A guide to physiotherapy in urogynecology for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Physiotherapy in urogynecology faces challenges to safely continuing its work, considering the adoption of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some guidelines have already been published for urogynecology; however, no specific documents have been produced on physiotherapy in urogynecology. This article aimed to offer guidance regarding physiotherapy in urogynecology during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A group of experts in physiotherapy in women's health performed a literature search in the Pubmed, PEDro, Web of Science and Embase databases and proposed a clinical guideline for physiotherapy management of urogynecological disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document was reviewed by other physiotherapists and a multidisciplinary panel, which analyzed the suggested topics and reached consensus. The recommendations were grouped according to their similarities and allocated into categories. RESULTS: Four categories of recommendations (ethics and regulation issues, assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction, health education and return to in-person care) were proposed. Telephysiotherapy and situations that need in-person care were also discussed. Regionalization is another topic that was considered. CONCLUSION: This study provides some guidance for continuity of the physiotherapist's work in urogynecology during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the World Health Organization recommendations and the epidemiological public health situation of each region. Telephysiotherapy can also be used to provide continuity of the care in this area during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new perspectives for physiotherapy in urogynecology.

Is there an association of lifestyle habits, anxiety, and depression between incontinent and continent women during COVID-19 pandemic?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is directly correlated with the risk of death and negatively affects the quality of life of women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women had to adapt their lifestyles to get accustomed to the restrictive measures. The present study aimed to investigate the association between lifestyle habits, anxiety, and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic between incontinent and continent women. Seventy-seven Brazilian participants aged >18 years were assessed through semi-structured telephonic interviews from July to August 2020. The interview included a questionnaire to investigate lifestyle habit changes and two questions from the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) to identify the presence of UI and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Women were allocated into two groups according to their answers to the KHQ: incontinent and continent. The chi-square test was applied, the significance level was set at 5%. Significant differences were found between groups regarding the habit to study and the time spent talking to relatives/friends (p < .05). Neither anxiety nor depression symptoms showed a significant association between the groups. It seems that women with UI changed specific lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to continent women, while anxiety and depression symptoms did not differ between the groups.

Diagnostic accuracy and cut-off points for vaginal manometry to differentiate between weak and strong pelvic floor muscle contraction in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Identifying a weak/strong pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction in pregnant women may help prevent and treat dysfunctions during late pregnancy and postpartum. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Peritron™ manometer can accurately differentiate a weak from a strong PFM contraction and the respective cut-offs for its variables in pregnant women. METHODS: This is a diagnostic accuracy study. Forty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy participated (mean±SD age: 29±5 years). The reference test was vaginal palpation, and the index test was vaginal manometry (Peritron™ manometer). Variables assessed by vaginal manometry were rest, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), MVC average, duration, gradient, area under the curve (AUCm), and contraction speed. The Receiver Operating Curve (AUC/ROC) was used to analyze the data and obtain cut-off points for these variables. RESULTS: Perfect discrimination (AUC=1.00) to differentiate between a weak/strong PFM contraction in pregnant women was observed for peak MCV (cut-off: 40.56 cmH2O). The MVC average showed excellent discriminative ability (AUC=0.96; cut-off: 30.66 cmH2O). The gradient variable (AUC=0.85; cut-off: 27.83 cmH2O/s) and AUCm (AUC=0.86; cut-off: 1315.6 cm²*s) showed a good discriminative ability. CONCLUSION: The best variables to discriminate between weak/strong PFM contraction in pregnant women using vaginal manometry were peak MVC, MVC average, gradient, and AUCm.

Association between pelvic floor muscle function and stress urinary incontinence in the third gestational trimester: A cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association between pelvic floor muscle function and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study. Urinary symptoms were collected through a questionnaire. The physical examination of the pelvic floor muscle was performed by vaginal palpation and manometry. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the factors associated with SUI. RESULTS: Analysis of the data collected from nulliparous and multiparous women identified an association between decreased pelvic floor muscle function (i.e. Power, Repetition, and Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC)) and the presence of SUI. There were also associations noted between power and SUI [AOR (95% CI) = 1.41 (1.01-1.97)], repetition and SUI [AOR (95% CI) = 1.31 (1.06-1.63)], and MVC and SUI [AOR (95% CI) = 1.02 (1.00-1.03)]. In the analysis of nulliparous women, there was also an association between low resting vaginal pressure (manometry) and SUI [AOR (95% CI) = 1.03 (1.01-1.06)]. CONCLUSIONS: Low pelvic floor muscle strength, low MVC, and decreased ability to repeat sustained pelvic floor muscle contractions were associated with SUI in the third gestational trimester. In nulliparous women, there was an association between low resting vaginal pressure and SUI; however, none these associations were identified in multiparous women.

Intravaginal electrical stimulation associated with pelvic floor muscle training for women with stress urinary incontinence: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are described as conservative interventions to prevent or treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, it has not been described yet the effect of PFMT associated to intravaginal NMES which evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of treating. AIMS: To evaluate the effects of intravaginal NMES associated with the PFMT protocol on urinary loss and quality of life in women with SUI and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility and pelvic floor muscle in women with SUI. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial study with economic evaluation. Inclusion criteria are woman (biological), aged ≥ 18 years old and with a report of SUI ≥ once/week. Exclusion criteria are presence of vaginal or urinary infection, virginity, being in the gestational or puerperium period, or neurological disease. Participants will undergo physical therapy assessment and intervention: anamnesis, pelvic floor muscle assessment by vaginal palpation and manometry (PeritronTM), questionnaires (Short-Form 6 Dimensions-Brazil (SF-6D), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and King´s Health Questionnaire for Scoring Algorithm), health costs, and voiding diary. Participants will be randomly allocated into 3 groups: CG (control group), IG 1 (intervention group 1, PFMT), and IG2 (intervention group 2, PFMT + NMES). The statistical analysis will be performed by intention to treat, and multivariate analysis of mixed effects will be used to compare outcomes. Effect size measurements will be calculated and will be provided by Cohen's d test. A significance level of 5% will be adopted. Additionally, the incremental cost-effectiveness and incremental cost-utility ratios will be used. DISCUSSION: This protocol can corroborate with the literature in order to identify the effect of techniques, based on the possibility of confirming the hypothesis that the NMES associated with PFMT performed concurrently will be the best treatment option; considering the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analysis, it will be used as an option for optimization of the treatment of SUI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) ID: RBR-6gtzg4 . Registered on September 3, 2019.

Association between the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale in hand functional evaluation of patients with leprosy diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of results from the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the screening activity limitation and Safety Awareness scale for the assessment of hand in patients diagnosed with leprosy. METHOD: An association between the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale for hand was evaluated in a cross-section study with 25 people of a mean age of 51 years old (SD 14), undergoing drug treatment for leprosy. RESULTS: The mean quantitative score in the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale was 27.9 (SD 10.5). Rosén and Lundborg Score for the median nerve were 2.43 (SD 0.38) on the right hand and 2.41 (SD 0.54) on the left hand whilst for the ulnar nerve, the scores observed were 2.33 (SD 0.42) for the right hand and 2.31 (SD 0.61) for the left hand. Significant correlations between the two instruments in assessment of the median and ulnar nerves on both hands were found. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the association found between the scales, the Rosén and Lundborg Score may be used in assessment of the hand in patients diagnosed with leprosy, as a tool to assist the result evaluation after the drug treatment, surgical treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up in the hand dysfunction in leprosy. Implications for Rehabilitation The leprosy inflammatory neuropathy may cause limitations and disabilities related to hand functions of patients. Instruments with quantitative scores provide a reliable basis for therapeutic intervention prognosis. New evaluation methods promote a better monitoring of treatment and hand function evolution of people with leprosy.

Limitation of activity and restriction of social participation in relation to age range, gender, and education in people with leprosy.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, 38,000 new cases of leprosy are discovered each year, making it a public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether or not there is an association between activity limitations and the restriction of social participation with some demographic data (age range, gender, and education) of the patients in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), diagnosed with leprosy. METHODS: The SALSA scale was used to assess activity limitations, whereas the Participation scale was used to assess the restriction of social participation. RESULTS: The assessments were conducted with 31 BHU patients diagnosed with leprosy. Males were the most affected by leprosy, the multibacillary was the most prevalent, and education proved to be an important factor when related to the disease injuries among the evaluated individuals. Regarding activity limitations and the restriction of social participation, the percentage of individuals without limitations and without restrictions was greater in both scales. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is the small study sample. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that, for the studied sample, no association was observed between the activity limitations, evaluated by the Salsa scale, nor the restriction of social participation, evaluated by the Participation Scale, with the analyzed demographic data.

Perfil do conhecimento de mulheres sobre a atuação do fisioterapeuta na saúde da mulher / Perfil de conocimiento de las mujeres sobre el papel del fisioterapeuta en la salud de la mujer / Women's knowledge about the physical therapist's performance in women's health

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil do conhecimento de mulheres brasileiras sobre a atuação do fisioterapeuta na saúde da mulher. As participantes preencheram um questionário online contendo: dados socioeconômicos e demográficos, questões acerca do conhecimento sobre a atuação da Fisioterapia na Saúde da Mulher e das atuais condições de saúde. Foram realizadas análises descritivas para a caracterização da amostra, os níveis de conhecimento e o autorrelato de disfunções do assoalho pélvico e para a associação entre o conhecimento geral, o autorrelato de disfunções e o conhecimento das subáreas da Fisioterapia na Saúde da Mulher. Participaram 446 mulheres de todas as regiões do Brasil, sendo 86,3% do Sudeste, 9,4% do Sul, 1,6% do Nordeste, 1,3% do Centro-Oeste e 1,3% do Norte. A média de idade foi de 30,1±10,5 anos. O autorrelato de disfunções do assoalho pélvico foi de 20,4% de incontinência urinária, 27,6% de disfunções sexuais, 25,8% sintomas intestinais e 6,7% de dor pélvica crônica. Das participantes, 61% apresentavam algum conhecimento sobre a área da Fisioterapia na Saúde da Mulher e 96,9% gostariam de conhecer mais sobre essa especialidade. Apesar de muitas mulheres terem conhecimento sobre essa área, uma minoria já foi encaminhada ou realizou tratamento especializado de Fisioterapia na Saúde da Mulher. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o nível de conhecimento das mulheres sobre a atuação do fisioterapeuta na saúde da mulher com o autorrelato de disfunções do assoalho pélvico e o nível de conhecimento das subáreas de atuação.

RESUMEN El objetivo fue evaluar el perfil del conocimiento de las mujeres brasileñas sobre el rol del fisioterapeuta en la salud de la mujer. Las mujeres completaron un cuestionario en línea conteniendo: datos socioeconómicos y demográficos, cuestiones acerca de su conocimiento sobre el papel de la fisioterapia en la salud de la mujer y las condiciones de salud actuales. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos para caracterizar la muestra, los niveles de conocimiento y el autoinforme de disfunciones del suelo pélvico y la asociación entre conocimiento general, autoinforme de disfunciones y conocimiento de las subáreas de fisioterapia en la salud de la mujer. Participaron 446 mujeres de todas las regiones de Brasil, el 86,3% del Sudeste, el 9,4% del Sur, el 1,6% del Nordeste, el 1,3% del Medio Oeste y el 1,3% del Norte. El promedio de edad fue de 30,1±10,5 años; el autoinforme de disfunciones del suelo pélvico fue del 20,4% de incontinencia urinaria, el 27,6% de disfunciones sexuales, el 25,8% de síntomas intestinales y el 6,7% de dolor pélvico crónico. De las participantes, el 61% tenía algún conocimiento sobre el área de la fisioterapia en la salud de la mujer y al 96,9% le gustaría saber más sobre esta especialidad. Aunque muchas mujeres conocen esta área, una minoría ha sido derivada o ha recibido tratamiento fisioterapéutico especializado para la salud de la mujer. Hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el nivel de conocimiento de las mujeres sobre el papel del fisioterapeuta en la salud de la mujer con el autoinforme de disfunciones del suelo pélvico y el nivel de conocimiento de las subáreas de desempeño.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the profile of knowledge of Brazilian women about the physical therapist's role in women's health. The women answered an online questionnaire containing: socioeconomic, demographic data, knowledge about the role of physical therapy in women's health, and current health conditions. Descriptive analyses were carried out to characterize the sample, levels of knowledge and self-report of pelvic floor dysfunctions, and the association between general knowledge, self-report of dysfunctions, and knowledge of the sub-areas of physical therapy in women's health. In total, 446 women from all regions of Brazil participated: 86.3% from the Southeast, 9.4% from the South, 1.6% from the Northeast, 1.3% from the Midwest, and 1.3% from the North. The mean age was 30.1±10.5 years; the self-report of pelvic floor dysfunctions was 20.4% urinary incontinence, 27.6% sexual dysfunctions, 25.8% intestinal symptoms, and 6.7% chronic pelvic pain. Of the participants, 61% had some knowledge about the role of physical therapy in women's health and 96.9% would like to know more about this specialty. Although many women are aware of this area, a minority has been referred to or has undergone specialized physical therapy treatment for women's health. There was a statistically significant association between the level of knowledge of women about the physical therapist's role in women's health with the self-report of pelvic floor dysfunctions and the level of knowledge of the sub-areas of performance.

Clinical functional evaluation of female's pelvic floor: integrative review / Avaliação clínico-funcional do assoalho pélvico feminino: revisão integrativa

Abstract Introduction: The effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) depends on the correct prescription of intensity, repetition and endurance of muscle contractions, which are provided by an adequate assessment of pelvic floor muscle. Objective: Verify the techniques, resources and strategies used for clinical functional evaluation of female pelvic floor (PF) described in literature. Methods: It's an integrative review of published studies and books from 2010 until December 2015. Relevant articles with complete description of PF evaluation were found through the use of Scielo, LILACS, PubMed and Medline databases. Results: 34 articles that fulfilled all the criteria were selected. Conclusion: The most used techniques, resources and strategies were: anamnesis, physical examination, measurement of pelvic floor muscle activity using Modified Oxford Scale or perineometry, and use of questionnaires to analyze patient's perspective of their own symptoms. Thus, we could use the parameters obtained in the evaluation to plan an ideal PFMT for each patient, so the physiotherapist would have a good database to analyze the evolution and define the end of therapy.

Resumo Introdução: A eficácia do treinamento da musculatura do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) depende da correta prescrição dos exercícios em relação à intensidade, repetição e sustentação das contrações dessa musculatura, dados que são fornecidos quando realizada uma avaliação adequada. Objetivo: Verificar as técnicas, os recursos e as estratégias utilizadas para a avaliação clínico-funcional do assoalho pélvico (AP) feminino descritos na literatura. Métodos: Revisão integrativa de trabalhos publicados a partir de 2010 até dezembro de 2015, disponíveis em livros da área e nas bases de dados Scielo, LILACS, PubMed e MedLine sendo selecionados apenas os trabalhos que apresentaram a avaliação na íntegra. Resultados: Foram selecionados 34 artigos que preencheram todos os critérios de inclusão. Conclusão: Verificou-se que as técnicas, recursos e estratégias mais utilizadas foram: anamnese, exame físico, mensuração da atividade dos músculos do assoalho pélvico por meio da Escala de Oxford Modificada e/ou perineometria, além do uso de questionários para análise da perspectiva do paciente sobre seus sintomas. Desta forma, poderíamos utilizar os parâmetros obtidos na avaliação para traçar o TMAP ideal para cada paciente e o fisioterapeuta teria uma boa base de dados para analisar a evolução e definir alta do paciente.

Limitation of activity and restriction of social participation in relation to age range, gender, and education in people with leprosy

Abstract Background: In Brazil, 38,000 new cases of leprosy are discovered each year, making it a public health problem. Objective: To identify whether or not there is an association between activity limitations and the restriction of social participation with some demographic data (age range, gender, and education) of the patients in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), diagnosed with leprosy. Methods: The SALSA scale was used to assess activity limitations, whereas the Participation scale was used to assess the restriction of social participation. Results: The assessments were conducted with 31 BHU patients diagnosed with leprosy. Males were the most affected by leprosy, the multibacillary was the most prevalent, and education proved to be an important factor when related to the disease injuries among the evaluated individuals. Regarding activity limitations and the restriction of social participation, the percentage of individuals without limitations and without restrictions was greater in both scales. Study limitations: The main limitation is the small study sample. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, for the studied sample, no association was observed between the activity limitations, evaluated by the Salsa scale, nor the restriction of social participation, evaluated by the Participation Scale, with the analyzed demographic data.

Could physical discomforts be related to weight gain and parity in last trimester pregnant women? / Desconfortos físicos poderiam estar relacionados com o ganho de peso e paridade em gestantes no último trimestre?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To identify and check the incidence of physical discomfort in third trimester pregnant women and relate it to parity, weight gain and regular practice of physical activities. METHODS: Data were collected by means of interviews made up of identification, socioeconomic data and lifestyle. In addition to pain intensity by means of the 10-cm visual analog scale, we have also calculated weight gain estimates for pregnant women as from body mass index considering the pre-gestational period. Physical discomforts were listed and answered "yes" or "no" with regard to their presence. Statistical analysis was carried out by simple frequency, percentages, Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square and Student t tests. Statistical program was Stata 9.2 and significance level was 5%. RESULTS: Participated in the study 64 low risk pregnant women under pre-natal follow up. Most frequent symptom was fatigue, reported by 79.6%, followed by low back pain by 68.7%, uterine contraction pain and heartburn, each one reported by 60.9% of respondents, insomnia 53.1%, cramps 50%, nausea 29.6%, pain on ribs and vomiting, each with 21.8%, sciatic pain 20.3%, cervical and abdominal pain 18.7% each, chest pain 17.1%, nightmare and itching, each with 1.6% and brachial plexus pain by 3.1%. There has been no relationship with parity and weight gain. CONCLUSION: Discomforts reported had no relationship with parity, weight gain and regular practice of physical activities.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Identificar e verificar a incidência de incômodos físicos em gestantes, no terceiro trimestre, e relacioná-los com paridade, ganho de peso e prática regular de atividade física. MÉTODOS: A coleta de dados ocorreu com a utilização de um roteiro de entrevista composto de identificação, dados socioeconômicos, hábitos de vida. Além da intensidade de dor por meio da escala analógica visual de 10cm, calculou-se também a previsão do ganho de peso para gestantes a partir do índice de massa corporal considerando o período pré-gestacional. Os incômodos físicos foram listados e respondidos de forma afirmativa ou não quanto à presença deles. A análise estatística foi realizada por frequência simples, porcentagem, testes de Shapiro-Wilk, Qui-quadrado e t de Student. O programa estatístico utilizado foi o Stata 9.2 e o nível de significância foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 64 gestantes de baixo risco que realizavam pré-natal. O sintoma de maior frequência apresentado foi fadiga, relatada por 79,6%, seguido de dor lombar por 68,7%, dor de contração uterina e azia queixados por 60,9% das gestantes, cada um deles, insônia 53,1%, câimbra 50%, náusea 29,6%, dor nas costelas e vômito 21,8% cada um, dor ciática 20,3%, dor cervical e dor abdominal 18,7% cada um, dor torácica 17,1%, pesadelo e prurido 15,6% cada um e dor na região do plexo braquial por 3,1%. Não houve relação com paridade ou ganho de peso. CONCLUSÃO: Os desconfortos relatados não apresentaram relação com a paridade, com ganho de peso e prática regular de atividade física.

Qualidade de vida em portadores de insuficiência renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico / Quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis treatment

Introdução: A hemodiálise, parte da terapia renal substitutiva, influencia a qualidade de vida pelas limitações que impõe às atividades rotineiras. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de doentes renais crônicos em hemodiálise e correlacioná-la com informações do perfil do grupo. Métodos: Usaram-se prontuários clínicos e Instrumento de Avaliação de Qualidade de Vida (WHOQOL-Bref) (domínios físico, psicológico, social e ambiental) para análise de uma amostra de 50 pessoas, 60% homens, média de idade de 52,48±5,79 anos. Resultados: Quanto à qualidade de vida, o domínio com maior média foi o social (77,5), seguido do psicológico (67,66) e do físico (63,28), e a menor pontuação para o do meio ambiente (62,37), demonstrando bom nível de relações sociais, e prejuízo nos aspectos físicos. Houve correlação significativa positiva entre escolaridade e domínio psicológico, e negativa entre idade e domínios físico e psicológico. Conclusão: Houve redução na qualidade de vida, com influência negativa da idade do sujeito.

Introduction: Hemodialysis, part of renal replacement therapy, influences the quality of life for the limitations it imposes on routine activities. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis and correlate it with the group profile information. Methods: Medical records clinical and Quality of Life Assessment Instrument WHOQOL-Bref (physical, psychological, social and environmental domains) were used to assess a sample of 50 people, 60% men, mean age 52.48 ± 5.79 years. Results: Regarding quality of life, the area with the highest average was the social (77.5 points), followed by psychological (67.66 points), physical (63.28 points), and the lowest score for the environment (62.37 points), demonstrating good level of social relations, and prejudice in the physical aspects. There was a significant positive correlation between education and psychological domain and significant negative correlation between age and physical and psychological domains. Conclusion: There was a reduction in quality of life, with negative influence on the age of the subject.