1
|
Bø K. Mechanisms for pelvic floor muscle training: Morphological changes and associations between changes in pelvic floor muscle variables and symptoms of female stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse-A narrative review. Neurourol Urodyn 2024. [PMID: 38979823 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25551] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Today there is Level 1, recommendation A for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to be effective in treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, the mechanisms of action are discussed. The aim of the present overview was to give an update of studies evaluating the effect of PFMT on pelvic floor morphology and associations between changes in PFM strength and symptoms of female SUI and POP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a narrative review retrieving studies from systematic reviews of PFMT for SUI and POP. In addition, an open search on PubMed with the search terms PFMT and morphology was conducted. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pre-posttest design studies were included. PEDro rating scale (0-10) was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS Ten studies were found reporting on morphological changes after PFMT. The four RCTs had PEDro score between 5 and 8/10. The studies found significant higher bladder neck position and narrower levator hiatus dimensions, thicker external urethral sphincter, increased cross-sectional area of PFM, improvement in PFM tears and blood flow. Twenty studies analyzed associations between changes in different PFMT variables and SUI and POP. Eleven studies found a positive weak to moderate association and six studies reported no association. Studies comparing responders and nonresponders to PFMT found statistically significant better PFM variables in responders. CONCLUSION PFMT can change pelvic floor muscle and external urethral sphincter anatomy. This contributes to the understanding on how PFMT can be effective in prevention and treatment of SUI and POP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kari Bø
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kilic BB, Yildiz Ozer A, Ozarpaci C, Polat MG. The Comparison of Individual and Group Hybrid Telerehabilitation Methods in Women with Urinary Incontinence. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:1299-1315. [PMID: 38761232 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The aim is to compare the effects of the progressive training program (PTP), a new protocol, with two different hybrid telerehabilitation methods, on the parameters related to urinary incontinence in women with urinary incontinence. METHODS A total of 50 participants with stress or mixed urinary incontinence participated in this two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, non-inferiority trial. Individual hybrid training (IHT) or group hybrid training (GHT) was given to women for 8 weeks. The Power, Endurance, Repetitions, Fast contractions, and Every Contraction Timed (PERFECT) scheme and surface electromyography were used to assess pelvic floor muscle function, whereas quality of life, exercise adherence, and symptoms were assessed by questionnaires and a 3-day bladder diary. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Linear mixed model analysis with the factors "time" and "group" was used to determine the effects of IHT and GHT. RESULTS The primary outcome was changes in pelvic floor muscle function as evaluated using the PERFECT scheme and surface electromyography at the 4th and 8th weeks relative to baseline. No statistical difference was found between the groups except for "power" of the PERFECT scheme and "nocturnal urination frequency" (p > 0.05). The GHT showed significant improvement in P and nocturnal urination frequency at the end of the 8th week (p < 0.05). From baseline to week 8, the effect size for the P value was found to be small (Cohen's d = 0.33). CONCLUSION Eight weeks of PTP did not lead to different results in incontinence-related parameters in either of the training methods. It may be better to conduct GHT in terms of implementing PTP in incontinence and training programs in terms of time, staff workload, and applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berivan Beril Kilic
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Aysel Yildiz Ozer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemalettin Ozarpaci
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulden Polat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skoura A, Billis E, Papanikolaou DT, Xergia S, Tsarbou C, Tsekoura M, Kortianou E, Maroulis I. Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:491-520. [PMID: 38340172 PMCID: PMC11023973 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05727-1] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Despite exercise being the standard approach to diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) rehabilitation, there is no consensus on the most effective exercise routine and adjunct modalities for reducing DRA and improving functional parameters. The present study is aimed at investigating evidence for DRA rehabilitation in postpartum women, as well as knowledge gaps and areas for future research. METHODS For this scoping review a systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PEDro up to November 2022. Selection criteria included studies investigating exercise therapy interventions both with and without adjunct modalities for postpartum DRA. Sample characteristics, diagnostic criteria, program design, and outcome measures were recorded. Critical appraisal of clinical trials was performed using PEDro classification. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included: 14 clinical trials, 3 case series, and 11 observational studies. DRA exercises that focused on deep and superficial muscles, pelvic floor muscles, respiratory maneuvers, functional exercises, or alternative interventions (yoga, suspension training, hypopressive exercise) and adjunct modalities showed promising results in reducing the inter-recti distance and related dysfunction. However, there was great variability in diagnostic criteria and methods, DRA severity, time post-birth, and exercise program design. CONCLUSIONS Reviewed studies provide valuable insights into exercise therapy, but it is important to recognize their limitations, as variability in diagnostic criteria, sample characteristics, and exercise program design hinder the generalizability of the findings. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence in this area and provide reliable recommendations for clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Skoura
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece.
| | - Evdokia Billis
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tania Papanikolaou
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Sofia Xergia
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Charis Tsarbou
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Maria Tsekoura
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Eleni Kortianou
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
| | - Ioannis Maroulis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hagovská M, Švihra J, Urdzík P, Vaská E. A randomised interventional parallel study to evaluate the effect of different frequencies of pelvic floor muscle exercises with core stabilisation using three-dimensional ultrasound: the PELSTAB study. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2049-2060. [PMID: 36917257 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05473-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The primary objective was to compare high- and low-frequency pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with the impact on urinary incontinence episode frequency over 1 week (IEF/week). The secondary objective was to compare the two groups with regard to pelvic floor muscle function, morphometry, incontinence quality of life, and patient global impression. METHODS This was a randomised parallel controlled study. The setting was regional gynaecological and urological outpatient clinics. The subjects consisted of a sample of 86 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Group A underwent high-frequency PFMT and group B underwent low-frequency PFMT for 12 weeks. We recorded the IEF/week. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used. Pelvic floor muscle function was evaluated using a perineometer. Pelvic floor muscle morphometry was evaluated with 3D/4D ultrasound. The Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QoL) was used. RESULTS Significant differences between group A and B after treatment (p<0.001) were noted in favour of group A in IEF/week (group A 10.2±7.0/2.3±3.0 vs group B 9.3±4.7/6.3±4.9), in the ICIQ-UI SF (group A 9.7±3.0/3.7 ± 3.6 vs group B 9.9±3.2/9.4±3.4). Significant differences between groups A and B after treatment were noted in favour of group A for pelvic floor muscle function in terms of maximal voluntary contraction and its duration, and also for pelvic floor muscle morphometry in terms of a reduction of the hiatal area during rest, contraction, and the Valsalva manoeuvre. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency PFMT for 12 weeks significantly decreased IEF/week in comparison with low-frequency PFMT. In the high-frequency exercise group, women had significantly better pelvic floor muscle function, morphometry and quality of life than the low-frequency exercise group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Hagovská
- Department of Physiatry, Balneology, and Medical Rehabilitation, Institution - Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
- Urogynecology and Physiotherapy in gynecology and urology, Institution - Clinic Centrum s.r.o., Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Švihra
- Department of Urology, Institution - Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Peter Urdzík
- Urogynecology and Physiotherapy in gynecology and urology, Institution - Clinic Centrum s.r.o., Kosice, Slovakia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institution - Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Eva Vaská
- Institute of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hagovska M, Svihra J, Urdzik P. Predictive Value of Pelvic Floor Muscle Morphometry Using 3D/4D Ultrasound in Relation to the Success of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14757. [PMID: 36429476 PMCID: PMC9690680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to establish the predictive value of pelvic floor muscle morphometry using 3D/4D ultrasound in relation to the success of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for 12 weeks in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A total of 86 women with SUI from regional gynaecological and urological outpatient clinics were enrolled on this cross-sectional study. SUI symptoms were assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI SF). Pelvic floor muscle function was evaluated using a perineometer. Pelvic floor muscle morphometry (PFMM) was evaluated by the size of the urogenital hiatus (HA in cm2) at rest (R), at contraction (C) and during the Valsalva manoeuvre, i.e., a strong push (V), by 3D/4D USG. The intervention was PFMT for 12 weeks. After PFMT, we noted significant improvement in SUI symptoms, pelvic floor muscle function and morphometry. Moderately significant (0.001) negative correlations were confirmed between the total ICIQ-UI SF score and strength (-0.236 **) and endurance (-0.326 **) of the maximal voluntary contraction (MvC), the number of MvC lasting 3 s (-0.406 **) and 1 s (-0.338 **). Moderately significant (0.001) positive correlations were confirmed between the total ICIQ-UI SF score and R (r = 0.453 **), C (r = 0.533 **) and V (r = 0.442 **). The predictive value of PFMM reached a positive prediction of a decrease with an ICIQ-UI SF score below 8. HA during V was most strongly associated with SUI reduction, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 (p ≤ 0.001), a positive predictive value of 83.3%, a negative predictive value of 75.0%, sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 80.0%. The predictive values of pelvic floor muscle morphometry using 3D/4D USG confirmed the success of PFMT in women with SUI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Hagovska
- Department of Physiatry, Balneology, and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
- Urogynecology and Physiotherapy in Gynecology and Urology, Clinic Centrum s.r.o., 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Svihra
- Department of Urology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Urdzik
- Urogynecology and Physiotherapy in Gynecology and Urology, Clinic Centrum s.r.o., 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cacciari LP, Morin M, Mayrand MH, Dumoulin C. Never Too Late to Train: The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on the Shape of the Levator Hiatus in Incontinent Older Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11078. [PMID: 36078794 PMCID: PMC9518531 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training is the first-line treatment for women of all ages with urinary incontinence (UI), but evidence supporting its effects on the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor is scarce in older women. We aimed to evaluate the long-term (one-year) effects of PFM training on the shape of the levator hiatus (LH) in older women with UI and its association with PFM force, incontinence severity, and potential effect modifiers (age, UI severity, BMI, and UI type). This is a secondary analysis of the GROUP study, a non-inferiority RCT assessing the effects of a structured and progressive 12-week PFM training program to treat UI in older women. Data were available from 264/308 participants at the one-year follow-up. PFM training resulted in reduced LH size toward a more "circular" shape, which was consistently associated with greater PFM force and reduced UI severity. Further, no significant interactions were found between LH shape changes and any of the potential effect modifiers, suggesting that women will potentially benefit from PFM training, regardless of age, UI severity, BMI, and UI type (stress or mixed), with changes that can be observed in the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor and sustained in the long-term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Licia P. Cacciari
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal and Research Center of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - Mélanie Morin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Mayrand
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Chantale Dumoulin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal and Research Center of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Changes in pelvic floor morphometry and muscle function after multimodal physiotherapy for gynaecological cancer survivors suffering from dyspareunia: a prospective interventional study. Physiotherapy 2022; 114:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|