Effect of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on early pelvic floor function and psychology: A retrospective study.

To investigate the effects of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on maternal postpartum pelvic floor function and psychology. The clinical data of 80 patients with postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) from May 2020 to May 2022 were selected as retrospective study subjects, and 40 cases were divided into the comparison group and the observation group according to the different intervention methods. Among them, the comparison group implemented biofeedback electrical stimulation and guidance, and the observation group implemented Greene health education and Kegel pelvic floor rehabilitation training intervention based on the comparison group. The differences in pelvic floor muscle strength, sexual quality of life, anxiety, and depression in the 2 groups with postpartum PFD were compared. Comparison of pelvic floor muscle strength: before the intervention (P > .05) and after the intervention, the anterior resting mean electromyography (EMG), slow muscle mean EMG, fast muscle maximum EMG, and mixed muscle mean EMG values of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the comparison group, and the posterior resting mean EMG values were lower than those in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores between the 2 groups of patients before intervention (P > .05). After the intervention, the HADS scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores were lower than those before the intervention in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant in the intervention group than in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between The Chinese Female Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire scores of both groups before the intervention (P > .05). Sexual desire, vaginal lubrication, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and painful intercourse improved in both groups after the intervention, and the scores in the intervention group were higher than those in the comparison group (P < .05). Health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can effectively improve the quality of patients' sexual life, improve the pelvic floor muscle strength of patients with postpartum PFD, enhance patients' confidence, reduce patients' anxiety and depression, and effectively improve patients' psychological status.

Research progress in female pelvic floor rehabilitation aids. / å¥³æ€§ç›†åº•åº·å¤è¾ åŠ©å™¨å ·çš„ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common clinical problem that can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aids are essential tools in the treatment of PFD. However, there is limited understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of these aids, and there is a lack of standardized guidelines for selecting appropriate aids for different types of PFD. To assist patients in choosing suitable pelvic floor rehabilitation aids to their needs, it is necessary to summarize the existing types, mechanisms, and applications of these aids. Based on their mechanisms and target functions, pelvic floor rehabilitation aids can be mainly categorized into 3 main types. The first type includes aids that improve pelvic floor function, such as vaginal dumbbells, vaginal tampons, and vaginal dilators, which aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and enhance the contractility of the urethral, vaginal, and anal sphincters, thereby improving incontinence symptoms. The second type consists of aids that mechanically block the outlet, such as pessaries, urethral plugs, incontinence pads, incontinence pants, anal plugs, and vaginal bowel control systems, which directly or indirectly prevent incontinence leakage. The third type includes aids that assist in outlet drainage, such as catheters and anal excreta collection devices, which help patients effectively expel urine, feces, and other waste materials, preventing incontinence leakage. By summarizing the existing pelvic floor rehabilitation aids, personalized guidance can be provided to patients with PFD, helping them select the appropriate aids for their rehabilitation needs.

Educational telerehabilitation program for women with pelvic floor dysfunctions after gynecological pelvic cancer treatment: protocol study for a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Educational and self-care measures are important for women after gynecological pelvic cancer treatment. Pelvic floor muscle training exercises (PFMT) are a conservative treatment for pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction. The purpose is to evaluate the impact of a telerehabilitation and self-care program on PF dysfunctions, reports of urinary incontinence (UI), and physical-emotional factors of participants post-treatment for gynecological pelvic cancer. METHODS: Two-arm randomized clinical trial: an intervention group (IG) will evaluate the effect of a telerehabilitation program on women undergoing clinical practice of radiotherapy for the treatment of gynecological pelvic cancer and a control group (CG) will maintain the routine. Primary outcome is the prevalence of reports of UI, which will be assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The secondary outcomes will be the severity and impact of UI on quality of life, location and perception of pain intensity, presence and intensity of dyspareunia, vaginal stenosis, fecal incontinence (FI), and levels of physical activity. Statistical analysis will be performed by intention-to-treat, and multivariate mixed effects analysis will be used to compare results. DISCUSSION: Activities in the context of telerehabilitation using PFMT and self-care can represent a viable and effective solution to minimize the side effects of gynecological cancer treatment and improve women's quality of life.

Pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to identify, critically appraise, and summarize current evidence regarding the feasibility and efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation. METHODS: Three bibliographic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 1, 2023. Clinical trials assessing the feasibility and efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool were used for methodological quality assessment. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were completed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials and three single cohort clinical trials were included in this review. Four studies were evaluated as good quality, and four as fair. Pelvic floor telerehabilitation was well tolerated and demonstrated good patient compliance and satisfaction. Pooled analysis indicated significant effects of pelvic floor telerehabilitation on the severity of urinary incontinence with a large effect size, pelvic floor muscle strength with a large effect size, and quality of life with a medium effect size. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrates that pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective approach and highlights its efficacy in patients with urinary incontinence. This review supports the application of pelvic floor muscle training in telerehabilitation and informs further clinical and research endeavors to incorporate digital health technologies in managing pelvic floor dysfunction.

La rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour la prévention et le traitement des dysfonctions du plancher pelvien - Volet 1: Incontinence urinaire / Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions - part 1: urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION: Les dysfonctions du plancher pelvien entraînent des conséquences importantes sur la qualité de vie d'un point de vue physique, psychologique, sexuel et social. Leur prévalence est souvent sous-estimée en raison de la réticence et de l'embarras à discuter de ces symptômes. Les coûts liés aux dysfonctions du plancher pelvien chez les femmes sont substantiels, et ils représentent un fardeau économique pour la société [Sung et al., 2010]. Des traitements conservateurs comme la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne (REPP) sont habituellement offerts en première intention pour le traitement de ces troubles chez les femmes. Des interventions chirurgicales peuvent être proposées en cas d'échec des traitements conservateurs et pharmacologiques. Le ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) a mandaté l'Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) afin qu'il évalue la pertinence d'inclure la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne à la gamme de services publics offerts au Québec pour prévenir et traiter les dysfonctions du plancher pelvien. Le mandat vise l'efficacité de cette rééducation, les risques, les modalités d'application ainsi que l'impact économique et organisationnel. Dans un premier volet des travaux, l'INESSS a émis une recommandation favorable à l'égard d'un accès à la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour la prévention et le traitement de l'incontinence urinaire, l'une des conséquences fréquentes d'une dysfonction du plancher pelvien. La suite des travaux, présentée dans ce document, porte un regard et formule des recommandations en ce qui a trait à l'accès à cette rééducation pour la prévention et le traitement des dysfonctions anorectales, du prolapsus des organes pelviens et des douleurs périnéales. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Une recherche de la littérature scientifique et des autres sources d'information a été réalisée : revue des revues, revue rapide, revue exploratoire ou recension des guides de pratique clinique selon la question d'évaluation. Une revue de la littérature économique a été menée pour évaluer l'efficience de la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne à l'aide d'études jugées transférables au contexte québécois. Une analyse d'impact budgétaire a permis d'estimer l'impact de l'ajout de la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne à la gamme de services publics offerts au Québec pour le traitement de chacune des dysfonctions du plancher pelvien. Les travaux ont été accompagnés par un comité consultatif d'experts, un comité de patientes collaboratrices et un comité de suivi. Dans un souci de mobilisation et d'intégration des connaissances, une approche multidimensionnelle a été employée en intégrant les données scientifiques, contextuelles et expérientielles. Les énoncés de preuve scientifique formulés ont été soumis à une démarche d'appréciation de la preuve. Les recommandations ont fait l'objet d'une délibération par le Comité délibératif permanent − Modes d'intervention en santé. RÉSULTATS: Femmes en période périnatale Chez une population de femmes enceintes ou en période post-partum, les preuves sont insuffisantes pour conclure quant à l'efficacité de la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour la prévention ou le traitement des dysfonctions anorectales, du prolapsus des organes pelviens ou des douleurs périnéales. Il y a également un niveau de preuve insuffisant en ce qui concerne le traitement des dysfonctions anorectales chez les femmes qui présentent des lésions obstétricales du sphincter anal. Certains guides recommandent toutefois la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne après l'échec des traitements initiaux compte tenu du peu d'effets secondaires associés à cette rééducation. Dysfonctions anorectales: La rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pourrait être plus efficace que les soins usuels (sans médication) pour traiter l'incontinence anale chez les femmes adultes. Le niveau de preuve est toutefois jugé faible en raison du petit nombre d'études, qui sont de faible qualité. Les guides de pratique clinique recommandent la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne après l'échec des traitements initiaux. Il ne semble pas y avoir de différence quant à l'efficacité entre la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne et le lopéramide ou des injections anales de dextranomère pour traiter l'incontinence anale chez la femme adulte. Le niveau de preuve est toutefois jugé faible en raison du petit nombre d'études, qui sont de faible qualité. L'absence de preuve ne permet pas de se prononcer sur l'effet de la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour le traitement de la constipation fonctionnelle. Un guide recommande cette rééducation pour le traitement de la constipation. Malgré le peu de preuves, les guides de pratique clinique recommandent généralement la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour le traitement des dysfonctions anorectales, car elle est considérée comme une option raisonnable en raison de l'a de l'absence d'événements indésirables associés et de son caractère non effractif. Prolapsus des organes pelviens: La rééducation périnéale et pelvienne semble efficace comme traitement de première intention du prolapsus des organes pelviens (stades I à III) pour réduire la sévérité du prolapsus de la paroi vaginale antérieure et les symptômes généraux du prolapsus des organes pelviens à court terme (niveau de preuve modéré). Les guides de pratique clinique recommandent à l'unanimité l'utilisation de la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour le traitement des prolapsus des organes pelviens de stades I et II. D'après une littérature limitée et l'opinion des experts consultés, il est estimé que de 4 à 10 séances supervisées durant une période minimale de 16 semaines pourraient être suffisantes pour traiter un prolapsus des organes pelviens chez les femmes adultes. RECOMMANDATIONS: Compte tenu de la cohérence de l'ensemble des données constituant la preuve, de l'efficacité, du caractère sécuritaire de l'intervention ainsi que du peu d'effets indésirables, l'INESSS reconnait la pertinence d'un accès à la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne (c'est-à-dire offre publique et/ou modalités de remboursement) pour le traitement du prolapsus des organes pelviens. L'INESSS recommande : un accès facilité à la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne en traitement du prolapsus des organes pelviens chez la femme adulte, lorsque cliniquement indiqué; un accès à l'intervention durant un maximum de dix séances; que l'intervention puisse s'étendre sur une période de seize semaines ou plus, selon les besoins individuels des patientes, avant de procéder à une réévaluation de la conduite à suivre; que l'intervention soit supervisée par un physiothérapeute qualifié et détenant l'expertise requise; que la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne puisse être accessible plus d'une fois, soit à différentes périodes de la vie d'une femme ou pour traiter différentes conditions. Compte tenu du niveau de preuve jugé faible, l'INESSS n'est pas en mesure de prendre position, pour le moment, à propos de la pertinence d'un accès facilité à la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne pour le traitement des dysfonctions anorectales et des douleurs périnéales chez les femmes adultes. Dans le cas où de nouvelles données deviendraient disponibles, une réévaluation par l'INESSS serait pertinente. De plus, l'INESSS réitère sa recommandation que le Ministère se dote d'une stratégie et d'un plan d'implantation prévoyant: la mise en œuvre progressive des services en fonction des ressources disponibles; l'application de mesures pour favoriser un accès équitable à ces services à toutes les femmes du Québec pour qui la rééducation serait indiquée; le développement d'outils de sensibilisation pour informer les femmes et les professionnels de la santé sur les dysfonctions du plancher pelvien et l'existence de modalités thérapeutiques comme la rééducation périnéale et pelvienne ­ p. ex. feuillet d'information, sites Web, médias, etc.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor dysfunctions significantly impact on physical, psychological, sexual and social quality of life. Their prevalence is often underestimated because of the reluctance and embarrassment to discuss these symptoms. The costs associated with pelvic floor dysfunctions in women are substantial, and they constitute an economic burden for society [Sung et al., 2010]. Conservative treatments, such as perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) are usually proposed as firstline options to treat these disorders in women, and surgical procedures may be proposed if conservative and pharmacological treatments fail. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) asked the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) to evaluate the advisability of including perineal and pelvic rehabilitation in the range of public services offered in Québec to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunctions. The request specifically concerned the efficacy of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, the risks, the conditions of use, and the economic and organizational impact. In Part 1 of this project, INESSS issued a favourable recommendation regarding access to perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence, one of the common sequelae of pelvic floor dysfunction. In the continuation of the project, presented in this report, we examine and make recommendations regarding access to perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the prevention and treatment of anorectal dysfunctions, pelvic organ prolapse, and perineal pain. METHODOLOGY: A search of the scientific literature and other information sources was conducted: an umbrella review, an exploratory review, or a review of the clinical practice guidelines, depending on the evaluation question. The economic literature was reviewed to assess the cost-effectiveness of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, using studies deemed transferable to the Québec context. A budget impact analysis was performed to estimate the impact of adding perineal and pelvic rehabilitation to the range of publicly funded services available in Québec for the treatment of each pelvic floor dysfunction. The work was supported by an advisory committee of experts, a committee of patient collaborators, and a follow-up committee. In order to mobilize and integrate the knowledge, a multidimensional approach was used in which scientific, contextual and experiential data were integrated. The statements of scientific evidence that were drawn up were subjected to grading of the quality of evidence. The recommendations were deliberated on by the Comité délibératif permanent − Modes d'intervention en santé. RESULTS: Pregnant or postpartum women: In a population of pregnant or postpartum women, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that perineal and pelvic rehabilitation is effective in preventing or treating anorectal dysfunctions, pelvic organ prolapse or perineal pain. There is also an insufficient level of evidence regarding the treatment of anorectal dysfunctions in women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries. However, some guidelines recommend perineal and pelvic rehabilitation after initial treatments have failed, given the few adverse effects associated with it. Other adult women (including those 55 years of age and older): Anorectal dysfunctions: Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation may be more effective than standard care (without medication) in treating fecal incontinence in adult women. However, the level of evidence is considered low because of the small number of studies, which are of low quality. The clinical practice guidelines recommend perineal and pelvic rehabilitation after initial treatments have failed.. There appears to be no difference in efficacy between perineal and pelvic rehabilitation and loperamide or anal injections of dextranomer for treating fecal incontinence in adult women. However, the level of evidence is considered low because of the small number of studies, which are of low quality. Because of the lack of evidence, we cannot rule on the effect of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the treatment of functional constipation. One guideline recommends this intervention for the treatment of constipation. Despite the paucity of evidence, the clinical practice guidelines generally recommend perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the treatment of anorectal dysfunctions, as it is considered a reasonable option, given that there are no associated adverse effects and that it is noninvasive. Pelvic organ prolapse: Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation appears to be effective as a first-line treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (stages I to III) in reducing the severity of anterior vaginal wall prolapse and the overall symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in the short term (moderate level of evidence). The clinical practice guidelines unanimously recommend the use of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the treatment of stage I and II pelvic organ prolapse. Based on limited literature and the opinion of the experts consulted, it is estimated that 4 to 10 supervised sessions over a period of at least 16 weeks may be sufficient to treat pelvic organ prolapse in adult women. RECOMMENDATIONS: Given the consistency of all the data constituting the evidence, the efficacy and safety of the intervention, and its few adverse effects, INESSS recognizes the advisability of access to perineal and pelvic rehabilitation (i.e., public offer and/or coverage terms) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. INESSS recommends: Facilitated access to perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in adult women, when clinically indicated; Access to this intervention for a maximum of ten sessions; That it be possible to extend the intervention over a period of 16 or more weeks, depending on the individual patient's needs, before reassessing the course of action; That the intervention be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist with the necessary expertise; That perineal and pelvic rehabilitation be available more than once, i.e., at different times in a woman's life or to treat different conditions. Given what is considered a low level of evidence, INESSS is unable to take a position, at this time, on the advisability of facilitating access to perineal and pelvic rehabilitation for the treatment of anorectal dysfunctions and perineal pain in adult women. Should new data become available, a reevaluation by INESSS would be appropriate. In addition, INESSS reiterates its recommendation that the MSSS develop a strategy and an implementation plan that includes: The gradual implementation of services according to the available resources; The implementation of measures to promote equal access to these services for all Québec women for whom rehabilitation is indicated; The development of knowledge transfer tools for informing women and health professionals about pelvic floor dysfunctions and the existence of treatment modalities, such as perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, e.g., an information sheet, websites, media, etc.; The potential use of additional modalities for providing perineal and pelvic rehabilitation to certain patient populations, such as group sessions or telerehabilitation. These modalities: Should involve supervision by a qualified physiotherapist; Should be used with caution, as their efficacy has not been systematically evaluated in this project; Should be the focus of research projects in the Québec context and be adjusted as new data become available. Exploring measures to promote broader access by involving the participation of various professionals (physiotherapists, midwives, nurses, physicians and physiotherapy technicians) in this offer of services; The implementation of measures to support the training of the professionals involved in the offer of services; Adjusting the offer of services according to the demand over time, based on new developments or research in this field.

Acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor disorders: A protocol of randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Female pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the common chronic diseases affecting women's physical and mental health. Pregnancy and delivery are one of the main causes. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a common method for the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, but it has some defects. Acupoint injection has advantages in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, but there is a lack of standard clinical research to verify it. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy and safety of acupoints injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation. And it is approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research of our hospital. Patients were randomly divided into observation group (acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation group) or control group (pelvic floor rehabilitation group alone). The patients were followed up for 8 weeks after 12 weeks of treatment. The observation indexes included: pelvic organ prolapse degree, pelvic floor muscle strength, urinary incontinence score, adverse reactions, among others. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 18.0. CONCLUSIONS: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, and provide reliable reference for the clinical application of this project. TRIAL REGISTRATION: OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VC65Z.

[Influence of complex rehabilitation programs on the uterine blood flow in patients of different age after plastic surgery for rectocele]. / Vliyanie reabilitatsionnykh kompleksnykh programm na pokazateli matochnogo krovotoka po dannym 3D-ekhodopplerografii u patsientok raznykh vozrastnykh grupp posle plasticheskoi operatsii po povodu rektotsele.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the optimized complex programs, including general magnetotherapy, fractional microablative therapy with a CO2 laser, electromyostimulation with biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles, and a special exercise therapy complex in late rehabilitation programs for women of different age after reconstructive plastic surgery for rectocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 200 women of childbearing, peri- and menopausal age with rectocele grade II-III and 20 healthy women of comparable age. All patients were divided into 4 groups by 50 womes: main group, two comparison groups and control group. Surgical treatment of rectocele was followed by long-term postoperative rehabilitation including symptomatic therapy, general magnetotherapy, and electromyostimulation with biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles, intra-vaginal fractional microablative therapy with a CO2 laser and special complex of therapeutic physical education. RESULTS: General magnetotherapy in early (1 day) postoperative period and complex rehabilitation in long-term postoperative period (within a month after surgery) including 2 procedures of intra-vaginal microablative fractional therapy with carbon dioxide laser, electromyostimulation with biological connection of the pelvic floor muscles and special complex of therapeutic physical education ensured more significant improvement of uterine blood flow regardless age and baseline disorders in the uterine arteries in patients with rectocele. In our opinion, this is primarily due to vasoactive effects of general magnetotherapy, recovery of circulation via relief of spasm in the arteries and arterioles, improved vein contractility and venous outflow. These processes combined with electrical stimulation and therapeutic exercises of pelvic floor muscle followed by their reinforcement, as well as fractional microablative therapy ensured significant vascular effect.

Urotherapist activities in caring for patients with pelvic floor disorders: a prospective single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: Patients with pelvic floor disorders are growing in number. The aim of this study is to outline the main activities of a urotherapist, an advanced nurse practitioner, in the care of patients with pelvic floor disorders and to evaluate patient satisfaction with the service urotherapists provide. METHODS: The prospective single-center observational study was carried out from July 2016 to June 2018. Parameters used to assess the urotherapist activities included the number of consultations, type of counselling, time frame of consultations and therapy and patient satisfaction. In a subgroup of 38 patients, satisfaction with the urotherapy sessions was evaluated by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Totally, 1709 patients were examined by urogynecologists. Five hundred and fourteen (30%) with chronic pelvic floor disorders were subsequently referred to a urotherapist. Of these patients, 60% were at least 65 years old. The most common pelvic floor disorders (221 patients; 43%) were an overactive bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic cystitis and pelvic pain syndrome; the second most common pelvic floor disorder was pelvic organ prolapsed (151 patients; 29%). Of the study subgroup comprising 38 patients, 32 (84%) returned the patient satisfaction questionnaire. All 32 patients specified their level of agreement with the urotherapist's professional competence, empathy, temporal availability and quality of advice as "agree to strongly agree." CONCLUSIONS: Management by a urotherapist was highly appreciated. The role of the urotherapist as a care coordinator, their level of autonomy and barriers to the implementation in primary care requires further exploration.

Telehealth in the rehabilitation of female pelvic floor dysfunction: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased the awareness and efforts to provide care from distance using information technologies. We reviewed the literature about the practice and effectiveness of the rehabilitation of the female pelvic floor dysfunction via telehealth regarding symptomatology and quality of life and function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS: A bibliographic review was carried out in May 2020 in the databases: Embase, Medline/PubMed, LILACS and PEDro. A total of 705 articles were reviewed after the removal of duplicates. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated by the PEDro scale. Two authors performed data extraction into a standardized spreadsheet. RESULTS: Four studies were included, two being randomized controlled trials. Among the RCTs, only one compared telehealth with face-to-face treatment; the second one compared telehealth with postal treatment. The other two studies are follow-up and cost analysis reports on telehealth versus postal evaluation. Data showed that women who received the intervention remotely presented significant improvement in their symptoms, such as reducing the number of incontinence episodes and voiding frequency, improving PFM strength and improving quality of life compared to women who had the face-to-face treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth promoted a significant improvement in urinary symptoms, PFM function and quality of life. Telehealth is still emerging, and more studies are needed to draw more conclusions. The recommendations of the governmental authorities, physical therapy councils and corresponding associations of each country also need to be considered.

Importance of a pelvic floor lifestyle program in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on the symptoms and quality of life of patients undergoing supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Secondary objectives included: baseline assessment of patients' knowledge of the pelvic floor; and patient satisfaction and symptom improvement after the entire PFMT program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational questionnaire-based study in women attending a PFMT program consisting of four educational sessions, one visual feedback session, and five personalized training sessions. The patients completed the questionnaire at baseline, after the four educational sessions and then after completion of program. The questionnaires included the ICIQ-SF, USP, Contilife, PFDI 20, Kess and Wexner scores. Additional questions were added before treatment about the patient's knowledge of the pelvic floor. RESULTS: Seventy-nine women were included. Improvement in symptoms was significant after the four educational sessions: mean PFDI-20 score decreased from 68.5-29.5 (p < 0.05); ICIQ-SF score from 8.0-3.1 (p < 0.05), Wexner and Kess scores from 8.2-6.5 and from 13.3-10 (p < 0.05). Symptom scores were also all significantly improved on completion of the program. After the four educational sessions, 50 of the 68 patients (73.5 %) with complete questionnaires reported feeling better or much better. Only 12 (15.2 %) women overall located the pelvic floor across the entire bottom of the pelvis. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that four educational sessions can improve symptoms and quality of life before PFM reinforcement itself. If confirmed by larger prospective studies, a solid educational element should be systematically integrated in all PFMT programs.

Efetividade da acupuntura auricular associada ao treinamento muscular pélvico para controle da incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical: ensaio clínico randomizado / Effectiveness of auricular acupuncture associated with pelvic muscle training to control urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: randomized clinical trial

A prostatectomia radical pode causar efeitos urinários indesejáveis como incontinência urinária, noctúria, urgência miccional, frequência e esvaziamento incompleto da bexiga. Disfunções miccionais acarretam sentimentos e vivência de exclusão social e, consequente diminuição na qualidade de vida. Para casos de incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical é indicada a realização do treinamento muscular do soalho pélvico como primeira escolha para auxiliar no mecanismo de fechamento uretral. Dentre as práticas integrativas e complementares que têm contribuições na área da saúde, pode-se citar a acupuntura auricular. Esta baseia-se na estimulação de acupontos no pavilhão auricular para aliviar sinais e sintomas de diversas condições, dentre elas, os sintomas do trato urinário inferior. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da acupuntura auricular associada ao treinamento muscular do soalho pélvico na incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado baseado nas recomendações do Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials e Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture. Os dados foram coletados entre abril de 2019 e abril de 2020. A amostra foi constituída por 60 homens com incontinência urinária após retirada do cateter vesical de demora, alocados em dois grupos: controle (n=30) que recebeu orientações sobre treinamento muscular do soalho pélvico; e intervenção (n=30) que recebeu acupuntura auricular associada às orientações sobre treinamento muscular do soalho pélvico. As orientações sobre treinamento muscular ocorreram durante oito sessões presenciais semanais associadas à entrega de um livreto que auxiliava a continuidade dos exercícios em domicílio. Para o grupo intervenção, a acupuntura auricular também foi ofertada em oito sessões semanais. A avaliação ocorreu em dois momentos: antes de qualquer tratamento (pré-teste) e após oito semanas de acompanhamento (9ª sessão ­ pós-teste). Foram utilizados os instrumentos questionário sociodemográfico e clínico, daily pad used, pad test de uma hora, escala de incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) e King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). O modelo longitudinal, com o uso das equações de estimações generalizadas e teste de diferença de proporções, foi empregado na análise estatística. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Resultados: a gravidade da incontinência urinária diminuiu entre o pré-teste e pós-teste no grupo intervenção e, também, no grupo controle sem diferenças estatísticas na evolução entre os dois grupos. Em relação ao impacto da incontinência na qualidade de vida, identificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos no pós-teste ao nível do domínio "medidas de gravidade" (p=0,013), o que indicou menor impacto da IU para este domínio apenas no grupo intervenção. Na análise da frequência dos itens deste domínio, detectou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos no pós-teste para o item "troca suas roupas íntimas quando elas estão molhadas" (p=0,018). Evidenciou-se também que o grupo intervenção teve, respectivamente, 20,8% (p=0,007) e 25,3% (p=0,002) menos chance de apresentar noctúria e urgência miccional. Verificou-se também redução estatisticamente significativa no impacto da incontinência na qualidade de vida nos domínios "emoções" (p<0,001) e "sono e disposição" (p=0,008) no grupo intervenção. Conclusão: a AA não mostrou-se efetiva para potencializar a ação do treinamento muscular na redução da gravidade da incontinência urinária. Por outro lado, quanto ao impacto da incontinência urinária na qualidade vida, a associação da acupuntura auricular ao treinamento mostrou-se mais efetiva, principalmente pela diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos no pós-teste para o domínio "medidas de gravidade", bem como pela redução da chance dos sintomas de noctúria e urgência miccional. Frente a esses achados, recomenda-se a associação das terapias como um cuidado efetivo aos homens com incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-3jm5y2.

Radical prostatectomy can cause undesirable urinary effects such as urinary incontinence, nocturia, urinary urgency, frequency and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Voiding dysfunctions cause feelings and experience of social exclusion and, consequently, decrease in quality of life. For cases of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy, muscle training of the pelvic floor is indicated as the first choice to assist in the urethral closure mechanism. Among the integrative and complementary practices that have contributions in the health area, we can mention auricular acupuncture. This is based on the stimulation of acupoints in the ear to relieve signs and symptoms of several conditions, including lower urinary tract symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture associated with pelvic floor muscle training in urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. This is a randomized clinical trial based on the recommendations of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture. Data were collected between April 2019 and April 2020. The sample consisted of 60 men with urinary incontinence after removal of the indwelling bladder catheter, allocated into two groups: control (n = 30) who received guidance on floor muscle training pelvic; and intervention (n = 30) that received auricular acupuncture associated with guidelines on muscle training of the pelvic floor. The guidelines on muscle training took place during eight weekly face-to-face sessions associated with the delivery of a booklet that helped to continue the exercises at home. For the intervention group, auricular acupuncture was also offered in eight weekly sessions. The evaluation took place in two moments: before any treatment (pre-test) and after eight weeks of follow-up (9th session - post-test). The socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, daily pad used, one-hour pad test, urinary incontinence scale after radical prostatectomy, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were used. The longitudinal model, using generalized estimation equations and proportional difference test, was used in the statistical analysis. The level of significance adopted was 0.05. Results: the severity of urinary incontinence decreased between the pre-test and post-test in the intervention group and also in the control group without statistical differences in the evolution between the two groups. Regarding the impact of incontinence on quality of life, a statistically significant difference was identified between the groups in the post-test at the level of the "severity measures" domain (p = 0.013), which indicated a lower impact of UI for this domain only in the intervention group. In the analysis of the frequency of the items in this domain, a statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in the post-test for the item "change your underwear when they are wet" (p = 0.018). It was also evident that the intervention group had, respectively, 20.8% (p = 0.007) and 25.3% (p = 0.002) less chance of presenting nocturia and urinary urgency. There was also a statistically significant reduction in the impact of incontinence on quality of life in the domains "emotions" (p <0.001) and "sleep and mood" (p = 0.008) in the intervention group. Conclusion: AA was not effective in potentiating the action of muscle training in reducing the severity of urinary incontinence. On the other hand, regarding the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life, the association of ear acupuncture with training proved to be more effective, mainly due to the statistically significant difference between the groups in the post-test for the "severity measures" domain, as well as by reducing the chance of nocturia symptoms and urinary urgency. In view of these findings, the association of therapies as an effective care for men with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is recommended. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-3jm5y2.

Effect of different electrical stimulation protocols for pelvic floor rehabilitation of postpartum women with extremely weak muscle strength: Randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is one of the main risk factor of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Postpartum women with extremely weak muscle strength have difficulty to do voluntary pelvic floor muscle training. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different protocols of electrical stimulation in the treatment of postpartum women with extremely weak muscle strength. METHODS: A total of 67 women were randomized into 2 groups: group A received transvaginal electrical stimulation (TVES) for 5 times, and group B received TVES for 3 times with electromyogram (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation twice. Subjects were evaluated before and after treatment. Pelvic muscle strength was measured by both digital vaginal palpation and EMG variables, and quality of life was investigated by 4 kinds of pelvic floor disease-related questionnaires. RESULTS: According to the intention-to-treat principle, compared with baseline, in group A, EMG of contractile amplitude of endurance phase was significantly elevated (P = .03), variation of contractile amplitude in tonic phase was more stable after treatment (P = .004), and EMG of mean value of final rest was significantly elevated after treatment (P = .047). After 5 times treatments, the incidence of correct pelvic floor muscle contraction in group A was significantly elevated (P = .045). No significant difference of muscle strength test by digital vaginal palpation was detected between the 2 groups, so did questionnaires. CONCLUSION: For postpartum women with extremely weak muscle strength, TVES for 5 times might be more benefit for control ability of pelvic muscle contractions and elevating muscle strength even in short-time treatment.

How well do published randomized controlled trials on pelvic floor muscle training interventions for urinary incontinence describe the details of the intervention? A review.

CONTEXT: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is strongly recommended for the management of mild to moderate urinary incontinence (UI) in women, yet the specific elements of PFMT that lead to improvement have not been identified. This gap in knowledge may be related, at least in part, to the lack of detail provided on intervention parameters reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) OBJECTIVE: Using three different instruments: the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT), the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist, and the Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, the purpose of this study was to assess the completeness of exercise reporting among moderate to high quality RCTs on PFMT for women with UI. METHODS: Two raters independently scored all 65 RCTs (n = 65) retrieved by the most up-to-date Cochrane Systematic Review on PFMT for women with UI, and only those of moderate to high quality (>6 on the PEDro scale) were retained. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were scored by two independent reviewers using the CERT, TIDieR, and CONTENT instruments. The completeness of intervention reporting was evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Over half of the items on each instrument were reported less than 50% of the time. Overall, completeness of exercise reporting was 31% (5.8/16 ± 2.4) on CERT, 47% (5.6/12 ± 1.5) on TIDieR, and 46% (4.1/9 ± 1) on CONTENT. The least frequently reported items were the provider of the intervention, the equipment used, the tailoring of exercises, the rationale behind the intervention, and adherence to the intervention. CONCLUSION: PFMT parameters are not adequately reported in the primary RCTs that currently guide clinical practice.

Influence of the urine stream interruption exercise on micturition.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of urine stream interruption exercise on micturition. METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively in female patients without urinary disorders. Two uroflowmetries were performed: one during a usual micturition and one during an exercise of urine stream interruption. For the urine stream interruption exercise the subject was asked to begin the micturition, to stop it at 3 s, when the stream is interrupted, to start voiding again, then again stop it at 3 s and repeat this manoeuvre until the end of the micturition. RESULTS: Twenty female patients (mean age 38.7 years old, SD 12.3) were included. Post void residual volume was higher after the urine stream interruption micturition (mean 36.7 mL, SD 46.6) than during standard micturition (mean 8.2 mL, SD 24.1) (P = 0.02). During normal voiding, the maximal flow rate was higher (26.9 mL/min vs 17.8 mL/min; P < 0.0001). There was no difference concerning neither the voiding volume nor the slope of ascending part of flow curve. During urine stream interruption micturition, the flow rate slope, the voiding volume and the maximal flow rate by voiding sequence were decreasing as the voiding sequences followed each other. CONCLUSIONS: Urine stream interruption increases the post-void residual volume and translates into less efficient micturition. Thus, it should not be used in current practice of pelvic floor muscles training.

Traditional Biofeedback vs. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy-Is One Clearly Superior?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pelvic floor physical therapy is a worldwide accepted therapy that has been exclusively used to manage many pelvic floor disorders in adults and children. The aim of this review is to suggest to clinicians an updated understanding of this therapeutic approach in management of children with non-neuropathic voiding dysfunction. RECENT FINDINGS: Today, pelvic floor muscle training through biofeedback is widely used as a part of a voiding retraining program aiming to help children with voiding dysfunction which is caused by pelvic floor overactivity. Biofeedback on its own, without a pelvic floor training component, is not an effective treatment. Biofeedback is an adjunct to the pelvic floor training. In the current review, we develop the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in management of children with non-neuropathic voiding dysfunction and compare it with biofeedback therapy alone.

The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) in a systematic review of exercise-based rehabilitation effectiveness: completeness of reporting, rater agreement, and utility.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation interventions are diverse - making decisions about pooling data in meta-analyses challenging. Intervention reporting templates such as the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) may help reviewers document intervention variability. AIM: To assess inter-rater agreement and utility of CERT used to assess completeness of reporting of one rehabilitation exercise intervention: pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). DESIGN: A non-experimental agreement study. SETTING: Update of the Cochrane systematic review comparing different approaches to PFMT for urinary incontinence in women. POPULATION: Two PFMT arms from 21 newly identified trials. METHODS: Five raters independently used CERT to assess sufficiency of reporting of each arm (experimental PFMT and control PFMT) of each trial. One rater, PFMT non-expert, rated all trials. Four raters, all PFMT experts, assessed a mutually exclusive subgroup of the trials. In addition to rating sufficiency - "Yes" compared to No" or "Uncertain" - raters also reported on CERT utility. Expert ratings were used to determine the proportion of CERT items rated as sufficiently reported. Rater agreement was estimated using coefficient kappa and McNemar's test. RESULTS: The range of CERT items rated as sufficiently reported was 0 to 15 of 19 items, and the mean for both trial arms was 5.5. For agreement, 11 of 19 items had sufficient data to estimate coefficient kappa and only 3 of 11 had a kappa >0.4 (moderate agreement). From the 12 of 19 items for which McNemar's test could be performed, five had evidence that PFMT experts more often rated the reporting as sufficient than the non-expert. Raters reported the CERT template was comprehensive but not complete and needed contextualizing for PFMT. CONCLUSIONS: Completeness of reporting was poor for this example of a rehabilitation exercise intervention, and equally poor in both trial arms. Inter-rater agreement of completeness of reporting was also poor. Using a data extraction tool with poor rater-agreement may add unnecessary burden in a review. However, using a data extraction tool that enables assessment of intervention homogeneity has benefits in making decisions about which data to pool or not. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Researchers reporting clinical trials must pay more attention to completeness of rehabilitation exercise reporting.

Outpatient visits versus telephone interviews for postoperative care: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to determine whether postoperative telephone follow-up was noninferior to in-person clinic visits based on patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were safety and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Women scheduled for pelvic surgery were recruited from a single academic institution and randomized to clinic or telephone follow-up. The clinic group returned for visits 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively and the telephone group received a call from a nurse at the same time intervals. Women completed the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care Survey (S-CAHPS) questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)-20, and pain scales prior to and 3 months postoperatively. Randomized patients who completed the S-CAHPS at 3 months were included for analysis. Sample size calculations, based on a 15% noninferiority limit in the S-CAHPS global assessment surgeon rating, required 100 participants, with power = 80% and alpha = 0.025. RESULTS: From October 2016 to November 2017, 100 participants were consented, underwent surgery, were randomized, and included in the final analysis (clinic group n = 50, telephone group n = 50). Mean age was 58.5 ± 12.2 years. Demographic data and surgery type, dichotomized into outpatient and inpatient, did not differ between groups. The S-CAHPS global assessment surgeon rating from patients in the telephone group was noninferior to the clinic group (92 vs 88%, respectively, rated their surgeons 9 and10, with a noninferiority limit of 36.1; p = 0.006). Adverse events did not differ between groups (n = 26; 57% fclinic vs 43% telephone; p = 0.36). Patients in the telephone group did not require additional emergency room or primary care visits. Clinical outcome measures improved in both groups, with no differences (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Telephone follow-up after pelvic floor surgery results in noninferior patient satisfaction, without differences in clinical outcomes or adverse events. Telephone follow-up may improve healthcare quality and decrease patient and provider burden for postoperative care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT02891187.