Do Kegel Trainers Really Work? A Clinical Trial by Banner University Medicine
Did you know that 1/3 of women worldwide are affected by pelvic floor disorders? Did you also know that a lot of pelvic floor disorders can be prevented?
Pelvic floor disorders can look like anything from urinary incontinence during pregnancy to failing to reach the toilet in time during menopause.
Because of its commonness (and a major opportunity for improvement), Dr. Debra Wickman MD FACOG conducted a clinical trial for pelvic floor biofeedback devices at Banner University Medicine Institute: Phoenix Arizona.
The study was conducted on 49 women using KegelSmart pelvic floor trainers over the course of 12 weeks. The results were outstanding.
To understand the trial outcomes, it’s first important to understand what the pelvic floor is and how it can be measured.
Background Information
A pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support internal organs and act as support for bladder and bowel functions. It also encompasses the muscles that provide pleasure during intimacy.
KegelSmart is a smart pelvic floor trainer with patented technology for registering strength, contract time, and reaction time.
The touch-sensor technology registers pelvic strength and rates contraction strength on a 5-level scale. It then creates an exercise regime that allows users to track their progress.
It contains a vibration-guided program where users engage their Kegels on and off, following the vibration patterns of the device, for five minutes daily.
Trial Objectives
Dr. Debra Wickman MD FACOG and the team at Banner University Medicine collected data through pelvic examinations by medical practitioners and through self-assessment questionnaires.
The objective of the trial was to measure urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity and sexual sensation problems among other weak pelvic floor symptoms over a 12-week period.
Each participant completed a pelvic floor exam using a clinical perineometer at the start and end of the study. A perineometer is an instrument that measures voluntary contractions of pelvic floor muscles.
The conditions of the study were that each participant used the KegelSmart for 3.5–5 minutes per day for 12 weeks.
Participants were also asked to fill out weekly questionnaires about their experience and improvements using the device.
The 49 women included in the clinical trial were ages 20–69, all experiencing urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity, or decreased sexual sensation for a period of 6 weeks or more.
The Results
After the course of 12 weeks, 100% of participants reported increased pelvic floor strength using a perineometer. Additionally, the average pelvic floor strength doubled during this period.
Participants ages 23–50 reported a 90% increase in improved bladder control.
The same cohort also reported a 75% decrease in leaks due to physical activity, sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Additionally, 94% of women reported improved vaginal tightness and tone.
Ninety-two percent of participants reported improved sexual sensations.
And as the more overall quality of life, 83% of all participants reported an increase in the areas of body image, sex life, self-confidence, quality of sleep, and overall mood.
Testimonials
“I no longer worry about bladder leakage, in fact, I don’t even think about it anymore. I will continue to make KegelSmart part of my daily routine, it’s the only exercise I don’t dread doing!”-Participant, Age 57
“I am so thrilled I have more control of my urine leakage, especially during physical activity. KegelSmart has made my quality of life greatly improve.” -Participant, Age 60
“It radically improved my orgasms!” -Participant, Age 56
“I have reduced the amount of leakage and frequency of leakage thanks to KegelSmart!” -Participant, Age 60
Among all participants, 92% said they would recommend this device to those they know, and 85% reported it as easy to use.
The most important finding of this clinical study is that pelvic floor disorders are not inevitable and can be prevented with exercise for overall improved quality of life.
A collective group of “lady experts” at Intimina who love sharing our personal experiences, even when they are a little too personal. We believe it’s time to start breaking down the taboos around menstruation, motherhood, and menopause, and start owning our female health.
I want to do the trial
I have stage 3 prolapse, is it safe to use ?
Hi Margot,
please talk to your doctor about it. They will know and give you the best answer about your health.
Good luck!
Will
1. Will this work for both uterus and rectal prolapse.
2. Can it be bought over the counter? If so where?
Hi Veronica,
thank you for your comment. Please read this: https://www.intimina.com/blog/the-anatomy-of-14-pelvic-floor-muscles/ and then advise your doctor and ask for approval. After and if your doctor says you are allowed to use a kegel device, consider Kegel smart by Intimina as one of the options: https://www.intimina.com/kegel-smart
Best
How do you use it please
Hi Chlarie,
here is something that can help you:
https://www.intimina.com/blog/kegels-for-beginners/
https://www.intimina.com/blog/meet-your-new-orgasmic-workout/
Best
What if you can’t feel the muscles at all, ever and have had no success with numerous electrical etc physio sessions????? Plus stress leakage. Bad forceps births ×2 and getting older. PLEASE HELP
Hi C,
what kind of exercises did you try? Have you ever talked to your doctor about this?
Best
How can I do the clinical trial?
I will be 90 years old next month. Is it too late for me to try this device?
Hi Madge,
thank you for this question.
we need a few more information, please tell us what problem you have?
Best
Does it work on women who had hysterectomies?
Hi Millie,
this is a serious question and it would be best if you ask doctor or pelvic floor professionals about it. Kegel trainers are really helpful but you must be sure you can use them. So please ask your doctor first.
Best regards
Is the clinical trial still still going on? If so I’d like to be a part of it. Please and thank you.
Hi Elizabeth,
thank you for the initiative, but this trial over.
Have a great day!
Hi, where is the app were I can connect to my kegel smart and track my progress?
Hey Maryam,
if we are talking about Intimina’s Kegel Smart device here is how to track a progress:
KegelSmart™ will progress you through 5 levels, each with an exercise routine designed to build both muscle strength and tone. At each use, KegelSmart™ will have selected a level for you based on the contraction strength it registered in the previous session. KegelSmart™ will adjust the level up, or down, based on your performance. How to check your level Each time you turn on KegelSmart™, an LED light located above the O button will flash to indicate your current level of pelvic strength: 1 flash for level 1, 5 flashes for level 5. Turn on the device at any time to check your progress and then turn off manually before the routine begins.
For more info about Kegel smart or how to use it, go here.
Best regards,
Hello,
I can’t find the weight of this product? what is it?
Hello Mari! The weight of the device itself is about 40 grams, however, this device doesn’t function as a vaginal weight. The KegelSmart works in a way that it vibrates any time you’re supposed to contract your muscles during your exercise for the most effective pelvic floor workout!
Per il dispositivo smart base, il loggiamento batteria è veramente ermetico? Non devo pulire anche il suo interno ogni volta?
Invece lo smart2 lo ricarico come un cellulare? Ma dove inserisco il cavo USB? Devo comunque svitare il cappuccio, in un caso c’e’ la batteria è nell’ altro l ingresso del cavo
Ciao Mary! Il vano batteria del KegelSmart è impermeabile. Consigliamo di rimuovere il coperchio della batteria dopo ogni utilizzo per pulire lo spazio tra il dispositivo e il coperchio della batteria. Per quanto riguarda KegelSmart 2, dovresti rimuovere il coperchio per accedere alla porta di ricarica. Il cavo USB può essere collegato a un laptop o a un adattatore da parete per la ricarica.
Can it be of any benefit for male continence problems?
Hello! Kegel trainers such as the products INTIMINA manufactures are designed for vaginal insertion, and would not be an effective method for male incontinence. We can only suggest consulting a medical professional to see what would be the most suitable treatment.