Yoga- and Pilates-Based Respiratory Training in Individuals with Urinary Incontinence: a Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To compare the effects of yoga‐ and Pilates‐based respiratory training on incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with urinary incontinence. METHODS: Forty‐six women diagnosed with stress or mixed urinary incontinence were included. Participants were randomized using stratified allocation into yoga‐based and Pilates‐based groups. Pre‐ and post‐assessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), 24‐h pad test, Incontinence Quality‐of‐Life Scale (I‐QoL), sEMG, McGill Core Endurance Test, and intraoral pressure measurement. Both groups completed a 6‐week respiratory exercise program performed 5 days per week, twice daily, for 20‐min sessions. Exercise instruction and technique correction were supervised by a physiotherapist at baseline and during follow‐up sessions in weeks 3 and 5, while all other sessions were carried out at home. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in the ICIQ‐SF, I‐QOL scores and PFM contraction activity (p < 0.05). Only the yoga‐based group showed a significant reduction in PFM resting sEMG activity (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons revealed significant differences in QOL and pelvic floor muscle resting parameters favoring the yoga‐based group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both yoga‐ and Pilates‐based respiratory training improved incontinence severity and PFM contraction. Yoga‐based training showed greater improvements in QOL and PFM resting activity than Pilates‐based training. These results indicate that respiratory training can be safely used as a home‐based exercise program for individuals with urinary incontinence.