Integrating the Effects of the Franklin Method with Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Keerthana  Ravi; Senthilkumar  Selvakumar; Mohammed Munvar  Rizwan Basha

doi:10.18502/jmr.v19i4.19773

Keerthana Ravi Department of Obstetrics and Urology, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
Senthilkumar Selvakumar Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
Mohammed Munvar Rizwan Basha Clinical Physiotherapist, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v19i4.19773

Keywords: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP); Franklin method; Pelvic floor training; Prolapse quality of life (P-QoL); International consultation on incontinence questionnaire female lower urinary tract symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS)

Abstract

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), defined as the descent of pelvic organs from their anatomical position, significantly affects women’s quality of life. Although traditional pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) offers benefits, adherence to and proper execution of the technique remain challenging. The Franklin method is designed to enhance body awareness and neuromuscular control. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining Franklin method with PFMT in women with POP.

Materials and Methods: The participants included women aged 45–55 years with POP stages 1–2, no neurological impairments, and no active urogynecological disorders. The exclusion criteria included uncontrolled systemic illness, a history of malignancy, active infections (e.g. pelvic inflammatory disease), ongoing hormonal therapy, cognitive barriers to questionnaire completion, or recent pelvic surgery (within the past 4 weeks). All 120 participants underwent 6 weeks of the Franklin method and PFMT. Outcomes were assessed using the prolapse quality of life (P-QoL) questionnaire and the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire female lower urinary tract symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) Tamil, measured pre- and post-intervention.

Results: P-QoL scores improved from 56.74 (pre-test) to 47.06 (post-test). International consultation on ICIQ-FLUTS Tamil scores decreased from 36.09 to 20.22. Both quality of life and incontinence symptoms showed statistically significant improvement (P≤0.001) post- intervention.