The Effect of Using Pelvic Floor Exercises Administered Through a Smartphone Application in Postpartum Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Author

Elizabeth A. Russell, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

4-28-2025

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kristine E. Davis

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects 50% of postpartum women and can lead to pelvic pain, stress urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction (Grimes, 2023). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if the implementation of pelvic floor exercise (PFE) as guided by a smartphone application, to improve adherence and technique of exercises, will improve PFD symptoms and quality of life (QOL). At an OBGYN clinic in northern Indiana, all women who presented for their 6-week postpartum appointment were screened for PFD with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and QOL with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). A total of 18 women were recruited to participate and a total of 17 women completed the project. To achieve a reduction in PFD symptoms and an improvement in QOL, a smartphone application, Squeezy Connect©, was used to guide participants through PFE three times a day for three months to promote proper technique. Squeezy Connect© also provided reminders when PFE sessions were due, to improve adherence. Following the intervention, participants completed screenings with the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 again. PFD and QOL pre- and post-intervention were compared using a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. There was a statistically significant decrease in PFD (V=0, p< 0.001) and improvement in QOL (V=0, p< 0.001). These findings can be used by OBGYN clinics to treat PFD and improve outcomes with PFE. Future practice should include screening for PFD, PFE as the first-line treatment of PFD, and the use of smart phones to improve compliance and technique. Nurse practitioners serve an important role in increasing access to care for screening, guidance, and patient education on PFD in postpartum. This project highlights the need for further research to assess the use of smartphone applications and their impact on pelvic floor strength and QOL in postpartum women with PFD.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Russell, Elizabeth A., "The Effect of Using Pelvic Floor Exercises Administered Through a Smartphone Application in Postpartum Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction" (2025). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 209.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/209