A Comparison of Home-Based Kegel Exercises Versus Clinic-Based Rehabilitation in Women With Urinary Incontinence in the Tabuk Region: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition among women that significantlyaffects physical health, emotional well‐being, social participation, and overall qualityof life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely recommended as the first‐lineconservative treatment for urinary incontinence. While clinic‐based rehabilitationprovides direct supervision by healthcare professionals, home‐based Kegel exerciseprograms offer greater convenience and accessibility. However, limited evidence existsregarding the comparative effectiveness of these approaches among women in Saudi Arabia.Aim The study aims to compare the effectiveness of home‐based Kegel exercises andclinic‐based rehabilitation programs in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, reducingurinary incontinence symptoms, and enhancing quality of life among women with urinaryincontinence in the Tabuk region.Objectives 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of home‐based Kegel exercises in women with urinaryincontinence. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of clinic‐based pelvic floor rehabilitation. 3. To compare outcomes between both intervention approaches. 4. To compare the outcomes of both interventions regarding pelvic floor musclestrength, urinary leakage, and quality of life. 5. To assess participants' adherence to the prescribed exercise programs. MethodologyThis study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Eligible womendiagnosed with urinary incontinence will be recruited from the Maternity and ChildrenHospital, Tabuk. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: ‐ Group A: Home‐based Kegel exercise program. ‐ Group B: Supervised clinic‐based pelvic floor rehabilitation program. Bothinterventions will be conducted over a 12‐week period. Outcome MeasuresThe effectiveness of the interventions will be evaluated using: ‐ Perineometer measurements to assess pelvic floor muscle strength. ‐ Pad Test to assess urinary leakage severity. ‐ King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) to evaluate quality of life. ‐ Adherence records to monitor compliance with the exercise program. Assessments willbe conducted at baseline, week 8, and week 12. Data Analysis Data will be analyzedusing SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, Chi‐square tests,and repeated‐measures ANOVA will be used to compare outcomes between groups.Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.Ethical Considerations Ethical approval will be obtained prior to study commencement.Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Participation will bevoluntary, confidentiality will be maintained, and participants will have the right towithdraw from the study at any time without affecting their healthcare services.Expected Outcomes The study is expected to demonstrate improvements in pelvic floormuscle strength, urinary continence, and quality of life in both groups. The findingswill provide evidence regarding whether home‐based Kegel exercises can achieve outcomescomparable to supervised clinic‐based rehabilitation, thereby informing futurephysiotherapy practice and healthcare policy.Significance This research will contribute to the growing body of evidence on pelvicfloor rehabilitation and may support the implementation of accessible, cost‐effective,and evidence‐based treatment options for women with urinary incontinence in Tabuk regionin Saudi Arabia. The results may also guide clinicians and healthcare decision‐makers inoptimizing rehabilitation services and improving patient outcomes.