To examine obstetricians' and gynecologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antenatal yoga and to explore the factors contributing to their hesitancy in recommending it.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 71 obstetricians and gynecologists in Bangladesh using online and offline modes. Demographic data, professionals' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to antenatal yoga were collected. Descriptive statistics and correlation matrix analyses were performed.

83.1 % of respondents recognised the benefits of antenatal yoga; however, only 50 % routinely recommended it to pregnant women. Key barriers identified included a lack of standardised training, insufficient knowledge of antenatal yoga practices, and cultural resistance. Despite these challenges, all participants (100 %) expressed interest in attending antenatal yoga-related workshops and training.

While obstetricians and gynecologists in Bangladesh were optimistic about the benefits of antenatal yoga (AY), a lack of standardised guidelines and training, insufficient family support, and cultural factors hinder its widespread recommendation. To enhance the integration of AY into maternal care, this study recommends developing a standardised protocol for AY practices and incorporating specialised training for obstetricians and gynecologists to improve awareness and competency.

Background/Objectives: Upright open magnetic resonance imaging allows the impact of posture and gravity to be evaluated. Randomized controlled trials of yoga for treating urinary incontinence (UI) in women show significant clinical benefit, yet the anatomic impact of this therapy on the lower urinary tract remains unelucidated. This study tested the hypothesis that open MRI scans can be obtained with sufficient detail to visualize the bladder neck and urethra. Methods: We scanned a volunteer subject using a 0.5 Tesla MRO Open Evo scanner to obtain axial and sagittal T2-weighted pelvic scans during poses used in yoga therapy. To obtain images with the necessary detail, we employed variations in sequencing during scanning of each individual pose. The changes observed in the bladder neck and urethral outline in each pose were then compared to baseline supine images. Results: Images with sufficient anatomic detail were obtained in each of the four poses studied. These scans identified that the urethral outline changes anatomically based on the posture adopted and is dynamic with regional alternations evident in caliber during specific yoga poses. Conclusions: Open MRI can identify anatomical changes involving the bladder neck and urethra that occur during yoga poses used in the treatment of UI in women; these likely relate to effects of posture and gravity. Open MRI offers a way to elucidate the anatomic effects that specific yoga poses generate and to identify those with the potential to be most beneficial clinically to women as a form of therapy.

Purpose: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) refers to involuntary leakage from the urethra, synchronous with exertion/effort, sneezing or coughing, which has a negative effect on quality of life. Studies have shown that mild-to-moderate physical activities reduce the risk of SUI by multiple mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Rumba dance combined with breathing training (RDBT) can reduce the severity of incontinence and improve the quality of life of patients with SUI. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with women who were sedentary, were postmenopausal, reported mild-to-moderate SUI on a 1-h pad test, were not already engaged in Rumba dance and did not receive estrogen replacement therapy. The patients were randomly assigned to the RDBT group (n = 13) or the control group (n = 11). The intervention included 90 min of RDBT three times per week for 16 weeks, and the vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, 1-h pad test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ—UI SF), and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I—QOL) were measured or completed at baseline and 16 weeks. None of the participants reported adverse events. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 55.75 ± 5.58 years. After 16 weeks, in the RDBT group, the urine leakage on the 1-h pad test was significantly decreased −2.91 ± 0.49 from the baseline (p = 0.000). The VRP increased from 76.00 ± 16.23 cmH2O to 95.09 ± 18.90 cmH2O (p = 0.000), the PFM endurance of class I (−3.15 ± 1.99% vs. −0.46 ± 0.97%, p = 0.000) and class II (−0.69 ± 0.95% vs. −0.23 ± 0.44%, p = 0.065) increased, and the grades of PFM strength of class I and class II were significantly enhanced (p < 0.01). Finally, the severity of self-reported incontinence (ICIQ—UI SF) significantly decreased from 6.12 ± 2.15 to 3.81 ± 1.68 (p = 0.000), and quality of life (I—QOL) improved from 75.73 ± 11.93 to 83.48 ± 7.88 (p = 0.005). Conclusion: A 16-week RDBT program can increase PFM strength and endurance to reduce the severity of incontinence symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with SUI, demonstrating the feasibility of recruiting and retaining postmenopausal women with SUI into a RDBT therapeutic program.

To study the effectiveness Yoga of Immortals (YOI) intervention in participants with urinary incontinence (UI) of all types. YOI uniquely combines specific yogic postures, breathing exercises, sound therapy & meditation and is practiced by many for general well-being.

In this App-based cohort study, a survey was sent to the YOI app subscribers. Those who identified with UI and consented were sent the ICIQ-UI- SF (for mean symptom score & severity of UI), and the ICIQ-LUTS-QOL (for impact of UI on QOL) Questionnaires at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. Global impression of improvement was assessed by PGI-I scale.

258/422 participants (18-74 years) were included and showed significant decrease in mean scores on the ICIQ-UI-SF (4.06 ± 0.24 at baseline; 2.90 ± 0.22 at 4-weeks [p ≤ 0.001] and 3.44 ± 0.23 at 8 weeks [p ≤ 0.001]) and ICIQ-LUTS-QOL (28.36± 0.74 at baseline; 24.46± 0.70 at 4-weeks [p ≤ 0.001] and 25.78± 0.70 at 8 weeks [p≤ 0.001]). Additionally, the 55-60 year subgroup also had significant decrease in mean scores on ICIQ-LUTS-QOL (25.06 ±1.20 at base line; 21.69 ± 1.07 at 4 weeks [p ≤ 0.01] and 22.28 ± 0.96 at 8 weeks [p ≤ 0.01]).

YOI intervention resulted in significant improvement in mean scores on ICIQ-LUTS-QOL; ICIQ-UI-SF; frequency and severity of urinary leak; and daily life activity. Majority of the participants felt 'very much better' on PGI-scale. Being app- based, it has the added advantage of the ability to be used anytime and anywhere.

This parallel-two-group randomized experimental study including a supervised group and an unsupervised group examined the longitudinal effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) combined with yoga on genitourinary symptoms and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and compared practice adherence rates of the two groups. A sample of women experiencing ≥1 genitourinary symptom(s) were recruited and assigned to a supervised group or an unsupervised group. The supervised group attended supervised group practice sessions and performed at-home practice of PFMT and yoga. The unsupervised group performed at-home practice of PFMT and yoga. Information was collected at five time points (n = 91). Generalized estimating equation procedures were used to examine the intervention effects. An independent t-test was conducted to compare the practice adherence rates. Both groups' genitourinary symptoms and HRQOL significantly improved over time. The supervised group displayed greater improvements in genitourinary symptoms and HRQOL and better adherence than did the unsupervised group.

Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur at different periods during the life course of women, a little research on LUTS has adopted a life course perspective. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to demonstrate how life course theory and life course epidemiology can be applied to study bladder health and LUTS trajectories. We highlight conceptual work from the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium to enhance the understanding of life course concepts.

Consortium members worked in transdisciplinary teams to generate examples of how life course concepts may be applied to research on bladder health and LUTS in eight prioritized areas: (a) biopsychosocial ecology of stress and brain health; (b) toileting environment, access, habits, and techniques; (c) pregnancy and childbirth; (d) physical health and medical conditions; (e) musculoskeletal health; (f) lifestyle behaviors; (g) infections and microbiome; and (h) hormonal status across the life span.

Life course concepts guided consortium members' conceptualization of how potential risk and protective factors may influence women's health. For example, intrapartum interventions across multiple pregnancies may influence trajectories of bladder health and LUTS, illustrating the principle of life span development. Consortium members also identified and summarized methodologic and practical considerations in designing life course research.

This paper may assist researchers from a variety of disciplines to design and implement research identifying key risk and protective factors for LUTS and bladder health across the life course of women. Results from life course research may inform health promotion programs, policies, and practices.