical or postoperative complications that prevent early physiotherapy intervention (e.g., urinary tract infection, bladder neck stenosis)

Conditions5

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