Efeito do tônus do corpo perineal nas disfunçõessexuais em mulheres jovens nulíparas / Effect of perineal body tone on sexual dysfunctionsin young nulliparous women

Objetivo: avaliar o tônus do corpo perineal em mulheres jovens nulíparas e correlacionar com as funções sexuais e a presença de disfunção sexual. Método: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, observacional, transversal utilizando uma amostra de conveniência incluindo mulheres adultas jovens nulíparas. A avaliação das participantes consistiu na aplicação dos questionários socioclínico, Pelvic Organ Prolaps / Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) e exame físico do tônus do corpo perineal. Os dados foram analisados pelo programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®), versão 23, adotando um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: participaram 77 mulheres jovens nulíparas (21,68 ± 2,94 anos), destas 77, 92% apresentavam vida sexual ativa e 66,03% tônus normal do corpo perineal. Dentre as alterações tônicas, o aumento do tônus predominou (33,76%). Houve alta prevalência de disfunção sexual (87,01%) pelo FSFI (23,38 ± 7,21) com maior queixa de dispareunia. Mulheres com tônus aumentado apresentaram maior disfunção sexual em relação a desejo e estímulo subjetivo (p=0,04), à excitação (p=0,01), satisfação (p=0,04) e dor ou a desconforto (p=0,03). Houve correlação inversa entre a presença de aumento do tônus e os domínios FSFI desejo e estímulo subjetivo (R= - 0,56) e excitação (R= - 0,34) e correlação direta para dor ou desconforto (R= 0,30). Conclusão: o aumento do tônus do corpo perineal piora a função sexual de mulheres jovens nulíparas.

Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and physical examination of the tone of the perineal body. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®), version 23, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: 77 young nulliparous women (21.68 ± 2.94 years) participated, of which 77, 92% had an active sexual life and 66.03% had normal tone of the perineal body. Among the tonic changes, increased tone predominated (33.76%). There was a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (87.01%) according to the FSFI (23.38 ± 7.21) with greater complaints of dyspareunia. Women with increased tone had greater sexual dysfunction in relation to desire and subjective stimulation (p=0.04), excitement (p=0.01), satisfaction (p=0.04) and pain or discomfort (p=0.03). There was an inverse correlation between the presence of increased tone and the FSFI domains desire and subjective stimulus (R= - 0.56) and excitement (R= - 0.34) and a direct correlation for pain or discomfort (R= 0.30). Conclusion: increased perineal body tone worsens sexual function in young nulliparous women.

Influence of Gestational Age on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity, Plantar Contact, and Functional Mobility in High-Risk Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

During pregnancy, biomechanical changes are observed due to hormonal and physical modifications, which can lead to alterations in the curvature of the spine, balance, gait patterns, and functionality of the pelvic floor muscles. This study aimed to investigate the progressive impact of biomechanical changes that occur during gestational weeks on the myoelectric activity of the pelvic floor muscles, plantar contact area, and functional mobility of high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out from November 2022 to March 2023. A total of 62 pregnant women of different gestational ages with high-risk pregnancies were analyzed using surface electromyography to assess the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles, plantigraphy (Staheli index and plantar contact area), and an accelerometer and gyroscope using the timed up and go test via an inertial sensor on a smartphone. Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses were carried out to test the predictive value of the signature. RESULTS: Increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in the RMS value (ß = -0.306; t = -2.284; p = 0.026) according to the surface electromyography analyses. However, there was no association with plantar contact (F (4.50) = 0.697; p = 0.598; R2 = 0.53). With regard to functional mobility, increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in time to standing (ß = -0.613; t = -2.495; p = 0.016), time to go (ß = -0.513; t = -2.264; p = 0.028), and first gyrus peak (ß = -0.290; t = -2.168; p = 0.035). However, there was an increase in the time to come back (ß = 0.453; t = 2.321; p = 0.025) as the number of gestational weeks increased. CONCLUSIONS: Increased gestational age is associated with a reduction in pelvic floor myoelectric activity. The plantar contact area did not change over the weeks. Advancing gestation was accompanied by a decrease in time to standing, time to go, and first gyrus peak, as well as an increase in time to come back.

microRNA-181a-5p promotes fibroblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with pelvic floor dysfunction.

The use of stem cells capable of multilineage differentiation in treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) holds great promise since they are susceptible to entering connective tissue of various cell types and repairing damaged tissues. This research investigated the effect of microRNA-181a-5p (miR-181a-5p) on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) in rats with PFD. BMSCs were transfected and analyzed for their fibroblast differentiation ability. miR-181a-5p, MFN1, and fibroblast-related genes were quantitatively analyzed. Whether MFN1 is a target gene of miR-181a-5p was predicted and confirmed. The efficacy of BMSCs in vivo rats with PFD was evaluated by measuring Leak Point Pressure (LPP), Conscious Cystometry (CMG), hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson staining. The present results discovered that miR-181a-5p was up-regulated and MFN1 was down-regulated during the differentiation of BMSCs into fibroblasts. Fibroblast differentiation of BMSCs was promoted after miR-181a-5p was induced or MFN1 was suppressed, but it was suppressed after miR-181a-5p was silenced. miR-181a-5p improved LPP and conscious CMG outcomes in PDF rats by targeting MFN1 expression, thereby accelerating fibroblast differentiation of BMSCs. In brief, miR-181a-5p induces fibroblast differentiation of BMSCs in PDF rats by MFN1, potentially targeting PDF therapeutics.

Pelvic floor muscle training vs radiofrequency for women with vaginal laxity: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal laxity (VL) is a complaint of excessive vaginal looseness with a prevalence ranging from 24% to 38% across studies. AIM: The study sought to compare the effect of radiofrequency (RF) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the treatment of women with VL. METHODS: From February 2020 to December 2021, a prospective, parallel, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial was carried out in women ≥18 years of age and complaining of VL in a tertiary hospital. Two groups (RF and PFMT) were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 30 days and 6 months postintervention. A total of 42 participants per arm was sufficient to demonstrate a difference in sexual function on the Female Sexual Function Index at 90% power, 1-sided type 1 error of 0.025 with a noninferiority margin of 4 on the FSFI total score. Analysis was intention-to-treat and per-protocol based. OUTCOMES: The primary endpoint was the change of FSFI score after treatment, and the secondary outcomes were improvement in symptoms of VL and changes in questionnaire scores of sexual distress, vaginal symptoms, and urinary incontinence, in the quantification of pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction. RESULTS: Of 167 participants recruited, 87 were included (RF: n = 42; PFMT: n = 45). All questionnaires improved (P < .05) their total scores and subscales in both groups and during the follow-ups. After 30 days of treatment, RF was noninferior to PFMT to improving FSFI total score (mean difference -0.08 [95% confidence interval, -2.58 to 2.42]) in the per-protocol analysis (mean difference -0.46 [95% confidence interval, -2.92 to 1.99]) and in the intention-to-treat analysis; however, this result was not maintained after 6 months of treatment. PFM contraction improved significantly in both groups (RF: P = .006, 30 days; P = .049, 6 months; PFMT: P < .001, 30 days and 6 months), with better results in the PFMT group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual, vaginal, and urinary symptoms were improved after 30 days and 6 months of treatment with RF and PFMT; however, better results were observed in the PFMT group after 6 months. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The present randomized clinical trial used several validated questionnaires evaluating quality of life, sexual function and urinary symptoms, in addition to assessing PFM contraction and classifying the quantification of pelvic organ prolapse aiming at anatomical changes in two follow-up periods. The limitations were the lack of a sham-controlled group (third arm) and the difficulty of blinding researchers to assess treatments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: After 30 days and 6 months of treatment, sexual, vaginal, and urinary symptoms improved with RF and PFMT; however, better results were observed in the PFMT group after 6 months. RF was noninferior to PFMT in improving FSFI total score after 30 days; however, this result was not maintained after 6 months of treatment.

Acute Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Young Healthy Women: Initial Findings of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance muscle function in healthy individuals. However, it is unknown if tDCS associated with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can improve pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) in healthy women. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single session of tDCS in PFMF compared with sham-tDCS in healthy women. METHODS: A double-blind, cross-over, randomized clinical trial was conducted with healthy, nulliparous and sexually active women. PFMF was assessed by bidigital palpation (PERFECT scale) and intravaginal pressure by a manometer (Peritron™). Participants randomly underwent two tDCS sessions (active and sham) 7 days apart. The electrode was positioned equal for both protocols, the anode electrode in the supplementary motor area (M1) and the cathode electrode in the right supraorbital frontal cortex (Fp2). The current was applied for 20 min at 2 mA in active stimulation and for 30 s in sham-tDCS. The tDCS applications were associated with verbal instructions to PFMT in a seated position. After each tDCS session PFMF was reevaluated. RESULTS: Twenty young healthy women (aged 23.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass index 21.7 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were included. No difference was observed in power, endurance, and intravaginal pressure of PFMF (p > 0.05). The number of sustained contractions improved from 3.0 (2.0-3.5) to 4.0 (3.0-5.0) after active-tDCS (p = 0.0004) and was superior to sham-tDCS (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The number of sustained contractions of PFM improved immediately after a single active-tDCS session, with a difference compared with the post-intervention result of sham-tDCS in healthy young women.

Effects of using a mobile application on pelvic floor training in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine that causes negative impacts on women's lives. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered to be "level A" of scientific evidence in the treatment of UI. Despite its efficacy, it is known that the effect of PFMT may depend on continuous adherence. Therefore, healthcare professionals are looking for alternatives to improve adherence in their patients. Healthcare has been innovating through mobile device apps. OBJECTIVE: Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of PFMT with the use of a mobile device app in incontinent women. TRIAL DESIGN: This was a controlled, randomized clinical trial that occurred remotely. METHODS: A total of 104 women with stress UI and/or mixed incontinence, over 18 years old, literate, with preserved cognitive capacity, with internet access and a mobile device with the Android system, participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: The App group and the Booklet group, which underwent a PFMT protocol guided by a mobile app and a booklet, respectively. Both groups received daily reminders to perform the exercises. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, it was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). RESULTS: Both groups showed improvements in the final ICIQ-SF score. However, superior results were shown for the Booklet group (App: pre: 11.5 [±3.8], post: 9.8 [±4.5]; Booklet: pre: 12.6 [±4.5], post: 7.4 [±4.3]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that PFMT, with the use of a mobile app, is capable of reducing UI and the impact of UI, but it is not superior to training with the use of booklet instructions.

Low-Value Practices for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction-Choosing Wisely Recommendations from the Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy in Women's Health: Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The Choosing Wisely campaign is an international initiative that is aimed at promoting a dialog between professionals, helping the population to choose an evidence-based, truly necessary and risk-free care. The aim of the study was to develop the Choosing Wisely Brazil list on Women's Health Physiotherapy in the area of the pelvic floor. METHODS: A observational study was carried out between January 2022 and July 2023, proposed by the Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy in Women's Health, and developed by researchers working in the area of the pelvic floor. The development of the list consisted of six stages: a panel of experts, consensus building, national research, a review by the Choosing Wisely Brazil team, preparation of the list, and publication of the recommendations. Descriptive and content analyses were carried out in order to include evidence-based recommendations with over 80% agreement by physiotherapists in Brazil. RESULTS: The expert panel was made up of 25 physiotherapists who submitted 63 recommendations. Seven physiotherapists/researchers carried out a critical analysis of the literature and refined the recommendations, resulting in 11 recommendations that were put to a national vote, in which 222 physiotherapists took part. After a review by the Choosing Wisely Brazil team, five recommendations with an average agreement of 88.2% agreement were chosen for publication. CONCLUSIONS: The Choosing Wisely Brazil team in Physiotherapy in Women's Health/Pelvic Floor proposed a list of five recommendations that showed a high agreement among Brazilian physiotherapists working in the area.

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

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

Advancing women's pelvic floor muscle function diagnosis: the EFSMAP examination and its reliability evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The accurate diagnosis of pelvic floor muscle impairments is essential. The plethora of terms and the lack of evidence to support widely used pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) measurements hinder diagnostic labels. OBJECTIVE: To structure an examination of PFMF using visual observation and digital palpation and terms consistent with the ICF terminology, and to test its intra and interrater reliability/agreement. METHODS: A panel of 9 physical therapists applied Delphi method to structure the PFMF exam under ICF terminology and to verify its measurements reproducibility. For reliability and agreement, a convenience sample of women aged 51.2 ± 14.7 years had the sensitivity to pressure, pain, muscle tone, involuntary movement reaction, control of voluntary movement (contraction/relaxation), coordination, strength, and endurance examined by two raters, in the same day for interrater (n = 40), and one week apart, for intrarater reliability (n = 25). Percent agreement, linear weighted kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman's limits of agreement were calculated (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Four round Delphi discussion structured the PFMF exam, named EFSMAP (Exame das Funções Sensoriais e Motoras do Assoalho Pélvico/Examination of Pelvic Floor Sensory and Motor Functions), set a list of concepts and instructions targeted at reproducibility and established PFMF diagnostic labels. Reliability, except for pain and tone, were moderate to excellent (Kw= 0.67-1.0 and ICC=0.48-0.82). Agreement was substantial for most PFMF features (0.64-1.00), except pain. CONCLUSIONS: The EFSMAP was successfully developed as a valid and reliable exam to be used in research and clinical practice; it provides labels for the diagnosis of pelvic floor muscle impairments. It might be easily adopted worldwide as it uses ICF terminology.

Epidemiology of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in the Tacna Region of Peru, 2023.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in the general population, with numerous studies conducted in Europe and North America. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding its prevalence and sociodemographic factors in the southern region of Peru. There is an association between sociodemographic factors-such as age, educational level, body mass index, number of pregnancies, parity, mode of delivery, weight of the newborn-along with lifestyle factors such as physical effort, coffee and tobacco consumption with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). We anticipate that this association will negatively impact women's quality of life. METHODS: This was a quantitative study, with a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design. A sample consisting of 468 women between 30 and 64 years old. A previously tested survey was applied to explore prevalence, symptoms, associated factors, and quality of life. RESULTS: The prevalence of PFD was 73.9%. UI was the most common. There is a significant association with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical effort. Even though a large percentage of participants presented with PFD, they reported that their quality of life was not affected (65.9% urinary discomfort, 96.5% colorectal-anal discomfort and 92.2% pelvic organ prolapse discomfort) and only in the case of urinary discomfort did they state that the impact was mild (28.6%) and moderate (5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor dysfunction in women is very common and it is strongly associated with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical exertion. The impact on quality of life was mild and moderate for those who had urinary discomfort.

Associated factors of vaginal laxity and female sexual function: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD), including vaginal laxity (VL), can lead to a decrease in quality of life and affect partner relationships. AIM: We aimed to investigate the associated factors of VL and FSD and their relationship with other pelvic floor disorders in a female population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital from July to December 2022. All women referred to clinical care at the urogynecology clinic were included. Participants were assessed according to sociodemographic and clinical aspects, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, sexual function, VL, sexual attitudes, sexual distress, sexual quality of life, vaginal symptoms, and pelvic floor disorders. Unadjusted and adjusted associated factors of VL and FSD were analyzed. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the identification of the associated factors of VL and FSD in a female population, and secondary outcomes included the association between VL and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with the questionnaire scores. RESULTS: Among participants (N = 300), vaginal delivery, multiparity, perineal laceration, menopause, and gel hormone were significantly more frequent in those reporting VL (all P < .05). When compared with nulliparity, primiparity and multiparity increased the odds of VL by approximately 4 and 12 times, respectively (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.26 [95% CI, 2.05-8.85]; OR, 12.77 [95% CI, 6.53-24.96]). Menopause and perineal laceration increased the odds of VL by 4 and 6 times (unadjusted OR, 4.65 [95% CI, 2.73-7.93]; OR, 6.13 [95% CI, 3.58-10.49]). In multivariate analysis, menopause, primiparity, multiparity, and POP remained associated with VL. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Parity, as an obstetric factor, and menopause and staging of POP, as clinical factors, were associated with VL. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The investigation of associated factors for VL will contribute to the understanding of its pathophysiology. The study design makes it impossible to carry out causal inference. CONCLUSION: Menopause, primiparity, multiparity, and POP were highly associated with VL complaints in multivariate analysis.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Transgender Men on Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this research is to explore the effects of hormone therapy using testosterone on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in transgender men. We hypothesize that PFD might be prevalent among transgender men undergoing hormone therapy. Therefore, this study was aimed at verifying the frequency of these dysfunctions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and March 2023 using an online questionnaire, which included transgender men over 18 years old who underwent gender-affirming hormone therapy. Volunteers with neurological disease, previous urogynecology surgery, active urinary tract infection, and individuals without access to the internet were excluded. The questionnaire employed validated tools to assess urinary symptoms, such as urinary incontinence (UI), as well as sexual dysfunction, anorectal symptoms, and constipation. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequencies and prevalence ratios with their respective confidence intervals (95% CI), mean, and standard deviation. RESULTS: A total of 68 transgender men were included. Most participants had storage symptoms (69.1%), sexual dysfunction (52.9%), anorectal symptoms (45.6%), and flatal incontinence (39.7%). Participants with UI symptoms reported moderate severity of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender men on hormone therapy have a high incidence of PFD (94.1%) and experience a greater occurrence of urinary symptoms (86.7%).

Treatment of women with vaginal laxity: systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far. AIM: In this study, we sought to summarize the best available evidence about the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating VL, whether conservative or surgical. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for reports of clinical trials published from database inception to September 2022. Studies selected for inclusion were in the English language and were performed to investigate any type of treatment for VL, with or without a comparator, whether nonrandomized studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case reports and studies without a clear definition of VL were excluded. OUTCOMES: The outcomes were interventions (laser, radiofrequency, surgery, and topical treatment), adverse effects, sexual function, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and improvement of VL by the VL questionnaire (VLQ). RESULTS: From 816 records, 38 studies remained in the final analysis. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) were the energy-based treatment devices most frequently studied. Pooled data from eight observational studies have shown improved sexual function assessed by a Female Sexual Function Index score mean difference (MD) of 6.51 (95% CI, 5.61-7.42; i2 = 85%, P < .01) before and after intervention, whether by RF (MD, 6.00; 95% CI, 4.26-7.73; i2 = 80%; P < .001) or laser (MD, 6.83; 95% CI, 5.01-8.65; i2 = 92%; P < .01). However, this finding was not shown when only 3 RCTs were included, even when separated by type of intervention (RF or laser). When RF treatment was compared to sham controls, VLQ scores did not improve (MD, 1.01; 95% CI, -0.38 to 2.40; i2 = 94%; P < .001). Patient PFM strength improved after interventions were performed (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.02-7.42; i2 = 77%; P < .001). The ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool classified all non-RCTs at serious risk of bias, except for 1 study, and the risk of bias-1 analysis found a low and unclear risk of bias for all RCTs. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of the evidence was moderate for sexual function and the VLQ questionnaire and low for PFM strength. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual function in women with VL who underwent RF and laser treatment improved in observational studies but not in RCTs. Improvement in PFM strength was observed in women with VL after the intervention. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Crucial issues were raised for the understanding of VL, such as lack of standardization of the definition and for the development of future prospective studies. A limitation of the study was that the heterogeneity of the interventions and different follow-up periods did not make it possible to pool all available data. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal tightening did not improve sensation in women with VL after intervention, whereas RF and laser improved sexual function in women with VL according to data from observational studies, but not from RCTs. PFM strength was improved after intervention in women with VL.

Techniques for Registration of Myoelectric Activity of Women's Pelvic Floor Muscles: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Surface electromyography is commonly applied to measure the electrophysiological activity of the neuromuscular system. However, there is no consensus regarding the best protocol to assess pelvic floor muscles. METHODS: A scoping literature review was carried out in six databases, using MeSH descriptors. It included studies with electromyographic assessment in adult women presenting or not with pelvic floor dysfunction. The results were presented in categories to contribute to the development of a protocol considering the most used parameters for non-invasive assessment of myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles. RESULTS: A total of 1,074 articles were identified, and 146 studies were selected for analysis. The intravaginal probe was used in 80.8% of the studies, the bipolar sensor with metallic plates placed on both sides of the vagina was the most frequent (71.3%), with a reference electrode positioned on the anterior superior iliac spine (33.5%). The supine position with hip and knee flexed (45.2%) was the most frequent position used. Of the studies, 44.5% normalized the data by maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) whereas 44.5% performed an average of 3 MVCs. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequently used protocol for the pelvic floor is the bipolar intracavitary probe with metal plates positioned at 3-9 o'clock and introduced distally to the vaginal introitus with the volunteer in the supine position and the hip and knee flexed with the reference placed on the anterior-superior iliac spine.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with pelvic muscle training in women: Randomized, controlled, double-blind, and clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely used for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness in women; however, it has no prolonged effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) associated with PFMT on PFM contraction, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in healthy women. STUDY DESIGN: 32 nulliparous women, aged 22.7 ± 0.42 years, were randomized into two groups: G1 (active tDCS combined with PFMT) and G2 (sham tDCS combined with PFMT). The treatment was performed three times a week for 4 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. PFM function was assessed using the PERFECT scheme (P = power, E = endurance, R = repetitions, F = rapid contractions, ECT = each timed contraction) and the perineometer (cmH2O). Sexual function was assessed by The Female Sexual Function Index, and QoL by the SF-36 questionnaire. These assessments were performed before and after the 12nd treatment session and after 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant increase (p = 0.037) in the power of G2 compared to G1; repetitions and fast contraction increased in the G1 group, and the resistance increased in both groups, however, without statistical difference between the groups. ECT increased in the G1 group (p = 0.0). CONCLUSION: Active tDCS combined with PFMT did not potentiate the effect of the PFMT to increase the PFM function, QoL, and sexual function in healthy women. However, adjunctive tDCS to PFMT improved the time of contractions, maintaining it during follow-up.

Pelvic floor therapy program for the treatment of female urinary incontinence in Belize: a pilot study.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Concurrently, the availability of surgical or conservative UI treatments in LMIC is limited. Methods: We conducted a prospective feasibility study of Belize women with UI treated with pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and education (PFE). Patients received individual PFPT/PFE over 2 days, consisting of biofeedback-enhanced PFMT in addition to behavioral, dietary, and general pelvic education. Patient completed a daily 6-month home regimen including 7 PFMT exercises (total 70 repetitions) comprising both endurance and quick flick exercises. Patients also performed comprehensive dietary and behavioral modification activities. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6-months, including validated symptom (ICIQ-FLUTS) and QOL (IIQ-7) questionnaires, and strength testing (PERFECT score, perineometry). Results: Twenty-eight patients underwent baseline assessment. Four patients were lost to in-person 6-month follow-up, with two of these patients completing subjective assessment only by telephone. The mean (±SD) patient age, BMI, and parity were 50.0 (±10.0) years, 33.2 (±5.8), and 2.8 (±1.5). Provider assessment demonstrated patient comprehension of basic, endurance, and quick flick pelvic floor contractions in 28 (100%), 24 (86%), and 24 (86%) patients, respectively. At 6-month follow-up, significant improvements were seen across multiple validated questionnaire and strength measurement assessments. Median patient-reported improvement level was 7.0 on a 10-point Likert scale. Discussion: Study patients demonstrated good understanding of PFMT/PFE and program completion was associated with significant improvements across a variety of subjective incontinence and quality of life outcomes, as well as objective strength testing.

Comparative analysis of pelvic floor muscle training and Pilates in managing urinary incontinence among postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and Pilates on the improvement of urinary incontinence (UI), strength, and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), and the impact of UI on the quality of life in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty postmenopausal women were randomly divided in to two groups: PFMT (n = 20) and Pilates (n = 20). The participants were followed for 12 weeks, three times a week on nonconsecutive days. UI was assessed using the pad test and the voiding diary, PFM strength and resistance using bidigital assessment and manometry, and the impact of UI on quality of life using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), before and after the 3-month treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant intra-group improvement in both groups for the pad test, mean daily urinary loss, and ICIQ-SF. The strength was significantly improved only in the PFMT group, and the endurance in both groups. Peak strength manometry was significantly improved only in the Pilates group, and the mean strength manometry in both groups. There was also an improvement in both groups for peak endurance manometry and mean endurance manometry. In the inter-group comparison, there was a significant improvement only in muscle strength, which was positive for group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between Pilates and PFMT for the management of women in post-menopause with stress urinary incontinence, provided that voluntary contraction of the PFMs is performed. However, further randomized clinical trials need to be carried out.

Use of a Mobile Application for Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women With Urinary Incontinence: a Randomized Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study was aimed at evaluating the impact of a mobile app-guided pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on urinary symptoms and quality of life in women suffering from urinary incontinence. METHODS: The study included women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), who underwent a structured interview and completed validated questionnaires, including the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL). These women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the app group, which received a visual depiction on the expected contraction pattern through a mobile app to support their PFMT exercises, and the control (paper) group. Both groups were instructed to perform PFMT exercises twice daily for 30 days. Data were collected at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after completing the exercises. RESULTS: A total of 154 women participated, with 76 in the app group and 78 in the paper group. The mean ages were 61 (± 6.1) and 60.6 (± 6.8) in the app and paper groups respectively (p = 0.644). Both groups showed significant improvements in QUID SUI scores (p < 0.001), overactive bladder (OAB; p < 0.001), ICIQ-SF scores (p < 0.001), and quality-of-life scores (p < 0.001). When comparing the two groups, the app group exhibited a more substantial reduction in OAB (p = 0.017) as assessed by QUID and total (p = 0.042), psychosocial (p = 0.032) and social embarrassment (p = 0.006) I-QOL scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that PFMT guided by a mobile app with visual guidance leads to greater improvements in storage symptoms and quality of life than the home-based PFMT guidance.

Influence of game therapy on urinary incontinence patients: a systematic review

This study performed a systematic review of game therapy effects on urinary incontinence patients. Eleven databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane library, LIVIVO, OpenGrey, OpenThesis, and OATD) were used as research sources. The search was conducted in January 2021 with the following keywords: urinary incontinence, urinary stress incontinence, pelvic floor muscle, pelvic floor training, virtual reality, game therapy, virtual reality exposure, and virtual reality therapy. The review included only clinical studies using game therapy for treating urinary incontinence in women without restrictions on language, year, and publication status. Only three studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The extracted data comprised sample characteristics (the number of patients in each study and average age) and treatment characteristics (game type, associated therapies, treatment duration, evaluated objectives, and result-measuring methods). The methodological quality of the articles showed a low risk of bias. One-hour pad test values decreased in all studies, and ICIQ-SF scores reduced in two articles. One study reported treatment adherence (92%), and another showed neuropsychological index improvements. The reduction of urinary symptoms was similar between the group associating game therapy with treatment and the group using only conventional pelvic floor muscle training. Game therapy, as a resource of pelvic floor muscle training, seems beneficial to urinary incontinence, including decreased urinary symptoms, lower one-hour pad test scores, and neuropsychological index improvements.

Botulinum-toxin-A injection following conservative management in patients with dyssynergic defaecation only improves symptoms in the short term: a retrospective study

Objective: Dyssynergic defaecation (DD) is an important cause of chronic constipation. In patients where conservative treatments fail, injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) into the puborectalis and anal sphincter muscles can be effective. Complications of this procedure are reported to be rare and generally mild. This study aimed to identify the complication rates and short- to medium-term success rates of BTX-A injections as a treatment for DD. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with DD who had undergone BTX-A injections at a functional colorectal unit. Patient demographics, manometric assessment, conservative management, and injection technique were collected through a chart review. Subjective patient reports and comparison of pre- and postprocedure symptom scores were used to determine efficacy. Results: The 21 patients included (24 procedures, with 3 patients receiving BTX-A on two separate occasions) all received stool modification and dietary advice, and 20 patients underwent pelvic floor physiotherapy, averaging 8 sessions. The injections were universally applied under general anesthetic, primarily targeting the anal sphincter and/or puborectalis muscles. There were 6 reports of faecal urge/incontinence, with all but one being resolved within weeks. The BTX-A injection was subjectively reported as beneficial in 19 cases, averaging 4.7 months (range 1-32) of improvement. Only 2 were sustained beyond 12 months. Despite overall improvements in symptom scores from pre- to postprocedure, none were statistically significant. Conclusion: Following a course of conservative management, the BTX-A injection appears to be a safe treatment for DD, but only has short term efficacy. (AU)