Criteria for therapeutic use of pelvic floor muscle training in women.

Success in pelvic floor muscle training as a therapeutic modality for prevention or treatment of incontinence in women is dependent on appropriate patient selection. This article synthesizes data that supports 4 criteria to be met before beginning a program of pelvic floor muscle training: adequate alignment of pelvic organs, intact structural support, functional muscle activation ability, and absence of existing reversible causes for incontinence. Two components of pelvic floor muscle training are described: strengthening exercises and skill development. For each component, protocols of training and refined patient selection criteria are discussed.