EFFECT OF COMBINED PELVIC FLOOR AND HIP MUSCLE STRENGTHENING ON VAGINAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH GENITOURNARY SYNDROME OF MENOPAUSE

Background: Women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause often face multiple problems such as vaginal dryness, irritation, reduced lubrication, loss of elasticity, pain during intercourse, and urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency. This can lead to discomfort in daily activities, reduced confidence, and poor quality of life. The aim of the study was to find the effect of combined pelvic floor and hip muscle strengthening on vaginal health and quality of life among women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Methodology: It was an experimental study which includes 20 random samples. The subjects were divided
into two groups (A and B), with each group consisting of 10 samples. Group A received pelvic floor muscle
strengthening along with hip muscle strengthening exercises for 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Group B
received regular physiotherapy management for 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
Outcome measure: Vaginal health was measured using the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and quality of life
was assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL).
Result: On comparing the mean values of Group-A and Group-B on Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and
Menopause Quality of Life (MENQOL), both groups showed a highly significant improvement in the post
test mean values. However, GROUP-A shows higher mean value in VHI (21.45) and MENQOL (56.80),
indicating better improvement and is more effective than GROUP-B (13.30, 99.90) at P ≤ 0.001. Hence, the
null hypothesis is rejected.
Conclusion: The present study concludes that both GROUP-A and GROUP-B showed improvement in
Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and Menopause Quality of Life (MENQOL). However, Group-A showed greater
improvement compared to Group-B. Thus, combined pelvic floor and hip muscle strengthening is more
effective.