Effect of different postures of Pilates combined with Kegel training on pelvic floor muscle strength in post-prostatectomy incontinence

Purpose Urinary incontinence seriously affects the daily ability of older males. This study compared the effect of different postures of Pilates combined with Kegel training on pelvic floor muscle strength in post-prostatectomy incontinence. Methods We included 38 valid samples [group A = 13 (less than 3 months after surgery), group B = 15 (4–6 months after surgery), group C = 10 (more than 6 months after surgery)] and surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record the maximum, and root mean square values of participants in the three groups under four postures. Results There were significant differences in the maximum and mean values among the three groups. In group A, the mean values were 13.04 ± 1.56, 16.98 ± 1.76, 41.58 ± 4.17, and 24.53 ± 2.45 ( P < 0.01), respectively. In group B, the mean values were 13.85 ± 1.55, 18.63 ± 1.44, 45.87 ± 3.31, and 28.63 ± 2.02 ( P < 0.01), respectively. In group C, the mean values were 14.80 ± 1.32, 19.59 ± 1.55, 47.85 ± 5.05, and 30.11 ± 2.26 ( P < 0.01), respectively. The mean and peak values of surface EMG in the three groups correlated with the four basic movements. R 2 values were 0.76 and 0.85, 0.77 and 0.88, 0.77 and 0.91, respectively. Conclusions Pilates with Kegel training was superior to Kegel training alone in unit recruitment ability of the pelvic floor muscles. Pilates training in different positions is recommended according to the patient’s condition.