Effect of Fluid and Caffeine Management on Quality of Life in Older Women with Overactive Bladder in Rural Korea: A Pilot Study

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone in older women with overactive bladder symptoms.

Patients and Methods

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Rural, community-dwelling older women were recruited at four senior centers in South Korea. Of the 63 participants initially enrolled, 34 met the inclusion criteria. One group (n = 15) used fluid and caffeine management alone (FM), and the other group (n = 12) used a combination of fluid and caffeine management and pelvic floor muscle training (FM+PFMT). Urinary symptom-specific health-related quality of life was measured using the Korean version of KHQ. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. After the intervention, participants were assessed 4 and 8 weeks. A linear mixed model was used for the analysis.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 74.44 ± 5.67 years. Among the nine domains of KHQ, impact on life and physical limitations decreased significantly in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Sleep/energy increased in both groups, and the scores in the FM+PFMT group were significantly improved. The number of micturition episodes per day and the quality of sleep did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

A simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone can be considered as the first-line intervention to improve health-related quality of life in rural, community-dwelling, older women with overactive bladder symptoms. Healthcare providers should consider providing a relatively simple, but equally effective intervention to maximize the adherence and effectiveness.

Coactivation of the Pelvic Floor and Gluteus Medius Muscles While Walking and Running in Female Runners

(1) Background: Pelvic-floor-muscle (PFM) activation acts synergistically with multiple muscles while performing functional actions in humans. The purpose of this study was to characterize the activity of the PFMs and gluteus medius (GM) while walking and running in physically active nulliparous females. (2) Methods: The peak and average amplitude of maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) during 60 s of walking (5 and 7 km/h) and running (9 and 11 km/h) were measured with electromyography of the GM and PFMs in 10 healthy female runners. (3) Results: The activation of both muscles increased (p < 0.001) while walking and running. The MVC of the GM was reached when walking and tripled when running, while the PFMs were activated at half their MVC when running. The global ratio of the GM (75.3%) was predominant over that of the PFMs (24.6%) while static and walking. The ratio reached 9/1 (GM/PFM) while running. (4) Conclusion: The GM and PFMs were active while walking and running. The GM's MVC tripled at high speeds, while the PFMs reached only half of their maximum contraction.

Is the Elite Female Athlete's Pelvic Floor Stronger?

Background: Exercise can stress the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). This study sought to assess the strength of the PFMs according to the level of physical exercise. Methods: An analytical observational study was carried out using digital palpation and dynamometry measurements to assess PF strength. Healthy nulliparous women were stratified according to physical exercise (physically active and sedentary) and level of physical exercise (elite, amateur, and sedentary). Results: Fifty-four women were analyzed, with a mean age of 25.64 (5.33) years and a BMI of 21.41 (2.96) kg/m2. Differences in the passive force and strength were observed between both groups of women (p < 0.05), and the strength was around two times higher in physically active women (p < 0.05). The strength was similar between elite female athletes and sedentary women (p > 0.05), but statistical differences were found with amateurs (p < 0.05). The PFM strength (p = 0.019) of elite female athletes (0.34 N) was almost half that of amateurs (0.63 N) and twice as strong as that of sedentary women (0.20 N). However, these differences were not significant using digital palpation (p = 0.398). Conclusions: Women who exercise generally have greater PFM strength than women who do not exercise. Physical exercise could strengthen the PFM; however, the high intensity demanded by high-level sports does not seem to proportionally increase the strength of the PFMs.

The influence of one-time biofeedback electromyography session on the firing order in the pelvic floor muscle contraction in pregnant woman–A randomized controlled trial

Many women are initially unable to contract the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) properly, activating other muscle groups before, or instead of, PFM. Numerous authors have proved that biofeedback can be an ideal tool supporting learning of the PFM contraction. However, there is currently a lack of scientific data on how many biofeedback sessions are necessary in this educational process. In this study we aimed at assessing the effects of one-time electromyography (EMG) biofeedback session on the order in which PFM are activated (so called firing order) during conscious contractions in relation to selected synergistic muscles in pregnant, continent women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 90 healthy nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies and without diagnosed urinary incontinence. We divided the participants into a biofeedback group (50) and a control group (40). They were, respectively: 30 ± 4 and 30 ± 4 years old, at their 23 ± 5 or 25 ± 7 week of gestation and presented 23 ± 5 or 24 ± 5 kg/m² BMI value (M + SD). Surface EMG with vaginal probes has been used to assess the PFM firing order in selected tasks: in five 3-s maximal contractions (quick flicks), five 10-s contractions, and in a 60-s contraction (static hold). We used the 1–5 scale, where “1” meant the best score, awarded when PFM was activated first in order. The most important finding of our study is that a single EMG biofeedback substantially improved the PFM contractions in pregnant women. First, when applying one-time biofeedback session, more women maintained correct technique or improved it in the second assessment, compared to the control group (73 vs. 65%). Secondly, using the quantitative and qualitative analysis with the Chi-square McNamara B/C test, in the biofeedback group we observed a statistically significant improvement of PFM firing order in four tasks: in the first quick flicks (p = 0.016), third quick flicks (p = 0.027), fifth quick flicks (p = 0.008), and in the first 10-s contractions (p = 0.046). In the control group we observed better outcome only in one motor task: in the fourth 10-s contraction (p = 0.009). Given the positive effects of a single session of EMG biofeedback on the firing order in the PFM contractions, it should be recommended for pregnant women without urinary incontinence to teach them how to perform PFM exercises correctly.

Verbal Instruction for Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction among Healthy Young Males

Teaching Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) contraction is a challenging task for clinicians and patients, as these muscles cannot be directly visualized. Thus, this study's objective is to compare the effectiveness of six verbal instructions for contracting the PFM among young men, as observed with transabdominal ultrasound imaging. Thirty-five male physiotherapy students, mean age 25.9 ± 1.9 years, participated in the study. A 6 MHz 35-mm curved linear array ultrasound transducer (Mindray M5) was placed in the transverse plane, supra-pubically, and angled 15-30° from the vertical plane. During crook lying, participants received six verbal instructions for contracting the PFM, with bladder base displacement and endurance evaluated. Following the instructions, "squeeze your anus", "shorten the penis", and "elevate the scrotum", over 91% of the participants performed a cranial (upward) bladder base displacement. During instruction six, "draw in", which involves breathing, the PFM, and the transversus abdominis, only 25% performed cranial bladder base displacement (p < 0.001), and the endurance was the lowest (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that several simple verbal instructions can be used for teaching PFM contraction to young males. Moreover, two instructions should be avoided: "draw in" and the general instruction "squeeze your PFM", as they did not produce effective elevation of the bladder base.

The Perception of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function amongst Exercising Women Who Are Repeatedly Instructed to Contract Their Pelvic Floor Muscles

In this study, the self-perception of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions amongst women receiving repeated verbal instructions during exercise classes was examined. The prevalence and severity of urinary stress incontinence were also assessed. This cross-sectional observational study included 46 women (mean age 48 (±8.6)), who regularly participated in Pilates classes where repeated instruction was given to contract PFM (“instruction group”; N = 22) or not (controls, N = 24). PFM function was evaluated using transabdominal ultrasound. Simultaneously, the participant described her personal evaluation of her PFM contraction ability. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form was also utilized. Most women (80%) correctly contract PFM; however, 95% did not perform a voluntary contraction during leg movement, without differences observed between groups. A higher perception of PFM contraction was found in the “instruction group” when performing knee flexion towards the chest without specific verbal instruction. Women who were instructed to contract their PFM suffered less incontinence and had a lower degree of severity than the controls. Most women performing Pilates exercises correctly contracted their PFM. However, there was no PFM voluntary contraction during leg movement. Exposure to repeated verbal instructions to contract PFM, over time, might lead to an improvement in women’s perception of their ability to contract PFM. Verbal instructions for PFM contraction were found to be effective in reducing urinary incontinence.

Comparison of abdominal muscle activity with various verbal instructions and onset activity analysis during draw-in maneuver

Draw-in is a promising intervention for regaining isolated control of the transverse abdominis (TrA). Exercises to stimulate isolated contractions are needed; however, the appropriate methods are unclear. The objectives of this study were to examine how the muscle activity and muscle activity ratio of abdominal muscles change with various verbal instructions and to determine the onset of the abdominal muscles during draw-in. The participants were 21 healthy men. TrA electromyography was performed using fine-wire electrodes, and the internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) were determined using surface electrodes. The participants performed seven abdominal exercises according to verbal instructions and isolated voluntary contraction of the TrA for more than 5 sec. The TrA showed higher activity in bracing. IO and EO activities were highest in bracing, whereas RA showed the highest activity in maximum bracing. TrA/IO and TrA/EO were not significantly different between conditions. The results of the onset activity analysis of the abdominal muscles during the draw-in maneuver showed that the TrA was significantly earlier than the other muscles. The activity ratios of TrA to IO and EO were highly individualized and did not differ according to the verbal instruction. Maximum draw-in showed more significant IO activity, and bracing showed co-contraction of the superficial and deep abdominal muscles. During draw-in, the TrA initiated the earliest activity among the abdominal muscles and then isolated activity for 1.1 sec.

Does the Contractile Capability of Pelvic Floor Muscles Improve with Knowledge Acquisition and Verbal Instructions in Healthy Women? A Systematic Review

Seventy percent of women with pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) are estimated to present deficient consciousness of their pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and poor ability to contract them. Improving the proprioception of PFMs, defined as the capacity to know the status and position of each body part, and adequately contracting them could be a protective factor to prevent the appearance of PFDs in the general female population. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of educational interventions and verbal instructions on how to contract and exercise the PFMs to improve the proprioception of the PFMs in women. A systematic search of studies published in the last 20 years until March 2022 was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, Lilacs, and Dialnet databases. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity in the types of studies and included populations. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines for the design, search, and reporting of studies. The methodological quality was analysed via the PEDro and the Newcastle–Ottawa scales in the case of randomised clinical trials and non-randomised studies, respectively, while the quality of evidence was determined using the SIGN grading system for evidence-based guidelines. Descriptive and experimental studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that evaluated the contractile capability of the PFMs in healthy women or women without a previous diagnosis of PFD were included. Seven articles that included a total of 2507 women were found, three of which were clinical trials with PEDro scores between 5 and 9 points out of 10 and four of which were non-randomised studies with NOS scores between 6 and 8 points out of 10. The outcomes were measured through vaginal palpation, visual observation, questionnaires for PFD symptoms, and self-perception reports. This review discriminated between two types of intervention, educational programmes and verbal instructions, and evaluated the changes observed in PFM strength and knowledgeability and the symptoms of PFDs. The findings showed that educational interventions and verbal instructions improve the proprioception of PFMs in women of all ages that are healthy or without a previous diagnosis of PFDs as well as their knowledge about the pelvic floor, healthy lifestyle habits, and symptoms that are potentially indicative of PFDs. Further high-quality randomised clinical trials are warranted to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of educational interventions to improve the proprioception of the PFMs in women considered healthy or with mild symptoms that may be indicative of PFDs.

Effects of Adding Ultrasound Biofeedback to Individualized Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Extensibility of the Pelvic Floor Muscle and Anterior Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal Women

The aim of the study was to determine effects of adding transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) biofeedback to individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on extensibility of the pelvic floor muscle and anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in postmenopausal women. A total of 77 patients with POP at stage I or stage II were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, China, from January 2017 to October 2018. They were randomly divided into a control group (CG) (n = 37) or a study group (SG) (n = 40). Both SG and CG received a 12-week PFMT including health education, verbal instruction, and home training. However, the SG, but not the CG, received additional TPUS biofeedback. Data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. The distance from the lowest point of the bladder to the inferior-posterior margin of the symphysis pubis (BSP) and the levator hiatus area (LHA) were measured on maximal Valsalva via TPUS before and after the 12-week PFMT. Correct pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) rates before and after PFMT were compared between the two groups. The correct PFMC rate was higher in the SG than that in the CG (92.5% vs. 73%; x² = 5.223, p=0.022). The BSP was increased but the LHA was reduced after the 12-week PFMT in both groups compared to those before PFMT (all p < 0.05). However, after the PFMT, the SG showed greater improvement than the CG for both BSP (0.77 ± 0.71 cm vs. 0.11 ± 0.66 cm, p < 0.05) and LHA (20.69 ± 2.77 cm² vs. 22.85 ± 3.98 cm², p < 0.05). TPUS might be an effective biofeedback tool for PFMT in clinical practice. Individualized PFMT with TPUS biofeedback could significantly attenuate POP severity and strengthen the extensibility of pelvic floor muscle in postmenopausal women when they are under increased intraabdominal pressure.

[Benefits of group pelvic floor education sessions: satisfaction and improvement of women's knowledge]

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic floor dysfunctions are an important health-care issue however there are no primary prevention programs for perineal health. This study aims to evaluate the impact of perineal education group sessions on women's urinary and digestive behaviors and their satisfaction with these sessions.

MATERIAL

Perineal education sessions were proposed to women working in a gynecology department. Each session covered perineal physiology and anatomy, urinary and digestive physiology as well as risk situations for the pelvic floor. At the beginning and end of the sessions, participants completed a questionnaire on their knowledge about the pelvic floor and questions concerning their satisfaction were asked at the end of the session. A 2-month questionnaire assessed changes in urinary and digestive habits as well as the dissemination of information.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-three women, average age 38, participated in these sessions; 107 responded at 2 months. The education sessions significantly improved pelvic floor fonctions knowledge. After the sessions, 81.3% of women reported changing their urinary habits and 60.7% their defecatory habits. Participants found the sessions very useful (rating 9.7/10), all participants recommended these sessions to a friend and the dissemination of the information was important.

CONCLUSION

Perineal education sessions improve women's knowledge and limit risky behaviors for the pelvic floor. The satisfaction of women who received information is important and the dissemination of information strong.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Benefits of pelvic floor education in perineal re-education in women]

AIM

Evaluate the impact of pelvic floor education on the symptoms of female patients referred for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).

METHODS

Forty female patients suffering from pelvic floor disorders and referred to independent practice for PFME between February and May 2019 answered a survey on symptoms and quality of life before PFME, after four sessions of pelvic floor education and at the end of PFME. The ICIQ-SF, USP, Contilife, PDFI 20, Kess, and Wexner scores were used to evaluate the results. The protocol consisted in four initial sessions of pelvic floor education including information on each field of perineology ; the fifth session was dedicated to visual feedback using a mirror ; the following five sessions were tailored according to the care objectives established based on the initial assessment.

RESULTS

The scores were significantly improved after the four initial sessions of pelvic floor education. The improvement was significant at the end of the re-education program. The PFDI-20 score dropped from 66,9 to 20,9 (P=0,002), the ICIQ-SF score from 8,4 to 1,5 (P<10^-3), the Wexner score from 7,4 to 5,1 (P<10^-3) and the Kess score from 14,2 to 8,7 (P=0,05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that female patients undergoing perineal re-education including pelvic floor education sessions show a significant improvement in their symptoms already immediately after the pelvic floor education sessions.