Effectiveness of Abdominal Massage Versus Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is an important public health problem and significantly affects women's lives. It is important to investigate non-pharmacological applications that can be used in the treatment of chronic constipation. The aim is to assess how abdominal massage and kinesio taping impact constipation severity, quality of life (QOL), and perception of subjective improvement in women with chronic constipation. Methods: Following Rome IV diagnostic criteria, women with constipation were randomly sorted into three distinct groups for study: massage group (lifestyle recommendations+abdominal massage, n:22), taping group (lifestyle recommendations+kinesio taping, n:22), and control group (lifestyle recommendations, n:22). Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) (for constipation severity), 7 days bowel diary (for bowel function), Patient Assessment of Constipation QOL (PAC-QOL) questionnaire (for QOL), 4-item Likert-type scale (for perception of subjective improvement) was used. Results: The group x time interaction effect was significant in all CSI, bowel diary and PAC-QQL parameters, except for incomplete evacuation and PAC-QOL-worries/concerns, and a large effect size was found (Partial η2 > 0.14). Improvement scores of all parameters (except CSI-obstructive defecation, incomplete evacuation, PAC-QOL-worries/concerns) were similar in the massage and taping groups and were better than the control group. Noteworthy perceptions of subjective improvement and normalization of stool type predominantly manifested in the massage group (p<0.05). Conslusion: Abdominal massage and kinesio taping are recommended as initial conservative interventions for managing chronic constipation within the therapeutic spectrum.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Toileting Behaviors, and Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge in Younger and Older Women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary aim was to examine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), toileting behaviors, and pelvic floor health knowledge in younger and older women. The secondary aim was to compare LUTS, toileting behaviors, and pelvic floor health knowledge in younger and older women. METHODS: The study included 85 younger women and 81 older women. LUTS were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female LUTS (ICIQ-FLUTS), toileting behaviors using Toileting Behavior-Women's Elimination Behaviors (TB-WEB), and pelvic floor health knowledge using the Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge Quiz (PFHKQ). RESULTS: In terms of LUTS, the most common symptoms in younger women are urgency (31.8%), bladder pain (28.2%), and frequency of incontinence episodes (35.3%), whereas in older women, the most common symptoms observed are urgency (64.2%), frequency of incontinence episodes (61.7%), intermittency (46.9%), urgency urinary incontinence (58%), and frequency of incontinence episodes (49.4%). Most unhealthy toileting behaviors correlated with LUTS in both groups (p < 0.05). Although a weak negative correlation was detected between ICIQ-FLUTS total score and PFHKQ function in younger women (p < 0.05), no correlation was found in older women (p < 0.05). Whereas premature voiding, straining during voiding, TB-WEB total score were higher in older women than in younger women (p < 0.05), delayed voiding, position preference for voiding, and PFHKQ function/dysfunction scores were higher in younger women than in older women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the scope of preventive health services, it may be important to provide informative programs on healthy toileting behaviors and pelvic floor health to women of all ages in order to prevent LUTS.

The relationship of pain, disability, physical activity, and body awareness with kinesiophobia in pregnant women with low back pain.

PURPOSE/AIM: To investigate the relationship of pain intensity, disability level, physical activity level, and body awareness with kinesiophobia in pregnant women with low back pain (LBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynaecologic clinic of a tertiary centre. Eighty-six pregnant women were included in the study. Pain intensity, disability level, physical activity, body awareness, and kinesiophobia were assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), respectively. RESULTS: Kinesiophobia score was high in pregnant women with LBP (40.01 ± 9.02). In pregnant women with LBP, a weak positive correlation was found between kinesiophobia with mean intensity of LBP (r = 0.339, p = 0.001) and intensity of LBP in activity (r = 0.283, p = 0.008); a moderate positive correlation between kinesiophobia and disability score (r = 0.539, p = 0.001); and a weak negative correlation between kinesiophobia and physical activity level (r = -0.308, p = 0.004) and body awareness (r = -0.324, p = 0.002). There was no relationship between kinesiophobia and intensity of LBP at rest (r = 0.160, p = 0.142) and nocturnal LBP intensity (r = 0.176, p = 0.105). CONCLUSIONS: LBP intensity, disability level, physical activity level, and body awareness were significantly correlated with kinesiophobia in pregnant women with LBP. Therefore, kinesiophobia may be addressed as an important issue in pregnancy education programs.

Lower urinary tract symptoms and toileting behaviors in Turkish adult women.

This study aimed to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Turkish adult women and to compare toileting behaviors in women with and without LUTS. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 815 women. The International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Female LUTS and a toileting behaviors form, created by the authors, were used in evaluations. Nearly 50 % of the women had at least one LUTS, 45.8 % had storage symptoms, 7.4 % had voiding symptoms, and 20.2 % had incontinence symptoms. The rates of premature urination, straining during urination, delayed urination, and sitting on the toilet while urinating were higher in women with LUTS than in women without LUTS (p < .05). The rate of squatting on the toilet while urinating was lower in women with LUTS than those without LUTS (p < .05). Various LUTS were common in adult women. Some toileting behaviors such as premature urination, straining during urination, delayed urination, and sitting on the toilet while urinating were higher in women with LUTS compared to women without LUTS. Since the rate of unhealthy toilet behaviors is higher in women with LUTS, it is important to know unhealthy toilet behaviors in the management of LUTS and to organize training programs to prevent these behaviors and LUTS.

A comparison of lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, mobility, and respiratory functions in children and adolescents with and without nocturnal enuresis.

BACKGROUND: Postural deterioration, delayed maturation, and accompanying respiratory diseases in children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to compare lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, mobility, and respiratory functions in children and adolescents with and without nocturnal enuresis. METHODS: Children and adolescents with (n:25, nocturnal enuresis group) and without nocturnal enuresis (n:29, control group) were included. The bladder and bowel dysfunctions with the Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire and voiding diary, lumbopelvic muscle endurance with the McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, lumbopelvic stability with the Sahrmann test, lumbopelvic mobility with the Modified Schober test, and respiratory function with a spirometer were assessed. Independent samples t-test, Mann Whitney U test, and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. FINDINGS: Trunk flexor (p = 0.043), extension (p = 0.045), and right (p = 0.008) and left lateral flexion endurance test scores (sec) (p = 0.005), the Sahrmann test score (p = 0.005), and Modified Schober test (p < 0.001) results were lower in the nocturnal enuresis group compared to the control group. However, there were no differences between groups in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.415), forced vital capacity (p = 0.522), forced expiratory volume in 1 s/ forced vital capacity (p = 0.970), and peak expiratory flow values (p = 0.495). INTERPRETATION: The children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis had lower lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, and mobility compared to those without nocturnal enuresis; however, the respiratory functions were similar. The lumbopelvic structure changes may be taken into consideration for the management of nocturnal enuresis.

The Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of exercise training plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation with exercise training alone on shoulder function, pain, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. DESIGN: Patients were randomly divided into groups of exercise training ( n = 24) and exercise training + neuromuscular electrical stimulation ( n = 24). Shoulder function was evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, pain level was assessed with a visual analog scale, range of motion was measured with a goniometer, and muscle strength was assessed with a handheld dynamometer baseline and at the end of treatment (week 8). RESULTS: In both groups, shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength (except flexion muscle strength in the exercise training group) increased, while pain decreased ( P < 0.05). Compared with the exercise training group, visual analog scale-activity and visual analog scale-night decreased more, and external-rotation range of motion and whole muscle strength increased more in the exercise training + neuromuscular electrical stimulation group ( P < 0.05). On the other hand, the effect sizes were medium to large for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment to exercise training did not improve shoulder function, which is the primary outcome, more than exercise training alone, but increased muscle strength and range of motion (external-rotation only) and decreased pain (activity-night), which are the secondary outcomes.

Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Satisfaction of Partners, Urinary Symptoms, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: In women with overactive bladder (OAB), sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction of their partners have been problems that are as important as urinary symptoms. AIM: To investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women with OAB. METHODS: Women with OAB were randomized into 2 groups: 6-week PFMT (n = 21) (home exercise program) and a control group (n = 22) (did not receive any treatment for OAB). OUTCOMES: Sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partner, urinary symptoms, and PFMS were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the OAB-Version8 (OAB-V8), and the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), respectively. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, there was an increase in FSFI domains [desire (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.64; P:.001, d: 0.88); arousal (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.24, P:<.001, d: 1.17); orgasm (95% CI:0.85 to 1.47; P:<.001, d:1.89); satisfaction (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.44; P:<.001, d: 2.29); sexual pain (95% CI:0.80 to 1.52; P:<.001, d:1.47); total score (95% CI: 3.70 to 5.94; P:<.001, d: 2.55)], sexual satisfaction of partners (95% CI: 1.80 to 2.85; P:<.001, d:2.83) and PFMS scores (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.55; P:<.001, d:3.18), and a decrease in the OAB-V8 score (95% CI: -13.01 to -7.10; P:<.001, d:2.19) in the PFMT group compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in sexual dysfunction in the PFMT group compared to the control group (P:.046). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In order to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction of the partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB, PFMT should be added to the rehabilitation program in clinics. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strength of this study was that it is a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of PFMT in improving sexual function in OAB. The limitations of our study were the lack of a long-term (6 months-1 year) follow-up and the inability to blind. CONCLUSION: PFMT was effective in improving sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB. Celenay ST, Karaaslan Y, Ozdemir E. Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Satisfaction of Partners, Urinary Symptoms, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:1421-1430.

Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and knowledge level in obese women.

This study compared the pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms and knowledge levels in obese and non-obese women. The study included 40 obese and 41 non-obese women. The presence of PFD and the severity of its symptoms were questioned with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) (its sub-scales: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)). Participants' PFD knowledge levels were evaluated with the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and the Anal Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (AIKQ). The rates of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p = .001). The POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 scores were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p < .001). Moreover, the knowledge level related to treatment methods for PFD was lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women (p < .05). PFD symptom incidence and severity were higher and knowledge levels related to PFD were lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women. Informative teaching programs on this issue would be beneficial as part of preventive health services.

A comparison of Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise and sole pelvic floor muscle exercise in women with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of Kinesio taping® (KT) and external electrical stimulation (ES) in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and sole PFME in women with overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with OAB were randomly allocated into PFME, PFME + KT, PFME + ES groups. All treatments were carried out for 6 weeks. OAB symptoms with voiding diary and Overactive Bladder-Version8 (OAB-V8), pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) with perineometer, quality of life with King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed before (BT) and after treatment (AT). AT, the perception of improvement was inquired. RESULTS: AT, OAB symptoms and KHQ scores decreased and PFMS improved in all groups (p < 0.05). The intergroup comparisons revealed a further decrease in voids/day, voids/night, OAB-V8, and some KHQ scores, and a further increase in the perception of improvement in the PFME + KT and PFME + ES groups compared to the PFME group (p < 0.05). In the PFME + ES group, there was a further decrease in numbers of incontinence compared to the PFME group, and in severity measures scores compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: KT and external ES in addition to PFME were more effective than PFME alone in the treatment of OAB.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPelvic floor muscle exercise was found to be effective in reducing overactive bladder symptoms and increasing quality of life.Kinesio taping or external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise is more effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms, quality of life, and perception of improvement than pelvic floor muscle exercise alone.Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation can be used as a complementary application in the treatment of overactive bladder.Pelvic floor muscle exercise, pelvic floor muscle exercise + Kinesio taping, and pelvic floor muscle exercise + electrical stimulation applications should be included in conservative treatment options in patients with overactive bladder to reduce symptoms and cost, and improve quality of life.

An investigation of potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and sleep quality relations.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and to assess the relationship between coronaphobia and sleep quality. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1262 participants. The Covid-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) were used to measure outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were constructed to determine risk factors for coronaphobia. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between C19P-S and JSS. RESULTS: The following risk factors were found to be associated with coronaphobia: gender, marital status, presence of chronic disease, staying home, and sleep disturbances. Female gender (OR = 2.23 and OR = 2.12), being married (OR = 1.31 and OR = 1.45), chronic disease status (OR = 1.39 and OR = 1.27), staying home (OR = 1.72 and OR = 1.35) and sleep disturbances (OR = 2.63 and OR = 2.49) were found to be associated with the likelihood of having a higher coronaphobia score (p < 0.05). Weak positive correlations were found between C19P-S and its subscales and JSS scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, being married, having chronic diseases, staying home, and having sleep disturbances were found to be risk factors for having high coronaphobia scores. Moreover, the severity of coronaphobia was associated with sleep disturbances. These results should be considered in the management of coronaphobia.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With Connective Tissue Massage to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-week program of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus connective tissue massage (CTM) to PFMT alone in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on those symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life. METHODS: Thirty-four participants were randomly divided into PFMT+CTM (n = 17) and PFMT (n = 17) groups. PFMT was applied every day and CTM was applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Before treatment, at week 3, and after treatment (week 6), we assessed pelvic floor muscle strength (with a perineometer), bladder symptoms (with a urine diary), OAB symptom severity (with the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire [OAB-V8]), urgency (with the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale [PPIUS]), and quality of life (with King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ]). The Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, Friedman test, and Dunn multiple comparison test were used for analysis. RESULTS: In both groups, pelvic floor muscle strength increased, whereas OAB symptoms and PPIUS and KHQ scores decreased after treatment (P < .05). Although the OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased at week 3, frequency, OAB-V8, and PPIUS scores, in addition to some parameters of the KHQ, decreased after treatment in the PFMT+CTM group compared to the PFMT group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared to PFMT alone, PFMT+CTM achieved superior outcomes in reducing OAB symptoms in the early and late periods.

Coronaphobia, musculoskeletal pain, and sleep quality in stay-at home and continued-working persons during the 3-month Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in Turkey.

Studies related to the effects of the lockdown on musculoskeletal pain, coronaphobia, and sleep quality in individuals who stayed at home (SH) and in those who continued to work (CW) at a workplace other than home during the Covid-19 pandemic are scarce. We compare the effects of a 3-month nationwide lockdown in Turkey on musculoskeletal pain, coronaphobia, and sleep quality in individuals who SH and in those who CW during the Covid-19 pandemic. Individuals who SH (n: 375) and those who CW (n: 311) during the Covid-19 were included in this case-controlled study. Data on musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, NMQ), coronaphobia (Covid-19 Phobia Scale, C19P-S), and sleep quality (Jenkins Sleep Scale, JSS) were collected via an online form. During the 3-month Covid-19 lockdown, low back pain was higher in the SH group than CW group (p < .05). Rates of the neck, upper-back, shoulder, and hip/thigh pain were lower, and rate of low back pain was higher in the SH group (p < .05); while, rates of the neck, upper back, shoulder, and elbow pain were lower in the CW group (p < .05) during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown than pre-lockdown values. The total scores of the C19P-S and psychological, psychosomatic, social, and economic subscales were higher in the SH group (p < .05). Sleep quality was similar in both groups (p > .05). Individuals who SH had more low back pain and higher coronaphobia than individuals who CW during the 3-month Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Nonetheless, sleep quality was similar and the rate of some types of musculoskeletal pain was lower in both groups.