Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of Kegel exercise(pelvic floor muscle exercise) for the older women with stress incontinence. The researcher developed, 12-week-long training program was implemented at a senior citizen's center in Seoul. The exercise method was followed the Kimberly-Clark criteria. Verbal instruction for the exercise was given to the group of subjects. Subjects' understanding of exercise was confirmed and evaluated by description of the exercise method by subjects. Thirteen elderly women(mean age 73.7) who have stress incontinence were participated and completed the program. The training session was held every week, the length of each session was 40minutes, including 10minutes Kegel exercise and 30minutes for various topic of health education. Three dependent variables(incontinence, self-esteem, social activity) were compared between pre and post 12-week-training utilizing nonparametric statistics. There was significant decrease in level of incontinence(p=.003). But there was no significant change in self-esteem(p=.06) or in social activities(p=.50). The general evaluation of program by participant was positive. Future study with larger sample and control group was suggested in order to confirm the study results. Because of limited sample size, the study results was not conclusive, although effectiveness of the program as a nursing intervention for the community residing elderly women with stress incontinence is suggestive.