Adherence and self-efficacy of pregnant women to perform pelvic floor muscle training through a health education application: a feasibility study

Author(s)

Angelico, Carolina ; Sousa, Ana Jessica dos Santos ; Fernandes, Jessica Gabriela de Godoi ; Vilela, Ingrid da Costa ; Baldon, Vanessa Santos Pereira ; Driusso, Patricia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MHEALTH; v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2025-03-14.

Abstract

Background: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a treatment that can be used during pregnancy. The main aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to PFMT and self-efficacy using a mobile application (app) named GoMAP. The secondary objective was to evaluate the correlation between self-efficacy and adherence of participants who used the GoMAP app. Methods: This is a feasibility study. The participants were pregnant women who underwent an 8-week PFMT protocol, provided through a previously validated GoMAP app. To assess self-efficacy, the Self-Efficacy Scale for practicing Pelvic Floor Exercises was applied four times-every two weeks after starting the PFMT program on the GoMAP app. Adherence was evaluated daily by a frequency questionnaire that was completed as the participant performed the exercise program. The data are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation and percentage, and the Pearson correlation test was performed between quantitative variables. A 5% significance level was adopted. Results: Eighteen pregnant women completed the 8-week exercise protocol. The mean Self-Efficacy Scale after eight weeks of PFMT was 75.8 +/- 14.8 and the average adherence of pregnant women to the protocol was 30.4 +/- 14.0 days. The adherence and self-efficacy variables showed a strong correlation after eight weeks of Conclusions: Women who used the GoMAP app demonstrated good adherence and self-confidence when performing the PFMT exercises. The app could be an important therapeutic resource when conducting a PFMT program for pregnant women. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/16910-5 - Intravaginal electrical stimulation associated with pelvic floor muscle training for women with stress urinary incontinence: randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation
• Grantee: Patricia Driusso
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants