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Förstl N, Adler I, Süß F, Dendorfer S. Technologies for Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Functionality: A Systematic Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4001. [PMID: 38931784 PMCID: PMC11207910 DOI: 10.3390/s24124001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in women and has a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide a general overview of the current state of technology used to assess pelvic floor functionality. It also provides literature research of the physiological and anatomical factors that correlate with pelvic floor health. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and IEEE databases were searched for publications on sensor technology for the assessment of pelvic floor functionality. Anatomical and physiological parameters were identified through a manual search. In the systematic review, 114 publications were included. Twelve different sensor technologies were identified. Information on the obtained parameters, sensor position, test activities, and subject characteristics was prepared in tabular form from each publication. A total of 16 anatomical and physiological parameters influencing pelvic floor health were identified in 17 published studies and ranked for their statistical significance. Taken together, this review could serve as a basis for the development of novel sensors which could allow for quantifiable prevention and diagnosis, as well as particularized documentation of rehabilitation processes related to pelvic floor dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Förstl
- OTH Regensburg—Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.A.); (S.D.)
| | - Ina Adler
- OTH Regensburg—Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.A.); (S.D.)
| | - Franz Süß
- OTH Regensburg—Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.A.); (S.D.)
| | - Sebastian Dendorfer
- OTH Regensburg—Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.A.); (S.D.)
- RCBE—Regensburg Center of Biomedical Engineering, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Saulicz M, Saulicz A, Saulicz E. Self-Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Condition in Female Competitive Cyclists. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1163. [PMID: 38921278 PMCID: PMC11202815 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
During cycling, prolonged compression by the bicycle saddle on the anatomical structures located in the perineum area occurs. An additional factor that may have a negative impact on organs located in the pelvic area may be a prolonged sitting position resulting in increased intraabdominal pressure. This situation has the potential to adversely affect pelvic floor function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in female competitive road cyclists and cross-country cyclists. The study included 76 female competitive road cyclists and cross-country cyclists and 76 women not practising competitive sport. The Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire was used to assess the lower urinary tract condition. Female competitive cyclists had a statistically significantly higher LUTSs score (95% CI: 3.12-4.2 vs. 2.31-3.16; p < 0.05) compared to women not practising competitive sports. Female cyclists had a statistically significantly higher overall CLSS score (95% CI: 3.99-5.61 vs. 2.79-3.97; p < 0.05). Female cyclists had a statistically significantly higher incidence and severity of urinary frequency (p < 0.05 and p < 0.02), urge (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02) and stress incontinence (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), and pain in the bladder (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01), while physically inactive women recorded a statistically higher incidence of slow urinary stream (p < 0.01 and p < 0.04). A statistically significant association was recorded between the years of cycling and the number of hours per week spent on training and the number of symptoms and their severity. The number of natural births experienced by women involved in competitive cycling significantly affects the severity of LUT symptoms. Compared to women not practising competitive sports, competitive female cyclists are found to have a higher prevalence of LUTSs and a greater degree of severity. LUTSs in competitive female cyclists are negatively influenced by years of competitive career and weekly number of training hours and the number of natural births experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Saulicz
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Saulicz
- School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Edward Saulicz
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
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Audrain A, Cornu JN, Kerdelhue G, Combret Y, Steenstrup B. Do pelvic floor muscle function parameters differ in women according to continence status? A systematic review. THE FRENCH JOURNAL OF UROLOGY 2024; 34:102592. [PMID: 38377645 DOI: 10.1016/j.fjurol.2024.102592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current literature highlights the difficulty in identifying which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions are correlated with urinary incontinence (UI). AIM In this study, we compared parameters of PFM function (strength, endurance, tone, control, reaction, and/or coordination) according to continence status in women (presence or absence, type and/or severity of urinary incontinence). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic review was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Three databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, and LiSSa) were searched from inception to December 31, 2021. Assessment of risk of bias was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The initial research yielded 4733 studies. Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, including 4015 participants. No statistical association was found between PFM function and the presence or absence of UI, the different type of UI or the different levels of severity of UI. The heterogeneity in methodologies and analyzes of the results only with the P-value are important limitations of this review. CONCLUSION It appears that muscle function is not always associated with presence or absence of UI. No association is found between PFM function and type or severity of UI. These results reinforce the need to carry out a bio-psycho-social evaluation of UI that does not only focus on PFM functions. As such, the results reported herein can be considered a resource for more specific research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gaëtan Kerdelhue
- Department of Biomechanical Informatics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Yann Combret
- Physiotherapy Department, Le Havre Hospital, La Havre, France; ERPHAN, Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, Versailles, France
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Bérubé MÈ, McLean L. The acute effects of running on pelvic floor morphology and function in runners with and without running-induced stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:127-138. [PMID: 37991566 PMCID: PMC10811036 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05674-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a single running session on pelvic floor morphology and function in female runners, and to compare those with and without running-induced stress urinary incontinence (RI-SUI). METHODS This cross-sectional, observational study involved two groups: female runners who regularly experienced RI-SUI (n = 19) and runners who did not (n = 20). Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) properties were assessed using intravaginal dynamometry during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and during passive tissue elongation. The morphology of the pelvic floor was assessed at rest, during MVC and during maximal Valsalva maneuver (MVM) using 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound imaging before and after a running protocol. Mixed-effects ANOVA models were used to compare all outcomes between groups and within-groups, including the interaction between group and time. Effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS No changes in PFM function assessed using intravaginal dynamometry were observed in either group after the run. Significant and large within-group differences were observed on ultrasound imaging. Specifically, the area and antero-posterior diameter of the levator hiatus were larger after the run, the bladder neck height was lower after the run, and the levator plate length was longer after the run (p ≤ 0.05). At the peak MVM and MVC, the bladder neck height was lower after the run than before the run (p ≤ 0.05). No between-group differences were observed for any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Running appears to cause transient strain of the passive tissues of the female pelvic floor in runners both with and without RI-SUI, whereas no concurrent changes are observed in PFM contractile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Ève Bérubé
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Avenue E260C, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Linda McLean
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Avenue E260C, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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García-Arrabé M, García-Fernandez P, Díaz-Arribas MJ, López-Marcos JJ, González-de-la-Flor Á, Estrada-Barranco C, Roy JS. Electromyographic Activity of the Pelvic Floor Muscles and Internal Oblique Muscles in Women during Running with Traditional and Minimalist Shoes: A Cross-Over Clinical Trial. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6496. [PMID: 37514795 PMCID: PMC10383940 DOI: 10.3390/s23146496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effects of footwear on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during running at different speeds. The study also aimed to explore the correlation between EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles and participants' morphological characteristics. Ten nulliparous female runners were included in the study. The participants ran for 90 s at speeds of 9, 11, and 13 km/h wearing both traditional and minimalist shoes. EMG outcomes were presented as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Comparative analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank test. Correlational analysis was performed using the Rho-Spearman correlation coefficient. The %MVC for the IO muscles was significantly lower when using minimalist shoes compared to traditional shoes (p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences were found for the PFMs (p > 0.05). The study also observed large correlations between age and %MVC of the PFMs and IO muscles (rho = -0.64; p = 0.04). Minimalist shoes decreased the activity of IO muscles in female runners. However, no significant differences in EMG activity of PFMs were found when comparing traditional and minimalist footwear. The long-term effects of minimalist footwear on EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles, as well as their relationship to morphological characteristics, require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María García-Arrabé
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo García-Fernandez
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Díaz-Arribas
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Javier López-Marcos
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia Estrada-Barranco
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean-Sébastien Roy
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC 2325, Canada
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Donnelly GM, Moore IS. Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor. Curr Sports Med Rep 2023; 22:82-90. [PMID: 36866951 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000001045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The female athlete is seen as a specialist population meaning female considerations, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, are not widely taught within sports medicine. Females have unique anatomical characteristics compared with males including a wider pelvic diameter and an additional orifice in the form of the vagina. Furthermore, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are prevalent among female athletes and transitional periods in their lifespan. They also are a barrier to training and performance. Therefore, it is essential that sports medicine practitioners understand how to identify and manage pelvic floor dysfunction. This report aims to describe the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, outline the types and rates of pelvic floor dysfunction, discuss evidence-based management, and raise awareness of perinatal bodily changes. Practical recommendations are made to aid sports organizations and sports medicine practitioners in supporting the female athlete and in using a proactive approach to manage the perinatal athlete.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel S Moore
- Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UNITED KINGDOM
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Niederauer S, Bérubé MÈ, Brennan A, McLean L, Hitchcock R. Pelvic floor tissue damping during running using an intra-vaginal accelerometry approach. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2022; 92:105554. [PMID: 34974336 PMCID: PMC8863648 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While cumulative loading of the pelvic floor during exercise appears to increase the risk of developing pelvic floor disorders, the pathophysiologic role of pelvic floor loading is poorly understood. The aim of this exploratory study was to present a method for evaluating vibrational frequency damping of the female pelvic floor and to investigate the potential utility of this approach in a preliminary evaluation. METHODS Female participants were instrumented with an intravaginal accelerometer and a hip-mounted accelerometer, then ran on a treadmill at 7 km/h and 10 km/h both before and after a 30-min self-selected pace. Displacement of the pelvic floor relative to the bony pelvis was calculated using double integration of the accelerometer data. Vibrational damping coefficients were calculated using a wavelet-based approach to determine the effect of continence status, parity, running speed and time on vibrational damping. FINDINGS Seventeen women (n = 10 reported regularly leaking urine while exercising, while n = 7 reported not leaking) completed the running protocol. No differences in vibrational damping were detected between continent and incontinent women when all frequency bands were evaluated together, however significant effects of parity, time, running speed and continence status were found within specific frequency bands. Parous women demonstrated less damping in the 25-40 Hz band compared to nulliparae, damping in the 13-16 Hz band was lower after the 30-min run, and incontinent women demonstrated lower damping in the 4.5-5.5 Hz band than continent women when running at 7 km/h. INTERPRETATION Intra-vaginal vibrational damping may be useful in detecting biomechanical mechanisms associated with pelvic floor disorders experienced by females during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Niederauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Marie-Ève Bérubé
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ana Brennan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Linda McLean
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Robert Hitchcock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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Rebullido TR, Gómez-Tomás C, Faigenbaum AD, Chulvi-Medrano I. The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence among Adolescent Female Athletes: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2021; 6:12. [PMID: 33525502 PMCID: PMC7931053 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to synthesize the most up-to-date evidence regarding the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among adolescent female athletes. We conducted a systematic review of studies regarding UI in female athletes less than 19 years of age. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRIMSA). The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) were searched between October and November 2020. After blinded peer evaluation, a total of 215 studies were identified and nine were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. This review identified a prevalence of UI in adolescent female athletes between 18% to 80% with an average of 48.58%. The most prevalent sports were trampolining followed by rope skipping. The prevalence of UI among adolescent female athletes practicing impact sports was significantly prevalent. There is a need for further research, education, and targeted interventions for adolescent female athletes with UI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cinta Gómez-Tomás
- Research Group Physiotherapy and Readaptation in Sport, Department of Physiotherapy, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), 3010 Murcia, Spain
| | - Avery D. Faigenbaum
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA;
| | - Iván Chulvi-Medrano
- UIRFIDE (Sport Performance and Physical Fitness Research Group), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:501-552. [PMID: 33416968 PMCID: PMC8053188 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis To evaluate the evidence for pathologies underlying stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Methods For the data sources, a structured search of the peer-reviewed literature (English language; 1960–April 2020) was conducted using predefined key terms in PubMed and Embase. Google Scholar was also searched. Peer-reviewed manuscripts that reported on anatomical, physiological or functional differences between females with signs and/or symptoms consistent with SUI and a concurrently recruited control group of continent females without any substantive urogynecological symptoms. Of 4629 publications screened, 84 met the inclusion criteria and were retained, among which 24 were included in meta-analyses. Results Selection bias was moderate to high; < 25% of studies controlled for major confounding variables for SUI (e.g., age, BMI and parity). There was a lack of standardization of methods among studies, and several measurement issues were identified. Results were synthesized qualitatively, and, where possible, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Deficits in urethral and bladder neck structure and support, neuromuscular and mechanical function of the striated urethral sphincter (SUS) and levator ani muscles all appear to be associated with SUI. Meta-analyses showed that observed bladder neck dilation and lower functional urethral length, bladder neck support and maximum urethral closure pressures are strong characteristic signs of SUI. Conclusion The pathology of SUI is multifactorial, with strong evidence pointing to bladder neck and urethral incompetence. While there is also evidence of impaired urethral support and levator ani function, standardized approaches to measurement are needed to generate higher levels of evidence.
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Moser H, Leitner M, Eichelberger P, Kuhn A, Baeyens JP, Radlinger L. Pelvic floor muscle displacement during jumps in continent and incontinent women: An exploratory study. Neurourol Urodyn 2019; 38:2374-2382. [PMID: 31493349 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence during high-impact activities is high. Enhanced comprehension of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) displacement and activity is clinically relevant for the development of specific approaches in rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to investigate and to compare PFM displacement between the continent and incontinent women during jumps. METHODS A cross-sectional, exploratory design was applied to investigate PFM displacement during drop jumps (DJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ). PFM displacement was assessed in craniocaudal translation and forward-backward rotation with an electromagnetic tracking system. RESULTS Twenty-eight continent and 22 incontinent women were included. During the first landing of DJ, a primary caudal, during the second landing of DJ/CMJ a primary cranial translation and during all jump a primary backward rotation was observed. No significant difference between the groups was found. DISCUSSION PFM displacement during running demonstrated caudal translation/forward rotation before and cranial translation/backward rotation after heel strike. During the second landing of DJ/CMJ a cranial translation/backward rotation and during the first landing of DJ a caudal translation/backward rotation has been observed after ground contact. This may be due to the longer lasting bodyweight force in the first landing of DJ. No eccentric-concentric stretch-shortening cycle could be seen. CONCLUSION This study indicates that during jumps two opposite reactions of involuntary PFM displacement happen, but no stretch-shortening cycle with an eccentric-concentric contraction could be found. Jumping stimuli inducing involuntary PFM displacement should be used for future investigations to consider a beneficial effect concerning continence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Moser
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.,Faculty of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Monika Leitner
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patric Eichelberger
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette Kuhn
- Department of Gynaecology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Baeyens
- Faculty of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Radlinger
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Moser H, Luginbuehl H, Baeyens JP, Radlinger L. Reliability and validity of pelvic floor muscle displacement measurements during voluntary contractions. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 30:2093-2100. [PMID: 30949732 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-03932-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Understanding the functioning of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) is crucial in female PFM rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine the intra-session retest reliability and validity to evaluate the quantity of PFM displacement. METHODS This cross-sectional observational study examined the PFM displacement of 17 young healthy nulliparous women in the midsagittal plane. Three maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and five fast voluntary contractions (FVCs) were simultaneously examined with an electromagnetic tracking system (ETS) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) and expressed in millimeters (mean, SD). To evaluate reliability and validity, the analysis of variance, intraclass coefficient (2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable difference (MDD) were calculated. RESULTS Maximal voluntary contractions and FVCs in supine position measured by an ETS (TAUS) showed a displacement of MVC: 3.5 ± 1.9 mm (7.8 ± 4.5 mm), FVC: 3.5 ± 2.4 mm (7.6 ± 5.3 mm), and during standing of MVC: 5.2 ± 1.6 mm (9.4 ± 3.8 mm) and FVC: 4.8 ± 2.5 mm (9.7 ± 4.1 mm). Intraclass correlation for the ETS (TAUS) measurement varied between 0.79 and 0.89 (0.61 and 0.74), SEM 0.52 and 1.03 mm (1.54 and 3.2 mm), and MDD 1.54 and 3.2 mm (6.64 and 7.53 mm). The correlation between an ETS and TAUS varied between 0.53 and 0.67. CONCLUSIONS For MVC and FVC, ETS measurements are highly reliable and TAUS measurements are moderately reliable for both contraction types. The correlation between the TAUS and ETS measurements is moderate. An ETS seems to be a reliable and valid measurement tool for evaluating PFM displacement during voluntary contractions. In future studies, the reproducibility and validity of ETS measurements need to be investigated in impact activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Moser
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Helena Luginbuehl
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Baeyens
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Radlinger
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Pelvic floor muscle activity during jumps in continent and incontinent women: an exploratory study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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