Trends and focal points in pelvic floor reconstruction for pelvic organ prolapse: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the current research trends and focal points in the field of pelvic floor reconstruction for the management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: To achieve this objective, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on relevant literature using the Citespace database. The analysis led to the creation of a knowledge map, offering a comprehensive overview of scientific advancements in this research area. RESULTS: The study included a total of 607 publications, revealing a consistent increase in articles addressing pelvic floor reconstruction for POP treatment. Most articles originated from the United States (317 articles), followed by Chinese scholars (40 articles). However, it is important to note that the overall number of articles remains relatively low. The organization with the highest publication frequency was the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where Matthew D. Barber leads the academic group. Barber himself has the highest number of published articles (18 articles), followed by Zhu Lan, a Chinese scholar (10 articles). Key topics with high frequency and mediated centrality include stress urinary incontinence, quality of life, impact, and age. The journal with the largest number of papers from both domestic and international researchers is INT UROGYNECOL J. The study's hotspots mainly focus on the impact of pelvic floor reconstruction on the treatment and quality of life of POP patients. The United States leads in this field, but there is a lack of cooperation between countries, institutions, and authors. Moving forward, cross-institutional, cross-national, and cross-disciplinary exchanges and cooperation should be strengthened to further advance the field of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for POP research.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. Anatomical Changes after Anterior Rectal Resection.

In this editorial, the authors bring to the attention of surgeons a personal point of view with the intention of offering a series of anatomical arguments to explain the high rate of functional complications following ultralow rectal resections, resections dominated by faecal incontinence of various intensities. Having as a starting point the anatomy of the pelvic floor and the posterior perineum, the authors are concerned with the functional outcomes of the sphincter-saving anterior rectal resection, regarding the low and ultralow resection. Technically, a conservative surgery for low rectal cancer has been currently performed. If 25 years ago the abdominoperineal resection was the gold standard for rectal cancer located under 7cm from the anal verge, nowadays the preservation of the anal canal as a partner for colon anastomosis has been accomplished. Progressively, from a desire to preserve the normal passage of stool into the anal canal, as anatomically and physiologically as possible, the distal limit of resection was lowered to 2-4 cm from the anal verge and ultra-low anastomoses were created, within the anal sphincter complex. The stated goal: keep the oncological safety standard and, at the same time, avoid definitive colostomy. Starting from the normal anatomy of the pelvic floor and the anorectal segment, the authors take a look at the alterations of the visceral, muscular, and nerve structures as a consequence of the low anterior resection and, particularly, the ultralow anterior resection. A significant degree of functional outcomes regarding defecation, with the onset of marked disabilities of anal continence, the major consequence being anal incontinence (30-70%), have been noticed. The authors go under review for the main anatomical and physiological changes that accompany anterior rectal resection. Conclusions: Thus, the following questions arise: what is the lower limit of resection to avoid total fecal incontinence? Is total incontinence a greater handicap than colostomy or is it not? The answers cannot be supported by solid arguments at this time, but the need to initiate future studies dedicated to this problem emerges.

Analysis of pelvic floor muscle electromyography parameters in women with or without sexual dysfunction.

Background To investigate the differences in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) electromyography (EMG) parameters between women with or without sexual dysfunction (FSD) and their correlations. Methods Women who voluntarily participated in a questionnaire-based survey on sexual function and underwent PFM EMG in Weifang People's Hospital during the period from March 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. The female sexual (dys)function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index. Glazer PFM EMG was performed using a Melander instrument (MLD A2 Deluxe). The differences in PFM EMG parameters between women with or without FSD were compared, and the relationships between PFM EMG parameters and FSD were analysed using multiple linear regression models. Results A total of 305 women were enrolled, with 163 in the FSD group and 142 in the non-FSD group. Comparisons of PFM EMG parameters between these two groups revealed that the FSD group had significantly higher peak EMG amplitude during the phasic (flick) contractions and shorter recovery latency during the tonic contractions than the non-FSD group (both P P Conclusions The results of the pelvic floor EMG in this study suggest that the pelvic floor muscles of women with FSD may be more susceptible to fatigue, and may have poorer coordination of their pelvic floor muscles.

Symptomatology and knowledge regarding pelvic floor dysfunctions and influence of gender stereotypes in female athletes.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are highly prevalent among females who do athletics, a sport requiring jumping, strength, and running. Although educational approaches are useful options, the educational need for this particular population remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to describe the level of knowledge regarding PFD and its relationship with symptomatology and gender stereotypes in female athletes in Spain. A total of 255 female athletes completed an anonymous online survey to explore their knowledge regarding urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), anal incontinence (AI), and sexual dysfunction (SexD), as well as their PFD symptoms and gender stereotyped beliefs related to sport. Educational level and sports characteristics (training volume, experience, and athletic modality) were also explored. Participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge in terms of POP (52.5%), AI (64.0%), and SexD (40%), but not for UI (70.8%). The proportion of PFD complaints was 63.5% for dyspareunia, 51.8% for urine leakage, 42.4% for pelvic pain, 17.3% for AI, and 9.0% for POP, with no associations with knowledge (p > 0.05). Lower knowledge about UI and SexD was related to greater gender stereotypes (p < 0.05) and rejection of professional healthcare (p = 0.010). As a conclusion, the level of knowledge about PFD was low in female athletes who train and compete in athletics in Spain, mainly with regard to sexual dysfunction. Although 63.5% of athletes had dyspareunia and 51.8% urinary leakages, symptomatology was not associated with level of knowledge. However, a lower level of knowledge was associated with more stereotyped beliefs and rejection of professional healthcare for PFD. These findings confirm the need to design appropriate educational interventions to disseminate information on all the types of PFD, particularly sexual contents. The potential influence of gender stereotypes makes it appropriate to include the gender perspective in these interventions.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Urinary Symptoms, Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise in the treatment of female overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: The clinical data of 134 female patients with OAB admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into the combination group (n = 74) and the single group (n = 60). The general demographic data, total effective rate, pad weight, female sexual function index (FSFI) score, oxford muscle grading scale and incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the baseline data of the two groups at 1:1 ratio, and t test, chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for calculation. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were selected after PSM. No significant difference in baseline data was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). Before treatment, no significant difference in FSFI score, oxford muscle grading scale and IIQ-7 score was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). The total effective rate of the combination group was higher than that of the single group (p < 0.05). After 3 weeks and 1 month of treatment, in addition to orgasm and sexual desire, the scores of sexual excitement and sexual satisfaction in the combination group were higher than those in the single group (p < 0.05). The combination group displayed higher oxford muscle grading scale and lower IIQ-7 and pad weight than the single group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of electroacupuncture stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise is more significant, which can alleviate urinary symptoms, reduce urine leakage, enhance pelvic floor muscle strength and alleviate sexual dysfunction.

[Effects of pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercises during pregnancy on improving perinatal pelvic floor function in primiparous women].

Objective: To explore the effects of pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercises during pregnancy on improving pelvic floor function in primiparous women during the perinatal period. Methods: A single-center prospective study selected 200 primipara of singleton pregnancies with prenatal care and delivery established at Shanghai Tongren hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 as the study subjects. Participants were divided into two groups: the exercise group (100 cases) and the control group (100 cases) by using a random number table method, five participants dropped out of the study due to reasons such as follow-up failure. Ultimately, the exercise group consisted of 97 cases, while the control group consisted of 98 cases. Participants who engaged in pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercises for at least 3 months, exercising once a week, were included in the exercise group. Those who did not engage in exercise were included in control group. Comparing the two groups in terms of pregnancy discomfort symptoms, delivery outcomes, postpartum pelvic floor electromyography results, postpartum quality of life, and pelvic floor disease incidence. The statistical methods utilized included independent t-test, Pearson chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: In the late stage of pregnancy, the VAS score for low back pain was 5.05±1.22 in the exercise group and 5.47±1.55 in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=2.090, P<0.05). The PFDI-20 score was 23.33±8.41 in the exercise group and 25.76±8.34 in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=2.026, P<0.05). The PFIQ-7 score was 19.21±7.69 in the exercise group and 26.66±6.19 in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=6.851, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in sleep quality and incidence of urinary incontinence between the two groups in late pregnancy (t=1.252, P=0.396, P>0.05). In terms of childbirth outcomes, the exercise group had a vaginal delivery rate of 81.44% (79 cases), while the control group had a rate of 64.28% (63 cases), with a statistically significant difference (χ2=9.022, P<0.05). The duration of the second stage of labor was (42.68±21.38) minutes in the exercise group and (50.54±21.33) minutes in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=2.178, P<0.05). At 42 days postpartum, the evaluation of pelvic floor function showed that the vaginal pressure in the exercise group was 62.19±10.04, while in the control group it was 52.68±15.55, with a statistically significant difference (t=-5.074, P<0.05). The MOS grading in the exercise group was 3.82±1.26, whereas in the control group it was 2.34±1.55, with a statistically significant difference (t=-7.355, P<0.05). In terms of the incidence of postpartum pelvic floor disorders, the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse was 7.22% in the exercise group and 12.24% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=1.402, P>0.05). The occurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence was 13.4% in the exercise group and 30.61% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.015, P<0.05). Conclusion: Pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercises may have some advantages in reducing symptoms related to perinatal pelvic floor dysfunction, enhancing pelvic floor function, and preventing the occurrence of pelvic floor disease.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle training in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: Men with overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), will have deterioration in the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining pelvic floor muscle training with the urgency suppression technique (PFMT-st) and silodosin in comparison with silodosin in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) after 12 weeks of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group received oral silodosin at a daily dose of 8 mg. The experimental group was administered PFMT-st and silodosin. The evaluation methods included the number of voids and intensity of urgencies over 24 h using a micturition diary, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), and the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). RESULTS: 142 of 172 (86.6%) men were assessed (70 in the control group, 72 in the experimental group). The significant changes were in favor of the experimental group (p < 0.001) in the number of voids per 24 h (- 1.95 ± 1.94 vs. - 0.90 ± 1.44), the OAB-q symptom score (- 14.25 ± 10.05 vs. - 9.28 ± 10.60), the intensity of urgencies (- 0.97 ± 0.53 vs. 0.24 ± 0.57), the IPSS (- 4.59 ± 3.00 vs. - 2.30 ± 3.63), and in the PGI-I (2.24 ± 0.79 vs. 3.60 ± 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of PFMT-st to silodosin treatment significantly improved OAB in men with BPH. This is the first study to confirm that PFMT-st should be the first-choice treatment for OAB in BPH.

Effects of different treatment frequencies of electromagnetic stimulation for urinary incontinence in women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in women while pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as the first-line therapy. However, the exact treatment regimen is poorly understood. Also, patients with pelvic floor muscle damage may have decreased muscle proprioception and cannot contract their muscles properly. Other conservative treatments including electromagnetic stimulation are suggested by several guidelines. Thus, the present study aims to compare the effectiveness of electromagnetic stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training as a conjunct treatment for urinary incontinence and different treatment frequencies will be investigated. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial. We will include 165 patients with urinary incontinence from the outpatient center. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to three groups: the pelvic floor muscle training group (active control group), the low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation group (group 1), and the high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation group (group 2). Both group 1 and group 2 will receive ten sessions of electromagnetic stimulation. Group 1 will be treated twice per week for 5 weeks while group 2 will receive 10 days of continuous treatment. The primary outcome is the change in International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form cores after the ten sessions of the treatment, while the secondary outcomes include a 3-day bladder diary, pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic organ prolapse quantification, and quality of life assessed by SF-12. All the measurements will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and after 3 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The present trial is designed to investigate the effects of a conjunct physiotherapy program for urinary incontinence in women. We hypothesize that this strategy is more effective than pelvic floor muscle training alone, and high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation will be superior to the low-frequency magnetic stimulation group.

Relationship between abnormal pelvic floor electromyography and obstetric factors in postpartum women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), compare between vaginal birth and cesarean section and correlate with maternity and obstetrics characteristics in primiparous 6-8 weeks postpartum. METHODS: PFMs surface electromyography screening data of primiparous postpartum women in our hospital at 6-8 weeks postpartum from 2018 to 2021 were selected and analyzed. The study collected data on delivery activities of 543 postpartum women totally. RESULTS: In general, the abnormal incidence of pelvic floor electromyography in postpartum women mainly occurred in slow muscle (type I fiber) stage and endurance testing stage. Compared to vaginal birth postpartum women, the incidence of abnormal pelvic floor electromyography in cesarean section postpartum women is lower. There were statistical differences in measurement values of pelvic floor electromyography in several different stages between cesarean section and vaginal birth (P < 0.005). Regarding the influence on pelvic floor electromyography, there were more influencing factors on vaginal birth postpartum women including age, height, weight, weight gain during pregnancy, gestational week, and first and second stage of labor than on cesarean section postpartum women whose influencing factors included age, weight gain during pregnancy, and newborn weight. CONCLUSION: Effects on surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) at 6-8 weeks postpartum differed based on the different modes of delivery. The high-risk obstetric factors closely related to abnormal surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) were maternal age, height, weight, and second stage of labor.

Exploring transvaginal sonographic characteristics of the levator ani muscle in women with postpartum pelvic floor myofascial pain.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor myofascial pain is one of the pelvic floor dysfunction diseases disturbing women after delivery. There is a lack of objective standardization for the diagnosis of pelvic floor myofascial pain due to the various symptoms and the dependence on the palpating evaluation. Ultrasound imaging has the advantages of safety, simplicity, economy and high resolution, which makes it an ideal tool for the assistant diagnosis of pelvic floor myofascial pain and evaluation after treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study including women accepting evaluation of pelvic floor function at 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum. They were divided into pelvic floor myofascial pain group and normal control group. A BCL 10-5 biplane transducer was applied to observed their puborectalis. The length, minimum width, area, deficiency, deficiency length, deficiency width, deficiency area, rate of deficiency area, local thickening,angle between the tendinous arch of levator ani muscle and puborectalis of corresponding puborectalis in different groups were observed and measured. RESULTS: A total of 220 postpartum women participated in the study, with 77 in the pelvic floor myofascial pain group and 143 in the normal control group. The Intraclass correlation coefficient value was over 0.750, and Kappa ranged from 0.600 to 0.800. puborectalis deficiency (adjusted odds ratio = 11.625, 95% confidence interval = 4.557-29.658) and focal thickening (adjusted odds ratio = 16.891, 95% confidence interval = 1.819-156.805) were significantly associated with higher odds of having postpartum pelvic floor myofascial pain. Grayscale or the angle between the arch tendineus levator ani and puborectalis measurements on the pain side tended to be smaller than on the non-pain side in patients with unilateral puborectalis or iliococcygeus pain (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that transvaginal ultrasound was a potentially efficient technique for evaluating postpartum pelvic floor myofascial pain due to its ability to assess various sonographic characteristics of the levator ani muscles.

Health Qigong Mawangdui Guidance can improve pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in females with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a great problem of public health, especially for women's quality of life. UI afflicts at least 21.6% of the global population, and more than half of the UI is related to female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mawangdui Guidance plays an important role in preventing diseases and maintaining health. METHODS: Sixty female patients with SUI were randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group (n = 30). Patients in both groups were treated with basic rehabilitation therapy under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists who were trained in Mawangdui Guidance, based on the former, the experimental group was taught to exercise Mawangdui Guidance(including selected movements: "Qishi," "Longdeng," "Chishi," and "Yinyao"), while the control group performed Kegel exercise with a procedure of 20 min, six times per week for 6 weeks. The function was mainly evaluated by the 1 h pad-test, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence short form (ICI-Q-SF). In addition, evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function was also included in our assessment. RESULTS: The leakage of urine in the 1 h pad-test was significantly decreased in both two groups after treatment (P < .05), and the urine leakage in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group (P < .05). The muscle strength of type I and II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, intravaginal pressure, and I-QOL score in both two groups were increased after treatment; moreover, the experimental group was more significant than the control group (P <.05). The fatigue degree of type I and type II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, and the ICI-Q-SF score in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (P < .05); however, there were no differences between these two groups. The total effective rate of the experimental group was 90.00%, and 76.67% in the control group (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Mawangdui Guidance can effectively improve the function of pelvic floor muscle, improve the ability of urine storage and control, and alleviate the symptoms of female patients with SUI. However, the international research on Mawangdui Guidance is very limited, and more in-depth research is needed.

#DryByChristmas: A patient and public involvement study on women's engagement with humorous pelvic floor muscle training digital nudges on social media.

INTRODUCTION: Patient and public involvement (PPI) is essential for women's health research. Little is known about how women engage with humorous social media and behavioural health messaging targeting pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). This PPI aimed to understand how women engage with a humorous social media campaign encouraging PFMT. The study findings will influence the co-design of a digital intervention to support women's adherence to PFMT. METHODS: The Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public Version 2 short form was used to report the study's findings. The study examined public engagement with a humorous social media campaign encouraging PFMT in women. A healthcare professional and comedian ran the campaign following the national guidelines for engagement in PFMT. Instagram analytics gave insight into the demographics of the public who engaged, how they engaged and the most popular content. The behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in the digital nudges that generated the highest levels of engagement were analysed using the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour Change Wheel. RESULTS: The majority (96%) of the population showing the highest levels of engagement were women aged 35-44 years and were based in the United Kingdom (77%). The Instagram account saw an increase in engagement by 12% over the 3-month campaign, with 22,032 users seeing digital nudges and 2645 engaging with the digital nudges. The preferred way of engaging was using Likes (9723). The common themes in the digital nudges that generated the highest levels of engagement were BCTs associated with the 'social influences' theoretical domain framework that targeted the core behaviour opportunity. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest humour may improve women's engagement with online PFMT programmes; however, more rigorous research is required to better understand diverse women's experiences of humorous online PFMT nudges. Future studies may use PFMT mobile apps instead of social media to capture true user engagement and adherence to PFMT more accurately. The insights gained from the study will be taken forward to co-design a digital behavioural intervention as part of a larger study. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the public were involved in the co-design of a digital health intervention that will be trialled as part of a larger research study. The public was involved using the social media platform Instagram. Public engagement with a humorous social media campaign to encourage women to engage with pelvic floor exercises was captured using Instagram analytics, for example, the timing of engagement.

Shift from Pro- to Anti-Inflammatory Phase in Pelvic Floor Muscles at Postpartum Matches Histological Signs of Regeneration in Multiparous Rabbits.

Background and Objectives: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play a core role in defecation and micturition. Weakening of PFM underlies urogynecological disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Vaginal delivery damages PFM. Muscle trauma implies an inflammatory response mediated by myeloid cells, essential for subsequent recovery. Molecular signaling characterizing the pro-inflammatory phase shifts M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, which modulate muscle repair. The present study aimed to evaluate histological characteristics and the presence of M1 and M2 macrophages in bulbospongiosus (Bsm) and pubococcygeus muscles (Pcm). Materials and Methods: Muscles from young nulliparous (N) and multiparous rabbits on postpartum days three (M3) and twenty (M20) were excised and histologically processed to measure the myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and count the centralized myonuclei in hematoxylin-eosinstained sections. Using immunohistochemistry, M1 and M2 macrophages were estimated in muscle sections. Kruskal-Wallis or one-way ANOVA testing, followed by post hoc tests, were conducted to identify significant differences (p < 0.05). Results: The myofiber CSA of both the Bsm and Pcm of the M3 group were more extensive than those of the N and M20 groups. Centralized myonuclei estimated in sections from both muscles of M20 rabbits were higher than those of N rabbits. Such histological outcomes matched significant increases in HLA-DR immunostaining in M3 rabbits with the CD206 immunostaining in muscle sections from M20 rabbits. Conclusions: A shift from the pro- to anti-inflammatory phase in the bulbospongiosus and pubococcygeus muscles of multiparous rabbits matches with centralized myonuclei, suggesting the ongoing regeneration of muscles.

Ultrasound imaging of core muscles activity in multiparous women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study.

Vaginal laxity (VL) is a common condition among multiparous women, especially those who have delivered vaginally. Since pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) work synergistically with other core muscles, physical therapy protocols that aim to treat VL should train the PFMs in combination with other core muscles. To investigate the activity of core muscles in multiparous women with and without VL, and its relation to sexual function. An observational, cross-sectional study. The study included 100 multiparous women, who were divided into two groups according to their scores on the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ). Women who scored between 1 and 3 on the VLQ were categorized as having VL (n = 48), while those who scored between 5 and 7 were placed in the control group (n = 52). The primary outcomes were PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, transversus abdominis activation ratio, and lumbar multifidus thickness measured by ultrasound imaging. The secondary outcome was sexual functioning, evaluated using the Arabic female sexual function index (ArFSFI). The VL group had significantly lower PFM displacement (mean difference (MD) - 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.49 to - 0.33; p = 0.001), diaphragmatic excursion (MD - 2.75; 95% CI - 2.95 to - 2.55; p = 0.001), lumbar multifidus thickness (MD - 10.08; 95% CI - 14.32 to - 5.82; p = 0.02), and ArFSFI scores (MD - 9.2; 95% CI - 10.59 to - 7.81; p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the transversus abdominis activation ratio demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups (MD 0.06; 95% CI - 0.05 to 0.17; p = 0.33). Multiparous women with VL had significantly lower PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, lumbar multifidus thickness, and sexual function index scores than women in the control group. The only exception was transversus abdominis activation, which did not differ significantly between the VL and control groups.

Sexual function and pelvic floor function in men with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy controls: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the sexual function (SF) and pelvic floor function of men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with age-matched healthy controls (HC) and to identify the implications of clinical features on SF. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty SSc males and 20 HC aged 18-70 years completed eleven questionnaires assessing SF [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ)]; sexual quality of life: Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male (SQoL-M); pelvic floor function: Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), fatigue, depression, physical fitness, functional disability, and quality of life. Clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Significantly worse SF was observed in patients (median IIEF erectile function 12 in SSc versus 29 in HC, p < 0.001), with 70% reporting erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to 15% in HC. However, no significant difference was observed regarding pelvic floor function (median PFIQ7 8.8 in SSc versus 7.0 in HC, p = 0.141). Impaired SF was associated with higher disease activity, increased systemic inflammation, more pronounced fatigue, reduced physical fitness, severe depression, impaired overall quality of life, dyspepsia, and arthralgias (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in our SSc patients, whereas pelvic floor dysfunction is unlikely to be associated with these problems.

Correlation between congenital pelvic floor muscle development assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative defecation.

OBJECTIVE: Children with congenital anorectal malformation (CAM) experience challenges with defecation. This study aims to assess defecation in preschool-age children with CAM and to evaluate the correlation between pelvic floor muscle developed assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postoperative defecation. METHODS: We collected clinical data and MRI results from 89 male children with CAM. The bowel function scores for children with Perineal (cutaneous) fistula, Rectourethral fistula(Prostatic or Bulbar), and Rectovesical fistula were computed. MRI scans were subjected to image analysis of the striated muscle complex (SMC). The association between pelvic floor muscle score and bowel function score was examined using the Cochran-Armitage Trend Test. RESULTS: We observed that 77.4% of the SMC scores by MRI for Perineal fistula were good. The Rectourethral fistula SMC score was 40.6% for moderate and 59.4% for poor. The SMC score for Rectovesical fistula was 100% for moderate. Furthermore, 77.4% of patients with Perineal fistula had bowel function scores (BFS) ≥ 17 points. Among those with Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula, 12.5% and 0 had BFS ≥ 17 points, respectively. An analysis of muscle development and bowel function in patients with Rectovesical fistula, Rectourethral fistula, and Perineal fistula revealed a correlation between SMC development and BFS. Subgroup analysis showed that the Perineal fistula had statistical significance; however, the Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between pelvic floor muscle development and postoperative defecation in children with Perineal fistula.

Pelvic floor muscle contraction automatic evaluation algorithm for pelvic floor muscle training biofeedback using self-performed ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive biofeedback of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is required for continuous training in home care. Therefore, we considered self-performed ultrasound (US) in adult women with a handheld US device applied to the bladder. However, US images are difficult to read and require assistance when using US at home. In this study, we aimed to develop an algorithm for the automatic evaluation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction using self-performed bladder US videos to verify whether it is possible to automatically determine PFM contraction from US videos. METHODS: Women aged ≥ 20 years were recruited from the outpatient Urology and Gynecology departments of a general hospital or through snowball sampling. The researcher supported the participants in their self-performed bladder US and videos were obtained several times during PFMT. The US videos obtained were used to develop an automatic evaluation algorithm. Supervised machine learning was then performed using expert PFM contraction classifications as ground truth data. Time-series features were generated from the x- and y-coordinate values of the bladder area including the bladder base. The final model was evaluated for accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), recall, precision, and F1. The contribution of each feature variable to the classification ability of the model was estimated. RESULTS: The 1144 videos obtained from 56 participants were analyzed. We split the data into training and test sets with 7894 time series features. A light gradient boosting machine model (Light GBM) was selected, and the final model resulted in an accuracy of 0.73, AUC = 0.91, recall = 0.66, precision = 0.73, and F1 = 0.73. Movement of the y-coordinate of the bladder base was shown as the most important. CONCLUSION: This study showed that automated classification of PFM contraction from self-performed US videos is possible with high accuracy.

Mobile app for pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, addressing the difficulties arising from social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by utilizing a specialized mobile app. METHODS: This randomized, single-group clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app (Diario Saúde) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants were instructed via telephone to engage in pelvic floor muscle training exercises twice a day for 30 days. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires regarding urinary symptoms and quality of life through telephone interviews. Additionally, treatment adherence was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 156 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.3±14.2 years. Significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life were observed following pelvic floor muscle training guided by the mobile app (p<0.001). Notably, 74.3% of the participants reported performing the exercises with appropriate frequency. Of the participants, 62% reported either complete or substantial improvement in urinary symptoms post-treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed notable enhancements in stress urinary incontinence, urinary storage, and overall quality of life subsequent to pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mobile app demonstrated robust acceptance and adherence among women experiencing urinary incontinence.

Pain in the enthesis of levator ani muscle: A novel source of chronic pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: Managing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) remains a challenge due to its diverse range of causes. A newly identified anatomical entity known as the enthesis of the levator ani muscle (LAM) and its associated disorders might play a role. This paper describes a novel insight into CPP's origin, aiming to improve accurate diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records (paper or electronic) retrospectively. The study included 112 patients meeting the criteria, divided into CPP and non-CPP groups. Clinical symptoms, including location of LAM enthesis, referred pain from pain in LAM enthesis, and related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) were discussed. To identify differences in symptoms between the groups, a Chi-squared test and descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Bimanual examination revealed tender sites in the attachment of the LAM to the pubic bone. LAM enthesis pain presumably caused referred pain in at least 10 areas, primarily in the lower abdominal quadrate (40.2%-47.3%) followed by the inguinal area (8.9%-15.1%). Multiple LUTSs were observed, including urinary frequency (72.3%), urgency (42.9%), nocturia (53.6%), residual urine sensation (64.3%), urinary incontinence (30.3%), painful bladder (34.8%), and weak urine stream (47.9%). Patients in the CPP groups experienced significant residual urine sensation (53.6%) and bearing-down sensation (42%) compared to the non-CPP group. CONCLUSION: Pain in LAM enthesis is a novel cause of pelvic pain and LUTSs that warrants attention for the evaluation and management of CPP.

Control4Life: A randomized controlled trial protocol examining the feasibility and efficacy of a combined pelvic health rehabilitation and exercise fitness program for individuals undergoing prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI), erectile dysfunction and cardiometabolic conditions are common after prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa). Although physical activity could improve overall survival and quality of survivorship, fear of UI can restrict participation in exercise. Individuals with PCa could benefit from therapeutic exercise programming to support continence recovery and cardiometabolic health. AIM: The main objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and the effects of a combined pelvic health rehabilitation and exercise fitness program on UI after prostatectomy. The combined exercise program will be delivered both in-person and virtually. METHODS: This study follows a modified Zelen, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial design. A total of 106 individuals with PCa will be recruited before prostatectomy surgery. Participants will be randomized between two groups: one receiving usual care and one receiving a combined exercise fitness and intensive pelvic floor muscle training program. Exercise programming will begin 6-8 weeks after prostatectomy and will last 12 weeks. Outcomes include: the 24-h pad test (primary outcome for UI); physical fitness, metabolic indicators, and patient-reported outcomes on erectile function, self-efficacy, severity of cancer symptoms and quality of life. Important timepoints for assessments include before surgery (T0), after surgery (T1), after intervention (T3) and at one-year after surgery (T4). CONCLUSION: This study will inform the feasibility of offering comprehensive exercise programming that has the potential to positively impact urinary continence, erectile function and cardiometabolic health of individuals undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06072911.