Clinical Research Directory

The exercises for strengthening the PFM were 10 contractions of 5 seconds, 15 contractions of 3 seconds, 20 contractions of 2 seconds, 20 contractions of 1 second (equal rest time between contractions), and 5 repetitions of maximum contractions while coughing (1-minute interval).25 The level of difficulty of the exercises throughout the 20 sessions was determined by the patient's position, starting in a supine position, then progressing to a sitting position and, finally, to a standing position

The hip muscle strengthening exercise was executed on Biodex multi-joint system isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle tension of the lower limbs was relieved by executing 5-minute warm-up exercises using a cycle ergometer before execution of the isokinetic exercise For each hip muscle group, eight repetitions per set for 4 sets were carried out for a single exercise with a 30 second break between each set. The patient's position were the same positions used in the testing procedure. The exercises were carried out 3 times a week and the hip muscles strength evaluation was conducted after the end of the program intervention