Comparative Analysis of Kegel Exercise Knowledge, Application, and Recommendation Between Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis Pelvic foor muscle exercises are widely recommended as an evidence-based, noninvasive, and cost-efective approach, particularly for the prevention and management of urinary incontinence. This study was conducted to compare the knowledge levels, application habits and recommendation behaviors of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and Nursing department students regarding Kegel exercises. Methods This cross-sectional study included 250 undergraduate students (150 from Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 100 from Nursing) at a Turkish university. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire evaluating students’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, practice frequency, recommendation behaviors, and perceived efectiveness of Kegel exercises. Group comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests, with statistical signifcance set at p<0.05. Results Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students showed signifcantly higher scores in knowledge (p=0.032), more frequent application (p=0.008), and greater likelihood of recommending Kegel exercises (p=0.001). They also reported higher efectiveness and overall engagement (p<0.001). Conclusions The fndings indicate that Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students possess higher levels of knowledge, are more likely to apply Kegel exercises themselves, and more frequently recommend them to others compared to Nursing students. This disparity may be attributed to curriculum diferences, particularly the greater emphasis on musculoskeletal and pelvic health training within physiotherapy education. Integrating structured pelvic foor muscle training modules into nursing curricula may enhance students’ competence and confdence, ultimately contributing to improved pelvic health awareness and patient care outcomes.