Liliana Stupp | Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) (original) (raw)

Papers by Liliana Stupp

Research paper thumbnail of Impacto do tratamento do câncer de colo uterino no assoalho pélvico

Resumo O câncer de colo uterino se apresenta como a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as... more Resumo O câncer de colo uterino se apresenta como a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as mulheres no mundo. Seu tratamento consiste principalmente por histerectomia radical e dissecção dos linfonodos pélvicos, associada à quimioterapia e radioterapia nos estágios mais avançados da doença. Em consequência deste tratamento, podem aparecer as disfunções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, principalmente por lesão nervosa. Contudo, objetivou-se, nesta revisão, identificar as disfunções do assoalho pélvico após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de estudos publicados de 2000 a 2010 nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDro, SciELO e LILACS. Observou-se que sintomas urinários, intestinais e sexuais estão presentes após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Dentre os sintomas urinários, estão presentes a incontinência urinária de esforço, a incontinência urinária mista, sintomas relacionados à hiperatividade da bexiga, ocorrendo a urgeincontinência, o aumento da frequência urinária, a noctúria e a urgência miccional. No que tange aos sintomas sexuais, pode-se observar que dispareunia, vaginismo, diminuição e/ou falta da lubrificação vaginal, excitação e orgasmo também ocorrem após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Como sintomas intestinais, ocorreram a diarreia, a constipação e a incontinência anal. A fisioterapia sabidamente trata essas disfunções, fora do contexto do câncer de colo uterino, com elevadas taxas de sucesso e, por isso, o fisioterapeuta poderia auxiliar na reabilitação após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino, se fosse inserido na equipe. Assim, torna-se cada vez mais importante a inclusão deste profissional nas equipes multidisciplinares.

Research paper thumbnail of Outpatient biofeedback in addition to home pelvic floor muscle training for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

Neurourology and urodynamics, Jan 7, 2017

To test if biofeedback (BF) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) increases the frequency ... more To test if biofeedback (BF) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) increases the frequency of home exercises performed by women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). 72 incontinent women were randomized to BF (outpatient BF + home PFMT) or PFMT (outpatient PFMT + home PFMT) groups. baseline, after 3 months of supervised treatment, at 9-month follow-up (after six additional months of home PFMT only). frequency of monthly exercises sets performed (exercise diary) after 3-month treatment. adherence, urinary symptoms, severity and cure of SUI (pad test <2 g leakage), muscle function, quality of life, and subject cure (satisfaction report with no desire for different treatment) at the two time-points. ANOVA and Student's t-test with 5% cut-off for significance. It was observed similar frequency of monthly home exercises sets performed by BF (67.9 out of 82) and PFMT (68.2 out of 82) groups at 3 months. Secondarily, equal satisfaction, but superior objective cure of SUI for...

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction to a Pilates exercise program: an assessor-masked randomized controlled trial

International Urogynecology Journal, 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor musc... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) to a Pilates exercise program in sedentary nulliparous women. Fifty-seven healthy nulliparous and physically inactive women were randomized to a Pilates exercise program (PEP) with or without PFMC. Forty-eight women concluded this study (24 participants for each group). Each woman was evaluated before and after the PEP, by a physiotherapist and an urogynecologist (UG). Neither of the professionals was revealed to them. This physiotherapist measured their pelvic floor muscle strength by using both a perineometer (Peritron) and vaginal palpation (Oxford Scale). The UG, who performed 3D perineal ultrasound examinations, collected their data and evaluated the results for pubovisceral muscle thickness and the levator hiatus area (LA). Both professionals were blinded to the group allocation. The protocol for both groups consisted of 24 bi-weekly 1-h individual sessions of Pilates exercises, developed by another physiotherapist who specializes in PFM rehabilitation and the Pilates technique. The PEP+ PFMC group showed significantly greater strength improvements than the PEP group when comparing the Oxford scale, vaginal pressure and pubovisceral muscle thickness during contraction measurements at baseline and post-treatment. Our findings suggest that adding a voluntary PFMC to a Pilates exercise program is more effective than Pilates alone in improving PFM strength in sedentary nulliparous women.

Research paper thumbnail of Can hypopressive exercises provide additional benefits to pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse?

Neurourology and Urodynamics, 2011

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hypopressive exercises including pelvic floor m... more The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hypopressive exercises including pelvic floor muscle contraction, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) alone and control on pelvic floor muscle function in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: Fifty-eight women with a mean age of 55.4 (AE9.8) years old with stage II POP were randomly assigned to participate in the PFMT group, the hypopressive exercises associated with PFMT (HE þ PFMT) group or the control group. Each treatment group underwent a 3-month course of treatment. The three groups received lifestyle advice regarding weight loss, constipation, coughing, and the avoidance of heavy lifting. Participants were evaluated before and after the treatment. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were assessed using the Modified Oxford grading system. To evaluate muscle activation, surface electromyography (SEMG) was used. Results: The two treatment group significantly increase pelvic floor muscle function as measured by MVC (P < 0.001) using the Modified Oxford grading system, as well as muscle activation (P < 0.001), measured by SEMG. The PFMT group was superior regarding endurance (P ¼ 0.007). Both groups were superior to the control group regarding MVC, endurance and muscle activation. Conclusion: Adding hypopressive exercises to PFMT does not improve PFM function. Both treatment groups performed better than the control group.

Research paper thumbnail of Pelvic floor muscle and transversus abdominis activation in abdominal hypopressive technique through surface electromyography

Neurourology and Urodynamics, 2011

Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (T... more Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (TrA) activation and has been indicated for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) disorders. In some European countries, this technique has become widely used. This study aimed to investigate PFM and TrA activation during the AHT through surface electromyography. Methods: Thirty-four nulliparous physical therapists in good general health were asked to participate in the trial. To ascertain a correct PFM contraction, each of the participants was assessed by inspection and digital palpation. Ability to contract the TrA was assessed by surface electromyography and AHT training was given before analysis. TrA and PFM activity was recorded using surface electromyography. Results: The mean age of the volunteers was 28.1 (AE6.0) years and the mean body mass index was 23.7 (AE3.3) kg/m 2. More than half of the volunteers were physically active (61.3%) and regularly performed PFM training (52.9%) but not TrA exercises (58.8%). Although the AHT activates the PFM when compared to resting tone (P < 0.001), this method is significantly less effective than PFM alone (P < 0.001). Additionally, the combination of the two techniques (AHT þ PFM) was similarly effective as isolated PFM contraction (P ¼ 0.586). Although the AHT activated the TrA significantly more than did PFM alone (P ¼ 0.002), the addition of PFM contraction to the AHT significantly increased the amount of TrA activation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on our results, the AHT is less effective than PFM contraction alone, and adding PFM contraction to AHT also improves the TrA contraction.

Research paper thumbnail of Prolapso genital e reabilitação do assoalho pélvico; Pelvic floor rehabilitation and genital prolapse

Femina, 2010

Base de dados : LILACS. Pesquisa : 545684 [Identificador único]. Referências encontradas : 1 [ref... more Base de dados : LILACS. Pesquisa : 545684 [Identificador único]. Referências encontradas : 1 [refinar]. Mostrando: 1 .. 1 no formato [Detalhado]. página 1 de 1, 1 / 1, LILACS, seleciona. para imprimir. Fotocópia. Texto completo. experimental, Documentos relacionados. Id: 545684 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Efeito da adição do biofeedback ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico para tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, 2012

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da adição do biofeedback (BF) ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalh... more OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da adição do biofeedback (BF) ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) para o tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, com mulheres com IUE sem deficiência esfincteriana detectada ao estudo urodinâmico e que realizavam a correta contração dos MAP. Foram excluídas mulheres com doenças neuromusculares e com prolapso genital graus III e IV. Foram randomizadas 40 mulheres em Grupo Controle e Grupo BF. O protocolo de TMAP com equipamento de BF foi constituído de três séries de dez contrações lentas (tônicas), com tempo de manutenção de seis a oito segundos em cada contração, seguido de um período de repouso de mesmo valor. Após cada contração sustentada, eram realizadas de três a quatro contrações rápidas (fásicas) em decúbito dorsal e ortostatismo, duas vezes na semana, totalizando 12 sessões. Avaliou-se o efeito da adição do BF ao TMAP na qualidade de vida pelo King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), nos sintomas urinários pelo diário miccional e na função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (MAP) pela palpação digital. A avaliação foi realizada inicialmente e após as 12 sessões de tratamento. O resultado foi descrito em médias e desvios padrão. Para análise de homogeneidade e verificação das diferenças entre os grupos utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney, e para diferenças entre os momentos de observação, o teste de Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Diminuição significativa nos escores dos domínios avaliados pelo KHQ na comparação entre os grupos, exceto para o domínio saúde geral (Grupo BF 32,8±26,9 versus Grupo Controle 48,4±29,5; p≤0,13). Em concordância, observou-se melhora da função dos MAP após o tratamento no grupo BF, na power (4,3±0,8; p=0,001), endurance (6,0±2,2; p<0,001) e fast (9,3±1,9; p=0,001). Quando comparados os grupos, o Grupo BF destacou-se positivamente em relação ao power (Grupo BF 4,3±0,8 versus Grupo Controle 2,5±0,9; p<0,001), endurance (Grupo BF 6,0±2,2 versus Grupo Controle 2,7±1,9; p<0,001) e fast (Grupo BF 9,3±1,9 versus Grupo Controle 4,6±3,2; p<0,001). Redução da frequência urinária noturna (1,2±1,2 versus 0,7±0,9; p=0,02) e da perda de urina nos esforços (1,5±1,4 versus 0,6±0,8; p=0,001) foi observada no Grupo BF. CONCLUSÃO: A adição do BF ao TMAP para o tratamento da IUE, aplicado de acordo com o protocolo descrito, contribui para melhora da função dos MAP, redução dos sintomas urinários e melhora da qualidade de vida.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira (English Edition), 2012

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (Q... more Objective: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (QOL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Prospective clinical trial with 36 women with a diagnosis of SUI confirmed by urodynamic study. Women with neuromuscular diseases, using hormone replacement therapy, and with prolapse stage III and IV were not included. The exercise protocol for the PFM consisted of slow contractions (tonic fibers), followed by rapid contractions (phasic fibers) practiced in the supine, sitting, and standing positions, three times a week for a period of three months. We evaluated the impact of PFM on QOL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), a voiding diary, and digital palpation to assess the function of the PFMs during the initial evaluation and after three months of treatment. The result was described as means and standard deviations. We used the Wilcoxon test for comparison of the KHQ scores for paired samples, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease in the mean scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ regarding the perception of health, impact of the incontinence, limitations of daily activities, physical limitations, social limitations, personal relationships, emotions, sleep/disposition, and measures of severity. In agreement with these results, significant decrease in nocturnal urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, as well as significant increase in muscle strength and endurance were observed. Conclusion: PFM training resulted in significant improvement in the QOL of women with SUI.

Research paper thumbnail of Impacto do tratamento do câncer de colo uterino no assoalho pélvico

Resumo O câncer de colo uterino se apresenta como a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as... more Resumo O câncer de colo uterino se apresenta como a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as mulheres no mundo. Seu tratamento consiste principalmente por histerectomia radical e dissecção dos linfonodos pélvicos, associada à quimioterapia e radioterapia nos estágios mais avançados da doença. Em consequência deste tratamento, podem aparecer as disfunções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, principalmente por lesão nervosa. Contudo, objetivou-se, nesta revisão, identificar as disfunções do assoalho pélvico após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de estudos publicados de 2000 a 2010 nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDro, SciELO e LILACS. Observou-se que sintomas urinários, intestinais e sexuais estão presentes após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Dentre os sintomas urinários, estão presentes a incontinência urinária de esforço, a incontinência urinária mista, sintomas relacionados à hiperatividade da bexiga, ocorrendo a urgeincontinência, o aumento da frequência urinária, a noctúria e a urgência miccional. No que tange aos sintomas sexuais, pode-se observar que dispareunia, vaginismo, diminuição e/ou falta da lubrificação vaginal, excitação e orgasmo também ocorrem após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Como sintomas intestinais, ocorreram a diarreia, a constipação e a incontinência anal. A fisioterapia sabidamente trata essas disfunções, fora do contexto do câncer de colo uterino, com elevadas taxas de sucesso e, por isso, o fisioterapeuta poderia auxiliar na reabilitação após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino, se fosse inserido na equipe. Assim, torna-se cada vez mais importante a inclusão deste profissional nas equipes multidisciplinares.

Research paper thumbnail of Outpatient biofeedback in addition to home pelvic floor muscle training for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

Neurourology and urodynamics, Jan 7, 2017

To test if biofeedback (BF) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) increases the frequency ... more To test if biofeedback (BF) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) increases the frequency of home exercises performed by women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). 72 incontinent women were randomized to BF (outpatient BF + home PFMT) or PFMT (outpatient PFMT + home PFMT) groups. baseline, after 3 months of supervised treatment, at 9-month follow-up (after six additional months of home PFMT only). frequency of monthly exercises sets performed (exercise diary) after 3-month treatment. adherence, urinary symptoms, severity and cure of SUI (pad test <2 g leakage), muscle function, quality of life, and subject cure (satisfaction report with no desire for different treatment) at the two time-points. ANOVA and Student's t-test with 5% cut-off for significance. It was observed similar frequency of monthly home exercises sets performed by BF (67.9 out of 82) and PFMT (68.2 out of 82) groups at 3 months. Secondarily, equal satisfaction, but superior objective cure of SUI for...

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction to a Pilates exercise program: an assessor-masked randomized controlled trial

International Urogynecology Journal, 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor musc... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) to a Pilates exercise program in sedentary nulliparous women. Fifty-seven healthy nulliparous and physically inactive women were randomized to a Pilates exercise program (PEP) with or without PFMC. Forty-eight women concluded this study (24 participants for each group). Each woman was evaluated before and after the PEP, by a physiotherapist and an urogynecologist (UG). Neither of the professionals was revealed to them. This physiotherapist measured their pelvic floor muscle strength by using both a perineometer (Peritron) and vaginal palpation (Oxford Scale). The UG, who performed 3D perineal ultrasound examinations, collected their data and evaluated the results for pubovisceral muscle thickness and the levator hiatus area (LA). Both professionals were blinded to the group allocation. The protocol for both groups consisted of 24 bi-weekly 1-h individual sessions of Pilates exercises, developed by another physiotherapist who specializes in PFM rehabilitation and the Pilates technique. The PEP+ PFMC group showed significantly greater strength improvements than the PEP group when comparing the Oxford scale, vaginal pressure and pubovisceral muscle thickness during contraction measurements at baseline and post-treatment. Our findings suggest that adding a voluntary PFMC to a Pilates exercise program is more effective than Pilates alone in improving PFM strength in sedentary nulliparous women.

Research paper thumbnail of Can hypopressive exercises provide additional benefits to pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse?

Neurourology and Urodynamics, 2011

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hypopressive exercises including pelvic floor m... more The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hypopressive exercises including pelvic floor muscle contraction, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) alone and control on pelvic floor muscle function in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: Fifty-eight women with a mean age of 55.4 (AE9.8) years old with stage II POP were randomly assigned to participate in the PFMT group, the hypopressive exercises associated with PFMT (HE þ PFMT) group or the control group. Each treatment group underwent a 3-month course of treatment. The three groups received lifestyle advice regarding weight loss, constipation, coughing, and the avoidance of heavy lifting. Participants were evaluated before and after the treatment. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were assessed using the Modified Oxford grading system. To evaluate muscle activation, surface electromyography (SEMG) was used. Results: The two treatment group significantly increase pelvic floor muscle function as measured by MVC (P < 0.001) using the Modified Oxford grading system, as well as muscle activation (P < 0.001), measured by SEMG. The PFMT group was superior regarding endurance (P ¼ 0.007). Both groups were superior to the control group regarding MVC, endurance and muscle activation. Conclusion: Adding hypopressive exercises to PFMT does not improve PFM function. Both treatment groups performed better than the control group.

Research paper thumbnail of Pelvic floor muscle and transversus abdominis activation in abdominal hypopressive technique through surface electromyography

Neurourology and Urodynamics, 2011

Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (T... more Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (TrA) activation and has been indicated for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) disorders. In some European countries, this technique has become widely used. This study aimed to investigate PFM and TrA activation during the AHT through surface electromyography. Methods: Thirty-four nulliparous physical therapists in good general health were asked to participate in the trial. To ascertain a correct PFM contraction, each of the participants was assessed by inspection and digital palpation. Ability to contract the TrA was assessed by surface electromyography and AHT training was given before analysis. TrA and PFM activity was recorded using surface electromyography. Results: The mean age of the volunteers was 28.1 (AE6.0) years and the mean body mass index was 23.7 (AE3.3) kg/m 2. More than half of the volunteers were physically active (61.3%) and regularly performed PFM training (52.9%) but not TrA exercises (58.8%). Although the AHT activates the PFM when compared to resting tone (P < 0.001), this method is significantly less effective than PFM alone (P < 0.001). Additionally, the combination of the two techniques (AHT þ PFM) was similarly effective as isolated PFM contraction (P ¼ 0.586). Although the AHT activated the TrA significantly more than did PFM alone (P ¼ 0.002), the addition of PFM contraction to the AHT significantly increased the amount of TrA activation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on our results, the AHT is less effective than PFM contraction alone, and adding PFM contraction to AHT also improves the TrA contraction.

Research paper thumbnail of Prolapso genital e reabilitação do assoalho pélvico; Pelvic floor rehabilitation and genital prolapse

Femina, 2010

Base de dados : LILACS. Pesquisa : 545684 [Identificador único]. Referências encontradas : 1 [ref... more Base de dados : LILACS. Pesquisa : 545684 [Identificador único]. Referências encontradas : 1 [refinar]. Mostrando: 1 .. 1 no formato [Detalhado]. página 1 de 1, 1 / 1, LILACS, seleciona. para imprimir. Fotocópia. Texto completo. experimental, Documentos relacionados. Id: 545684 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Efeito da adição do biofeedback ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico para tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, 2012

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da adição do biofeedback (BF) ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalh... more OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da adição do biofeedback (BF) ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) para o tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, com mulheres com IUE sem deficiência esfincteriana detectada ao estudo urodinâmico e que realizavam a correta contração dos MAP. Foram excluídas mulheres com doenças neuromusculares e com prolapso genital graus III e IV. Foram randomizadas 40 mulheres em Grupo Controle e Grupo BF. O protocolo de TMAP com equipamento de BF foi constituído de três séries de dez contrações lentas (tônicas), com tempo de manutenção de seis a oito segundos em cada contração, seguido de um período de repouso de mesmo valor. Após cada contração sustentada, eram realizadas de três a quatro contrações rápidas (fásicas) em decúbito dorsal e ortostatismo, duas vezes na semana, totalizando 12 sessões. Avaliou-se o efeito da adição do BF ao TMAP na qualidade de vida pelo King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), nos sintomas urinários pelo diário miccional e na função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (MAP) pela palpação digital. A avaliação foi realizada inicialmente e após as 12 sessões de tratamento. O resultado foi descrito em médias e desvios padrão. Para análise de homogeneidade e verificação das diferenças entre os grupos utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney, e para diferenças entre os momentos de observação, o teste de Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Diminuição significativa nos escores dos domínios avaliados pelo KHQ na comparação entre os grupos, exceto para o domínio saúde geral (Grupo BF 32,8±26,9 versus Grupo Controle 48,4±29,5; p≤0,13). Em concordância, observou-se melhora da função dos MAP após o tratamento no grupo BF, na power (4,3±0,8; p=0,001), endurance (6,0±2,2; p<0,001) e fast (9,3±1,9; p=0,001). Quando comparados os grupos, o Grupo BF destacou-se positivamente em relação ao power (Grupo BF 4,3±0,8 versus Grupo Controle 2,5±0,9; p<0,001), endurance (Grupo BF 6,0±2,2 versus Grupo Controle 2,7±1,9; p<0,001) e fast (Grupo BF 9,3±1,9 versus Grupo Controle 4,6±3,2; p<0,001). Redução da frequência urinária noturna (1,2±1,2 versus 0,7±0,9; p=0,02) e da perda de urina nos esforços (1,5±1,4 versus 0,6±0,8; p=0,001) foi observada no Grupo BF. CONCLUSÃO: A adição do BF ao TMAP para o tratamento da IUE, aplicado de acordo com o protocolo descrito, contribui para melhora da função dos MAP, redução dos sintomas urinários e melhora da qualidade de vida.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira (English Edition), 2012

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (Q... more Objective: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (QOL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Prospective clinical trial with 36 women with a diagnosis of SUI confirmed by urodynamic study. Women with neuromuscular diseases, using hormone replacement therapy, and with prolapse stage III and IV were not included. The exercise protocol for the PFM consisted of slow contractions (tonic fibers), followed by rapid contractions (phasic fibers) practiced in the supine, sitting, and standing positions, three times a week for a period of three months. We evaluated the impact of PFM on QOL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), a voiding diary, and digital palpation to assess the function of the PFMs during the initial evaluation and after three months of treatment. The result was described as means and standard deviations. We used the Wilcoxon test for comparison of the KHQ scores for paired samples, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease in the mean scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ regarding the perception of health, impact of the incontinence, limitations of daily activities, physical limitations, social limitations, personal relationships, emotions, sleep/disposition, and measures of severity. In agreement with these results, significant decrease in nocturnal urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, as well as significant increase in muscle strength and endurance were observed. Conclusion: PFM training resulted in significant improvement in the QOL of women with SUI.