Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies and uncontrolled studies were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Pelvic floor muscle exercise therapy (ranging from 5 contractions every 2 hours to 200 contractions per day, and duration of the contractions ranged from one to 30 seconds, the length of the exercise programmes ranged from 2 to 32 weeks) either alone or combined with myofeedback (bio-electrical muscle activity which is recorded through surfaceor needle electrodes placed directly against or inside the target muscle(s) sensory signals and is used to induce a motor-learning process). The settings for intervention varied; sometimes at home and sometimes in a clinic.
Participants included in the review
Women with stress urinary incontinence, aged 23 to 85 years, were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The primary outcomes were reduction of incontinence compared with a baseline record, the frequency and quantity of urine loss (this was assessed via record-keeping in a diary, the use of a visual analogue scale or through a self-assessment of continence). Two additional outcomes were assessed: contractional force of the peri-vaginal musculature and the amount of urine lost during a 'stress test'.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.