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.

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.

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.

Effect of different delivery modes on the short-term strength of the pelvic floor muscle in Chinese primipara.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of different delivery modes and related obstetric factors on the short-term strength of the pelvic floor muscle after delivery in Chinese primipara. METHODS: A total of 4769 healthy Chinese primiparas at postpartum 6-8 weeks were interviewed. According to the difference of delivery mode, the selected primiparas were divided into 2 groups, including cesarean delivery group containing 2020 and vaginal delivery group containing 2749. All the vaginal deliveries were further divided into 3 groups, including episiotomy group containing 2279, perineal laceration group containing 398, and forceps assisted group containing72. The scales of their pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strengths were examined by specially trained personnel using digital palpation (Modified Oxford scale:0-5 grade). According to participants' willingness, if the PFM strength was weak (0 or 1 grade), at-home PFM training would be recommended and an electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback therapy would be conducted for them in hospital. Twelve weeks after delivery, the PFM strength would be measured again. For statistical analysis, t-test, one-way variance analysis, Chi-square analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test H, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were carried out. RESULTS: The PFM strength in cesarean delivery group was higher than in vaginal delivery group (p < 0.05). Among 3 vaginal delivery groups, the PFM strength in perineal laceration group was the highest (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in PFM strength between episiotomy group and forceps assisted group (p>0.05). After accepting PFM training at home and therapy in hospital, 305 women showed increased PFM strength (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal delivery is an independent risk factor causing the damage of PFM, and episiotomy may cause injury of PFM. Through PFM training at home and therapy in hospital, those damage will resume as soon as possible in the short-time period after delivery.

Pelvic muscle floor rehabilitation as a therapeutic option in lifelong premature ejaculation: long-term outcomes.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) rehabilitation in males with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE), using intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and the self-report Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) as primary outcomes. A total of 154 participants were retrospectively reviewed in this study, with 122 completing the training protocol. At baseline, all participants had an IELT ≤60 s and PEDT score >11. Participants completed a 12-week program of PFM rehabilitation, including physio-kinesiotherapy treatment, electrostimulation, and biofeedback, with three sessions per week, with 20 min for each component completed at each session. The effectiveness of intervention was evaluated by comparing the change in the geometric mean of IELT and PEDT values, from baseline, at 3, 6, and 12 months during the intervention, and at 24 and 36 months postintervention, using a paired sample 2-tailed t-test, including the associated 95% confidence intervals. Of the 122 participants who completed PFM rehabilitation, 111 gained control of their ejaculation reflex, with a mean IELT of 161.6 s and PEDT score of 2.3 at the 12-week endpoint of the intervention, representing an increase from baseline of 40.4 s and 17.0 scores, respectively, for IELT and PEDT (P < 0.0001). Of the 95 participants who completed the 36-month follow-up, 64% and 56% maintained satisfactory ejaculation control at 24 and 36 months postintervention, respectively.

Dry Needling in myofascial tracks in Non-Relaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A case study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case report is to describe the use of Dry Needling (DN) in myofascial tracks related to the pelvic floor (PF) in the management of a male with Non-Relaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (NRPFD). CLINICAL FEATURES: A 42-year-old man, with a 20-year history of frequent urination, was referred to the physical therapy clinic by a urologist with diagnosis of NRPFD. The patient was suffering from a sense of incomplete evacuation and difficulty to start urination. He had to urinate every 30 min. The initiation of urination was so difficult that patient had to facilitate it by splashing warm water on his penis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: DN was performed for 10 sessions. The first three sessions were performed every other day in the same week. In the second week, DN was performed twice at three-day intervals, and the other sessions were performed such that one session was held per week. Selected stretching exercises were prescribed in the first session. The results showed that the patient had reported no urination during sleep, and urination six to eight times when was awake. A three-month follow-up with a telephone-based interview showed that the symptoms did not recur. CONCLUSION: This study showed the possible efficacy of prescribing DN in myofascial tracks in the management of a male with NRPFD. More studies are required to clarify the issue.

Pelvic muscle floor rehabilitation as a therapeutic option in lifelong premature ejaculation: long-term outcomes / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) rehabilitation in males with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE), using intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and the self-report Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) as primary outcomes. A total of 154 participants were retrospectively reviewed in this study, with 122 completing the training protocol. At baseline, all participants had an IELT ≤60 s and PEDT score >11. Participants completed a 12-week program of PFM rehabilitation, including physio-kinesiotherapy treatment, electrostimulation, and biofeedback, with three sessions per week, with 20 min for each component completed at each session. The effectiveness of intervention was evaluated by comparing the change in the geometric mean of IELT and PEDT values, from baseline, at 3, 6, and 12 months during the intervention, and at 24 and 36 months postintervention, using a paired sample 2-tailed t-test, including the associated 95% confidence intervals. Of the 122 participants who completed PFM rehabilitation, 111 gained control of their ejaculation reflex, with a mean IELT of 161.6 s and PEDT score of 2.3 at the 12-week endpoint of the intervention, representing an increase from baseline of 40.4 s and 17.0 scores, respectively, for IELT and PEDT (P < 0.0001). Of the 95 participants who completed the 36-month follow-up, 64% and 56% maintained satisfactory ejaculation control at 24 and 36 months postintervention, respectively.

Ultrasound-based motor control training for the pelvic floor pre- and post-prostatectomy: Scoring reliability and skill acquisition.

AIM: This study documents a protocol designed to evaluate pelvic floor motor control in men with prostate cancer. It also aims to evaluate the reliability of therapists in rating motor control of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) using real time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) video clips. We further determine predictors of acquiring motor control. METHODS: Ninety-one men diagnosed with prostate cancer attending a physiotherapy clinic for pelvic floor exercises were taught detailed pelvic floor motor control exercises by a physiotherapist using trans-abdominal RUSI for biofeedback. A new protocol to rate motor control skill acquisition was developed. Three independent physiotherapists assessed motor control skill attainment by viewing RUSI videos of the contractions. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of successful skill attainment. Acquisition of the skill was compared between pre- and post-operative participants using an independent-group t-test. RESULTS: There was good reliability for rating the RUSI video clips (ICC 0.73 (95%CI 0.59-0.82)) for experienced therapists. Having low BMI and being seen pre-operatively predicted motor skill attainment, accounting for 46.3% of the variance. Significantly more patients trained pre-operatively acquired the skill of pelvic floor control compared with patients initially seen post-operatively (OR 11.87, 95%CI 1.4 to 99.5, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A new protocol to evaluate attainment of pelvic floor control in men with prostate cancer can be assessed reliably from RUSI images, and is most effectively delivered pre-operatively.

Management of sexuality, intimacy, and menopause symptoms in patients with ovarian cancer.

Issues of sexuality, intimacy, and early menopause significantly impact the quality of life of patients following the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. These are undertreated problems. Successful treatment requires the provider's awareness of the problem, ability to identify it, and willingness to treat it. Unfortunately many providers do not address these issues in the pretreatment or perioperative period. Furthermore, patients do not often alert their providers to their symptoms. While systemic hormone therapy may improve many of the issues, they are not appropriate for all patients given their action on estrogen receptors. However, other nonhormonal treatments exist including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiepileptics, natural remedies, and pelvic floor physical therapy. In addition psychological care and the involvement of the partner can be helpful in managing the sexual health concerns of these patients. At the time of diagnosis or at initial consultation, women should be informed of the potential physiologic, hormonal, and psychosocial effects of ovarian cancer on sexuality and that there is a multimodal approach to dealing with symptoms.

Prospective Outcomes of a Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program Including Vaginal Electrogalvanic Stimulation for Urinary, Defecatory, and Pelvic Pain Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated our experience after implementing a pelvic floor rehabilitation program including behavioral modification, biofeedback, and vaginal electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS). METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated outcomes of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary or defecatory dysfunction, pelvic pain/dyspareunia) who underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation. Patients received 4 to 7 sessions (1 every 2 weeks) including biofeedback and concluded with 30 minutes of vaginal EGS. Surveys assessed subjective changes in symptoms; success was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at the final session (10 = most successful). Paired comparisons of responses at baseline and final treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were followed up through therapy completion. Treatment indications included urinary (89.4%), defecatory (33.0%), and pelvic pain or dyspareunia (30.9%); 44.7% of patients had a combination of indications. Among women with urinary symptoms, the percentage reporting leakage decreased from 92.9% to 79.3% (P = 0.001), leakage at least daily decreased from 69.0% to 39.5% (P < 0.001), daily urgency with leakage decreased from 42.7% to 19.5% (P = 0.001), daily urgency without leakage decreased from 41.5% to 18.3% (P < 0.001), and median VAS rating (0 = not at all, 10 = a great deal) of daily life interference decreased from 5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The median success ratings were 8, 8, and 7 for treatment of urinary symptoms, pelvic pain/dyspareunia, and bowel symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive pelvic rehabilitation program including biofeedback with vaginal EGS had a high rate of self-reported subjective success and satisfaction and should be considered a nonsurgical treatment option in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

[Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the improvement of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and the prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction in China. METHODS: A multicenter prospective randomized controlled study was carried out. From October 2011, postpartum women in five provinces were randomly assigned into treatment group and control group. The women in treatment group received electrical stimulation and biofeedback treatment. The women in control group performed pelvic floor muscle exercise at home. When 6 months and 12 months after delivery, comparing two groups of patients with pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and pelvic organ prolapse quantitation measurements (POP-Q), to evaluate the effect of postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form (PFIQ-7) and pelvic organ prolapse/incontinence sexual questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) were used to evaluate the influence on quality of life and sexual life. RESULTS: Until June 2013, 324 women were participated, 124 in control group, 200 in treatment group. According to the baseline results, there was statistical significance in the results of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes between the treatment and control groups in postpartum 6 months and 12 months; the proportion above level III of type I and type II muscle fibers strength in the treatment group, it was from 41.5% (83/200) and 40.5% (81/200) to 76.3% (145/190) and 79.5% (151/190) in postpartum 6 weeks and postpartum 6 months, increased to 80.6% (58/72) and 80.6% (58/72) in postpartum 12 months, improved significantly comparing with the control group (P < 0.01). According to Point Aa, treatment group and control group in the postpartum 6 weeks was (-2.2 ± 0.7) versus (-2.4 ± 0.6) cm, in postpartum 12 months (- 2.5 ± 1.1) versus (- 2.7 ± 0.6) cm, the improvement in treatment group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). And the other points were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the questionnaires in quality of life and quality of sexual life (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy in the early postpartum period could obviously improve pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes, and is beneficial to prevent the pelvic floor dysfunction.

Fisioterapia del suelo pélvico en un caso de neuromielitis óptica / Pelvic floor physiotherapy in a case of neuromyelitis optica

La fisioterapia del suelo pélvico en las enfermedades desmielinizantes ha sido poco estudiada. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir los resultados obtenidos con la aplicación de un programa de fisioterapia basado en electroestimulación, biofeedback, gimnasia abdominal hipopresiva y conos vaginales con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida y reducir los síntomas de la incontinencia urinaria y fecal de una paciente con denervación parcial del suelo pélvico. Se presenta a una mujer de 63 años que presentó 3 episodios de mielopatía dorsal y que fue diagnosticada de neuromielitis óptica, debido a la presencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-NMO, trastornos visuales tras el primer brote y ausencia de lesiones cerebrales en la resonancia magnética. Presentaba incontinencia urinaria y fecal de origen neurógeno. La fisioterapia del suelo pélvico mejoró la calidad de vida de esta paciente con enfermedad desmielinizante y también la severidad de la incontinencia urinaria y fecal

Pelvic floor physiotherapy in myelitis disorders has been little studied. The current study has aimed to describe the results obtained through the application of a physiotherapy program based on electrostimulation, biofeedback, abdominal hypopressive technique and vaginal cones to improve quality of life and to reduce urinary and fecal incontinence symptoms in a patient with partial denervation of the pelvic floor. We present the case of a 63-year-old woman who suffered three episodes of dorsal myelopathy. She was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica due to the presence of anti-NMO IgG antibodies, visual disorders after the first outbreak and absence of brain lesions in magnetic resonance. She presented urinary and fecal incontinence of neurogenic etiology. Pelvic floor physiotherapy improved the quality of life of this patient with a myelitis disorder and also improved the severity of her urinary and fecal incontinence

Outcomes of a comprehensive nonsurgical approach to pelvic floor rehabilitation for urinary symptoms, defecatory dysfunction, and pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' intent was to determine the clinical efficacy of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation among women with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of women referred to an academic female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery practice for PFD. Data were gathered from the records of 778 women referred for pelvic floor therapy for urinary, bowel, pelvic pain, and sexual symptoms over the course of 4 years. RESULTS: Patients who completed at least 5 therapy sessions reported a mean symptom improvement of 80% in each of the 3 main categories analyzed, namely, urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, and pelvic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive, nonoperative management of PFD including pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrogalvanic stimulation, constipation management, behavioral modification, incontinence devices, and pharmacotherapy including vaginal estrogen is effective in the treatment of women with PFD.

[Significance of conservative treatment for faecal incontinence]. / Stellenwert der konservativen Therapie bei Stuhlinkontinenz.

Based on a variety of aetiological factors and combined disorders in faecal incontinence, a conservative treatment option as the primary treatment can be recommended. Conservative treatment includes medical therapy influencing stool consistency and stool passage, pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback as well as local treatment options. However, defining the role of conservative treatment concepts related to success or failure remains a challenging task. The lack of evidence derived from studies is related to a variety of reasons including inclusion criteria, patient selection, treatment standardisation, and the principal difficulty to objectively define functional success.

[Validation of a pelvic floor questionnaire with improvement and satisfaction scales to assess symptom severity, bothersomeness and quality of life before and after pelvic floor therapy]. / Beckenboden-Fragebogen für Frauen. Validierung eines Instrumentes mit posttherapeutischem Modul zur Evaluation von Symptomen, Leidensdruck, Lebensqualität, Verbesserung und Zufriedenheit.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to integrate and validate an additional post-treatment module including improvement and satisfaction scales to the validated German pelvic floor questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire contained the domains bladder, bowel prolapse, and sexual symptoms. It was completed by 55 patients before and after specific pelvic floor rehabilitation. A post-therapy module with improvement and satisfaction scales was integrated and tested psychometrically. RESULTS: Missing data did not exceed 4%. Improvement and satisfaction correlated significantly with bladder and bowel domain scores. Test-retest reliability showed moderate to good agreement. The questionnaire was sensitive to change with a large effect size. The improvement of bladder symptoms in 91% of the women correlated with the domain score. CONCLUSION: The validated German pelvic floor questionnaire including a post-treatment module assesses symptoms, improvement and satisfaction in a reliable and reproducible fashion.