American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam

Kegel exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in bladder control. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, small intestine, and rectum. By regularly performing Kegels, individuals can significantly improve their ability to control urination and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence, a common issue among older women. This targeted approach of Kegel exercises makes them particularly beneficial compared to other types of exercise. While aerobic exercises can improve overall fitness and resistance training can enhance muscle strength, they do not specifically focus on the pelvic floor. Pilates does incorporate some pelvic floor work, but it is not as direct or as effective as the dedicated practice of Kegel exercises. Therefore, Kegel exercises stand out as the most beneficial type of exercise for maintaining bladder control in older women.