TR
EN
A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Abstract
Object: The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of exercise in pelvic floor dysfunctions bibliometrically and to reveal the global scientific structure in the field.
Materials and Methods: A total of 2413 studies retrieved from the Scopus database, covering the years 2013–2024, were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software.
Results: A significant increasing trend in the number of publications was detected after 2020. Foundational authors such as BØ K and Dumoulin C, along with the International Urogynecology Journal, are leading the field. Our keyword analysis showed that the literature is largely focused on urinary incontinence observed in women. The most cited article being on hormonal therapy proves the central importance of the general women’s health perspective.
Conclusion: Our analysis revealed critical gaps in subjects such as male pelvic floor dysfunctions and myofascial pelvic pain. Future research needs to focus on high-level evidence methodologies, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to elevate the level of evidence in the field. These findings will offer concrete guidance for physical therapy and rehabilitation applications, contributing to the creation of personalized treatment plans.
Keywords
References
- Aoki, Y., Brown, H. W., Brubaker, L., Cornu, J. N., Daly, J. O., & Cartwright, R. (2017). Urinary incontinence in women. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.42
- Asklund, I., Nyström, E., Sjöström, M., Umefjord, G., Stenlund, H., & Samuelsson, E. (2017). Mobile app for treatment of stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 36(5), 1369-1376. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.23116
- Atıgan, A., Atıgan, A., & Gök, S. (2023). The 100 most-cited articles on pelvic organ prolapse: A bibliometric analysis. Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi, 10(1), 134-145. https://doi.org/10.52880/sagakaderg.1249253
- Baber, R. J., Panay, N., & Fenton, A. T. I. W. G. (2016). 2016 IMS Recommendations on women’s midlife health and menopause hormone therapy. Climacteric, 19(2), 109-150. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2015.1129166
- Barber, M. D., Brubaker, L., Burgio, K. L., Richter, H. E., Nygaard, I., Weidner, A. C., ... & Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health. (2014). Comparison of 2 transvaginal surgical approaches and perioperative behavioral therapy for apical vaginal prolapse: the OPTIMAL randomized trial. Jama, 311(10), 1023-1034. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.171
- Bharucha, A. E. (2006). Pelvic floor: anatomy and function. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 18(7), 507-519. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2005.11.064
- Bo, K., Frawley, H. C., Haylen, B. T., Abramov, Y., Almeida, F. G., Berghmans, B., ... & Wells, A. (2017). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for the conservative and nonpharmacological management of female pelvic floor dysfunction. International Urogynecology Journal, 28, 191-213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-3123-4
- Bø, K. (2006). Can pelvic floor muscle training prevent and treat pelvic organ prolapse?. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 85(3), 263-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016340500486800
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Physiotherapy
Journal Section
Other
Publication Date
April 30, 2026
Submission Date
September 16, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 16, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1
APA
Berber, S., Demir, G., & Suner-keklik, S. (2026). A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 13(1), 55-71. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1785510
AMA
1.Berber S, Demir G, Suner-keklik S. A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. HUFHSJ. 2026;13(1):55-71. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1785510
Chicago
Berber, Semehat, Gülay Demir, and Sinem Suner-keklik. 2026. “A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 (1): 55-71. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1785510.
EndNote
Berber S, Demir G, Suner-keklik S (April 1, 2026) A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 1 55–71.
IEEE
[1]S. Berber, G. Demir, and S. Suner-keklik, “A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”, HUFHSJ, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 55–71, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.21020/husbfd.1785510.
ISNAD
Berber, Semehat - Demir, Gülay - Suner-keklik, Sinem. “A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13/1 (April 1, 2026): 55-71. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1785510.
JAMA
1.Berber S, Demir G, Suner-keklik S. A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. HUFHSJ. 2026;13:55–71.
MLA
Berber, Semehat, et al. “A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 55-71, doi:10.21020/husbfd.1785510.
Vancouver
1.Semehat Berber, Gülay Demir, Sinem Suner-keklik. A Bibliometric Approach to Studies on the Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. HUFHSJ. 2026 Apr. 1;13(1):55-71. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1785510