Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of an 8-week multidisciplinary intervention on the physical and psychosocial health in active women over 55 years old, paying attention to the need of supervision. Eighty-one women were assessed for pelvic floor strength (using PERFECT’s guidelines), body composition and satisfaction with life, and later blindly assigned to a supervised or reduced-supervision pelvic floor exercise program (i.e., therapeutic exercises guided by a professional, twice a week, or identical exercises performed at home). All of them received six additional educational sessions together, interspersed along the program, for nutritional and psychological counseling. Twenty-eight women of 36 [66.50 (4.68) years] in the supervised group, and another 20 of 34 [64.65 (5.12) years] (reduced-supervision) ended the intervention. Although both groups improved in all four dimensions of pelvic floor muscle strength, with endurance showing differences between-groups. Completion rate was lower in the reduced-supervision group (58.8% vs. 77.7%). Lack of motivation was their main reason to leave. No significant changes were found in body composition or life satisfaction. However, the results suggest that comparable pelvic floor strength benefits can be achieved with fewer resources when health awareness is emphasized. Ongoing supervision appears important to minimize dropout in these sensitive interventions. Multidisciplinary, movement-based programs show strong potential for public health promotion in older women. Pelvic floor training should be incorporated into preventive care for this population and supervised or follow-up formats seem essential to support adherence and long-term effectiveness.

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