Exercícios de Kegel em mulheres com incontinência urinária no período pós-parto: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent dysfunction among women during the postpartum period, directly affecting their quality of life and physical, emotional, and social well-being. Several physiological, hormonal, and mechanical factors associated with pregnancy and childbirth contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), thus favoring the onset or worsening of UI. Pelvic floor physical therapy, with emphasis on Kegel exercises, has proven to be an effective, non-invasive, and low-cost approach in the treatment of postpartum UI. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature from 2015 to 2025 to investigate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) using Kegel exercises in controlling and improving UI symptoms in postpartum women. The study also identified research that combined other interventions, such as electrotherapy and Low Pressure Fitness (LPF), aiming for even better outcomes. Experimental studies involving physiotherapeutic interventions were selected from the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results indicate significant improvements in PFM strength, reduced UI episodes, and enhanced quality of life in the treated women, reinforcing pelvic floor physical therapy as the treatment of choice for this population. Nevertheless, gaps remain regarding protocol standardization, long-term adherence, and underreporting of cases.