Publication:

Comparison of the effectiveness of Kegel exercise and biofeedback therapy on Wexner scores in postpartum fecal incontinence patients

Background Fecal incontinence (FI) is a distressing postpartum condition affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Conservative treatments, including Kegel exercises and biofeedback therapy, are commonly employed, but comparative effectiveness remains uncertain. The Wexner score is a validated measure of FI severity.

Methods This prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled 36 postpartum women with FI at Arifin Achmad General Hospital. Participants were randomized into Kegel exercise (n=18) or biofeedback therapy (n=18) groups. Wexner scores were recorded at baseline and after four weeks. Statistical analyses included paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p 0.05). After four weeks, the Kegel group showed a non-significant mean reduction of 0.8 (13.2±2.4; p=0.120), whereas the biofeedback group achieved a significant mean reduction of 5.3 (9.5±2.3; p<0.001). Between-group comparison confirmed biofeedback was significantly more effective than Kegel exercises in lowering Wexner scores (p<0.001). Sub-analysis indicated biofeedback significantly improved continence for liquid, solid, pad use, and lifestyle impact, but not for gas incontinence.

Conclusions Biofeedback therapy significantly reduces Wexner scores in postpartum FI and should be considered the preferred conservative treatment for this population.