Aim: This pre-post single cohort feasibility trial aimed to investigate the feasibility of recruiting into a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program delivered via telehealth to treat urinary incontinence (UI) in women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors.
Methods: 54 women with breast cancer underwent a 12-week PFMT program using an intra-vaginal pressure biofeedback device: femfit®. The primary feasibility outcome was consent rate. Secondary outcomes included prevalence and burden of UI, as well as pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength measured as intravaginal squeeze pressure. Differences in secondary outcomes pre- and post-intervention were compared using McNemar’s and paired t-tests.
Results: The mean age of participants was 50 years (SD±7.3). This study had a consent rate of 100% (n=55/55) and retention rate of 87% (n=48/55). The mean attendance rate of supervised sessions with the physiotherapist was 96% (SD±3) and the mean adherence rate to the home exercise program was 76% (SD±11). All participants reported that they felt the program was beneficial and tailored to their needs. A significant increase in PFM strength was observed post-intervention (mean intravaginal squeeze pressure change 4.8mmHg, 95% CI 3.9, 5.5).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PFMT delivered via telehealth may be feasible and acceptable in women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors who experience UI. Further studies that are powered to detect differences in PF symptoms and PF muscle strength are required to confirm these results.