Electromyographic activity of pelvic floor muscles in different positions during the use an innovative vaginal educator: Cross-sectional study.

The pelvic floor requires an integrated anatomical structure owing to its multiple functions. Therefore, it is necessary to study methods for improving muscle recruitment during training. This study aimed to analyze the effect of using an innovative vaginal trainer on the bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic positioning and interference factors, such as age, childbirth, sexual activity, urinary incontinence, and menopause, were also analyzed. A cross-sectional study assessed 30 women using an evaluation form, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and surface electromyography. The root mean square of a 5-second contraction period, peak root mean square values, area values, % maximal voluntary contraction (root mean square normalized by peak signal), and median frequency were collected. These findings with and without the use of a vaginal educator were compared in the anteversion, neutral, and retroversion pelvic positions. The use of a vaginal educator was found to increase the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles in the neutral position. In this position, older women showed an increased peak contraction when using the educator. Multiparas also benefited from increased bioelectric activity (root mean square and area). Sexually active women increased their bioelectric activity in a neutral position when using the trainer, exerting less effort in retroversion (%-maximal voluntary contraction). Incontinent and menopausal women exhibited slower body-building activation (decreased frequency) with the device, which requires further investigation. Our innovative biofeedback device induced greater recruitment of muscle fibers, is more effective in the neutral pelvic position, and may be effective in training the pelvic floor muscles, even in women with a greater tendency toward pelvic floor dysfunction.

Sexual Function, Physical Activity, Mean Amplitudes and Maximal Voluntary Contraction of Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Related to Handgrip Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pelvic floor musculature assessment methods are generally invasive, subjective, and technologically expensive. Therefore, there is a need to identify other methods that can predict changes in the function of these muscles. This study aimed to verify whether the levels of strength and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be related to handgrip strength (HGS), to ensure faster and earlier identification of possible dysfunctions of this musculature. Furthermore, we verified whether these variables vary across different age groups. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 44 healthy women. The women were divided into two groups: the young (18−35 years) and middle-aged (36−55 years) adult groups. Social, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected from the participants, and a functional assessment of their PFM was performed by bidigital palpation, electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG), and HGS (using a dynamometer). The levels of physical and sexual activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Sexual Quotient−Female version (SQ-F) questionnaire. There were no differences in HGS, power/pressure, sEMG, SQ-F score, or IPAQ score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moderate correlation (r = 0.601; p = 0.019) was observed during multivariate analysis. HGS is related to mean amplitudes (p = 0.123), MVC (p = 0.043), sexual function (p = 0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.004). We therefore conclude that there were no differences between HGS and PFM strength in young adult and middle-aged women. Furthermore, HGS is related to the PFM functionality, sexual function, and physical activity.

Efeito da fisioterapia nos sintomas de síndrome da bexiga hiperativa decorrente do tratamento do câncer de colo de útero / Effect of physical therapy on symptoms of the hyperactive bladder arising from the treatment of cervical cancer

Introdução: A síndrome da bexiga hiperativa pode afetar as mulheres após o tratamento para câncer de colo do útero, interferindo diretamente a qualidade de vida e funcionalidade. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos da Fisioterapia nos sintomas da síndrome da bexiga hiperativa em mulheres submetidas ao tratamento de câncer de colo do útero. Métodos: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico não controlado, com mulheres que realizaram o tratamento para câncer de colo do útero. Foi utilizada uma ficha de avaliação para verificar dados ginecológicos/obstétricos, assim como hábitos de vida das pacientes. Os sintomas da síndrome da bexiga hiperativa foram avaliados por meio do Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder. Para a intervenção fisioterapêutica foi utilizado o protocolo de Treinamento dos Músculos do Assoalho, Eletroestimulação Transcutânea do Nervo Tibial e Terapia Comportamental. Resultados: No pós-tratamento ocorreu decréscimo estatisticamente significativo na mediana dos sintomas da síndrome da bexiga hiperativa e no impacto da qualidade de vida em relação ao pré-tratamento, indicando melhora do quadro. Conclusão: Esta pesquisa concluiu que o protocolo fisioterapêutico utilizado apresentou eficácia na melhora dos sintomas da síndrome da bexiga hiperativa após tratamento para câncer de colo do útero. (AU)

Introduction: A hyperactive bladder syndrome can affect women after treatment for cervical cancer, directly interfering with quality of life and functionality. Objective: To verify the effects of physical therapy on the symptoms of hyperactive bladder syndrome in women undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. Methods: This is an uncontrolled clinical trial, with women who underwent treatment for cervical cancer. An evaluation form was used to check gynecological/obstetric data, as well as the patients' lifestyle. The symptoms of the hyperactive bladder syndrome were obtained through the hyperactive bladder questionnaire. For the physiotherapeutic intervention, the floor muscle training, transcutaneous electrostimulation of the tibial nerve and behavioral therapy protocol was used. Results: In the post-treatment there was a statistically significant decrease in the median of the symptoms of the hyperactive bladder syndrome and no impact on the quality of life in relation to the pre-treatment, an improvement indicated in the condition. Conclusion: This research concluded that the physical therapy protocol used showed improvement of symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome after treatment for cervical cancer. (AU)

Avaliação da função sexual e miccional de homens transexuais / Evaluation of sexual and urinary function of transexual men

A transexualidade trata da mudança dos indivíduos de seu sexo masculino ou feminino identificado no nascimento para viver em sociedade sob sua alternativa de identidade de gênero. Visando essa adequação são realizados procedimentos transexualizadores, no entanto, pouco se conhece sobre a função sexual e urinária após esses processos. Neste sentido, este estudo propôs avaliar as funções sexuais e miccionais de homens transexuais submetidos à terapia hormonal. Participaram do estudo 13 homens transexuais e foram utilizados os questionários: Escala de Desconforto Sexual Feminino (FSDS-R), Índice de função sexual feminina (FSFI), Teste de Três Perguntas sobre Incontinência (3IQ), Protection, Amount, Frequency, Adjustment, Bodyimage (PRAFAB). Foi utilizado o software Excel para entrada dos dados, confecção das tabelas e análise estatística descritiva. No FSDS-R, 10 (76,92%) dos homens trans apresentam-se desconfortáveis sexualmente. A pontuação média da FSFI foi de 14,8 pontos, sugerindo disfunção sexual. No teste de 3IQ, 25% relataram perder urinária, destes, 75% apresentam urgência miccional e 25% apresentam Incontinência Urinária (IU) por esforço. No score total do PRAFAB, 50% apresentaram IU leve e 50% obtiveram IU moderada. Portanto, a avaliação foi positiva para tendência a disfunções sexuais nesta população. No que concerne a função miccional, a minoria dos homens trans manifestaram alterações. (AU)

Transsexuality is about changing individuals of their male or female gender identified at birth to live in society under their alternative gender identity. Aiming at this adaptation, transsexualizing procedures are performed, however, little is known about the sexual and urinary function after these processes. In this sense, this study proposed to evaluate the sexual and urinary functions of transsexual men submitted to hormonal therapy. Thirteen transsexual men participated in the study and the questionnaires were used: Female Sexual Discomfort Scale (FSDS-R), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Three Questions Incontinence Test (3IQ), Protection, Amount, Frequency, Adjustment, Body image (PRAFAB). Excel software was used for data entry, preparation of tables and descriptive statistical analysis. In FSDS-R, 10 (76.92%) of trans men are sexually uncomfortable. The average FSFI score was 14.8 points, suggesting sexual dysfunction. In the 3IQ test, 25% reported losing urine, of these, 75% had urinary urgency and 25% had urinary incontinence (UI) on exertion. In the total PRAFAB score, 50% had a mild UI and 50% had a moderate UI. Therefore, the assessment was positive for a tendency towards sexual dysfunction in this population. Regarding the voiding function, the minority of trans men showed changes. (AU)

Fisioterapia nas complicações ginecológicas decorrentes do tratamento do câncer de colo de útero / Physical therapy in gynecological complications arising from the treatment of cervix cancer

Introdução: O tratamento do Câncer de Colo do Útero (CCU) traz consequências anátomofuncionais para o sistema genital. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da fisioterapia nas complicações ginecológicas e na qualidade de vida (QV) das mulheres após o tratamento do CCU. Métodos: Ensaio clínico, com 16 mulheres que realizaram tratamento do CCU, alocadas em dois grupos: 10 para o Grupo ambulatorial (GAM) e 6 para o Grupo domiciliar (GDE). A intervenção consistiu em massagem perineal e treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico por seis semanas, porém o GAM realizou o acompanhamento em ambulatório e o GDE em domicílio. Resultados: As complicações ginecológicas mais prevalentes encontradas em ambos os grupos foram a estenose, o ressecamento vaginal, o encurtamento vaginal, o estreitamento vaginal, a dispareunia e a diminuição da libido. Após o protocolo, o GAM apresentou melhora estatisticamente significante para a estenose, para o ressecamento, o encurtamento vaginal, estreitamento vaginal e para a diminuição da libido. Conclusão: Tanto as queixas ginecológicas, quanto a função muscular tiveram melhora estatisticamente significante no GAM e alguns domínios do questionário de função sexual e do questionário de QV apresentaram resultados similares de melhora em ambos os grupos. (AU)

Introduction: The treatment of Cervical Cancer (CC) has anatomofunctional consequences for the genital system. Objective: To verify the effect of physical therapy on gynecological complications and quality of life (QOL) in women after CC treatment. Methods: Clinical trial, with 16 women who underwent CC treatment, divided into two groups: 10 for the outpatient group (GAM) and 6 for the home group (GDE). The intervention consisted of perineal massage and training of the pelvic floor muscles for six weeks, with the GAM performed on an outpatient basis and the GDE at home. Results: The gynecological complications found in both groups were stenosis, vaginal dryness, vaginal shortening, vaginal narrowing, dyspareunia and decreased libido as the most prevalent in both groups. After the protocol, the GAM showed a statistically significant improvement for stenosis, dryness, vaginal shortening, vaginal narrowing and decreased libido. Conclusion: Both gynecological complaints and muscle function had a statistically significant improvement in GAM, while aspects related to some domains of the sexual function questionnaire and regarding the perception of QOL showed similar results in both groups. (AU)