Pelvic floor muscle function in a general female population in relation with age and parity and the relation between voluntary and involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor musculature

Assessment of Involuntary PFM Contractions in Comparison with Existing Literature and IUGA/ICS Terminology Reports

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Involuntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions are thought to occur during an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Although no studies have assessed their presence in women with normal pelvic floor (PF) function, existing literature links the absence of involuntary PFM contractions to various PF dysfunctions. This study rectifies this lacuna by evaluating involuntary PFM contractions during IAP in healthy nulliparous women with no PF dysfunction, using visual observation and vaginal palpation. Results were compared with the literature and the IUGA/ICS Terminology Reports.

METHODS

Nulliparous (n=149) women performed three sets of three maximal coughs. Visual observation and vaginal palpation were conducted in the standing and supine positions. The women were not instructed to contract their PFMs. Occurrence rates were calculated for each assessment method and position; differences between positions were analyzed using the Chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Rates of occurrence of involuntary PFM contraction were low across both assessments and positions (5-17%). Significant differences were found between standing (5%) and supine (15%) positions for visual observation, but not vaginal palpation (15%, 17% respectively). Occurrence rates also differed compared with the literature and terminology reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to clinical expectations, rates of occurrence of involuntary PFM contraction among our cohort of nulliparous women were extremely low. Digital palpation results showed high agreement with the terminology reports, but only partial agreement was observed for the visual observation results. Our study underscores the need for more research aimed at defining normal involuntary PF functions, a review of our understanding of involuntary PFM contractions, and better standardized guidelines for involuntary PFM assessment methods.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic syndrome that causes musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with several problems that affect quality of life. As the musculoskeletal system is affected, it can have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the occurrence of PFD, such as urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI), sexual problems, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in women with FM compared to a control group composed of women without FM; and investigate the association between FM and PFD.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an online cross-sectional survey. Demographic and anthropometric data, the description of PFD (UI, nocturia, AI, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and POP), and previous obstetric history were collected through a web-based questionnaire. The groups were compared using the independent t-test for quantitative variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between FM and PFD was tested using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 175 women answered the questionnaire (97 with FM and 78 healthy controls). The women with FM reported significantly more UI, mixed urinary incontinence, AI, POP, and vaginismus than the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). FM was associated with mixed urinary incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.1-6.4; p = 0.04), anal incontinence (OR: 2.9; 95 % CI: 1.3-6.1; p = 0.01), and flatus incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.2-5.4; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PFD was significantly higher in women with FM compared to healthy women. Indeed, the women with FM were 2.6-fold to 2.9-fold more likely to report mixed urinary incontinence, anal and flatus incontinence than those in the control group. The present findings show possible impairment of the pelvic floor musculature in women with FM.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

As a result of the impairment of the musculoskeletal system, the pelvic floor muscles are likely compromised in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We hypothesized that women with SLE would report more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and there will be an association between SLE and PFD.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, PFD (urinary incontinence, nocturia, anal incontinence, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder and pelvic organ prolapse) and obstetric history using a web-based questionnaire. The groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. The association between SLE and PFD was tested using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 196 women answered the questionnaire (102 with SLE and 94 healthy controls). Women with SLE reported significantly more urinary incontinence, nocturia, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder than the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). Women with SLE were 2.8- to 3.0-fold more likely to report genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder than healthy women.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PFD was significantly higher in women with SLE compared to healthy women. Thus, PFD seems to be an important problem in women with this disease. An in-depth investigation of these disorders could contribute to the understanding of how SLE impacts pelvic floor function.

Role of Preoperative and Postoperative Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 in Evaluation of Posthysterectomy Vault Prolapse

Background:

Posthysterectomy vault prolapse is a common problem after vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. The objective was to assess the role of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI-20) in evaluation of vault prolapse.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective study in 20 women with posthysterectomy vault prolapse of Stage 2 and above. The outcome measure was to calculate PFDI-20 score in all cases before surgical intervention and to recalculate it again in 6 months after different surgical procedures for vault prolapse and to statistically compare the PFDI-20 score in different types of surgery over 4 years period at a tertiary referral hospital for surgical treatment. Prolapse was classified using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification and intraoperative findings. All women were operated for vault prolapse as per hospital protocol and stage of prolapse by either vaginal sacrospinous fixation or abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

Results:

Mean age, parity, and body mass index were 54.8 years, 3.5, and 22.71 kg/m² respectively. Preceding surgery was vaginal hysterectomy in 75% women and abdominal hysterectomy in 25% women. Complaints were bulge or mass feeling at perineum (100%), pressure in lower abdomen and perineum (55%), and constipation (60%). The type of prolapse was vault prolapse (100%), cystocele (100%), rectocele (100%), and enterocele (45%). The range of PFDI-20 was 88–152 with mean being 123.50 ± 22.71 before surgery while its range decreased significantly to 80–126 with mean being 106.40 ± 16.45 after surgery (P < 0.01). Mean postoperative PFDI-20 score was 107.40 in vaginal sacrospinous fixation group and was 105.30 in abdominal sacrocolpopexy group and was not statistically different (P = 0.18).

Conclusion:

PFDI-20 score can be used to see the adverse impact of vault prolapse on pelvic floor and to assess the beneficial effect of different types of surgeries on the score.

Relationship between the types of urinary incontinence, handgrip strength, and pelvic floor muscle strength in adult women

AIM

To investigate the relationship between handgrip strength with types of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women.

METHODS

Ninety-two women, who presented to the geriatric and urology outpatient clinics complaining of UI between July 2019 and February 2020 and had indicated to undergo urodynamic assessment after basic neurourological evaluation, were included in this cross-sectional study. The presence and types of UI were identified by clinical examination and urodynamic studies. Demographic parameters, anthropometric data, comorbidities and medications were recorded. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was applied. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by a hand dynamometer. The PFMS was subjectively assessed via vaginal digital palpation and measured quantitatively by the vaginal probe of the perineometer.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight urodynamic stress, 28 detrusor overactivity, 26 urodynamic mixed UI patients were reported. Perineometer measurements were significantly lower in the urodynamic stress UI group compared to the other two groups (p = 0.020). There was no relationship between the types of urinary incontinence and HGS. However, a positive correlation was found between PFMS and HGS (p = 0.045, r = 0.298).

CONCLUSION

The positive correlation between HGS and PFMS indicates that low HGS may be a marker for PFMS weakness. Furthermore, the association between sarcopenia and UI may be explained by this condition.

Quantifying the Effects of Aging on Morphological and Cellular Properties of Human Female Pelvic Floor Muscles

Age-related pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction is a critical defect in the progression to pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Despite dramatic prevalence of PFDs in older women, the underlying pathophysiology of age-related PFM dysfunction remains poorly understood. Using cadaveric specimens, we quantified aging effects on functionally relevant PFM properties and compared PFMs with the appendicular muscles from the same donors. PFMs, obturator internus, and vastus lateralis were procured from younger (N = 4) and older (N = 11) donors with known obstetrical and medical history. Our findings demonstrate that PFMs undergo degenerative, rather than atrophic, alterations. Importantly, age-related fibrotic degeneration disproportionally impacts PFMs compared to the appendicular muscles. We identified intramuscular lipid accumulation as another contributing factor to the pathological alterations of PFMs with aging. We observed a fourfold decrease in muscle stem cell (MuSC) pool of aged relative to younger PFMs, but the MuSC pool of appendicular muscles from the same older donors was only twofold lower than in younger group, although these differences were not statistically significant. Age-related degeneration appears to disproportionally impact PFMs relative to the appendicular muscles from the same donors. Knowledge of tissue- and cell-level changes in aged PFMs is essential to promote our understanding of the mechanisms governing PFM dysfunction in older women.

Linking Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Terminology to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

OBJECTIVE

A previous systematic review on pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) identified a miscellaneity of terms. The lack of consensual terminology might have come from the complexity of neuromusculoskeletal function itself. This study sought to link the previously identified PFMF terms to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) terminology.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis study, 10 linkage rules were applied to link 196 previously identified PFMF terms to the ICF. Two researchers performed the linking process independently. Disagreements were solved by open dialogue with a third researcher. Percentage agreement was computed for main outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 184 (93.9%) PFMF terms were subsumed into the following 6 ICF terms: tone, involuntary movement reaction, control, coordination, strength, and endurance. The most frequently investigated PFMF was strength (25.5%), followed by involuntary movement reaction (22.9%), endurance (17.2%), control (14.1%), coordination (9.9%), and tone (4.2%). Only 6.2% PFMF could not be linked to ICF terminology. A wide variation of instruments/methods was used to measure PFMF. Vaginal palpation was the only method employed to measure all 6 PFMF. Percentage agreement between raters was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Linking PFMF terminology to the ICF was feasible and valid. It allowed the identification of the most investigated PFMF and their measuring methods. ICF terminology to describe PFMF should be used since it may improve communication, data gathering, and the advance in scientific knowledge.

IMPACT

Standardized terminology anchored in a theoretical framework is crucial to data gathering, communication, and dissemination of evidence-based practice. PFMF terminology based on ICF can be used to improve data pooling and communication.

The Prognostic Value of the Surface Electromyographic Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence

Background: The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements to evaluate the bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) during therapeutic intervention is now well established. This study investigates the diagnostic possibilities of sEMG in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this study was to carry out objective assessments of the bioelectrical activity of the PFM in women after menopause and determine the prognostic value of sEMG for assessing the PFM in patients with SUI. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study that evaluated the bioelectrical activity of the PFM in postmenopausal women with or without SUI (SUI group, n = 89 vs. non-SUI group, n = 62). The study was carried out between January 2013 and December 2018 at the Clinic of Urology (Wroclaw, Poland). The protocol for all sEMG measurements of PFM activity consisted of following elements: “baseline”, “quick flicks”, “contractions”, “static hold”, and “rest tone”; we then compared these results between groups. To determine the optimal cutoff level for sEMG activation of the PFM to detect the occurrence of SUI, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (with Youden’s index). Results: Significantly lower results were obtained for all PFM measurements in women with SUI. The optimum diagnostic cutoff for “baseline” was 3.7 μV (area under curve (AUC), 0.63), “quick flicks” was 9.15 μV (AUC, 0.84), “contractions” was 11.33 μV (AUC, 0.80), “static hold” was 9.94 μV (AUC, 0.84), and “rest” was 3.89 μV (AUC, 0.63). Conclusions: Measuring sEMG activity in the PFM may be a useful diagnostic tool to confirm the absence of SUI. We can expect that the sEMG activity of subjects with SUI will be lower than that of healthy people. In order to determine appropriate reference values for assessing sEMG activity data in the PFM, it is now necessary to conduct multicenter studies.

Pelvic floor muscle function and symptoms of dysfunctions in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with and without pelvic floor dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and investigate the relationship between PFM function and the number, type and symptoms of PFDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

82 midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with (n = 51) and without PFD (n = 31) participated in the study. PFM function was assessed by digital palpation using PERFECT scale. Gynecological examination, ultrasonography, disease-specific questionnaires, questions and tests were used to assess symptoms of PFD. PFD was assessed in terms of risk factors, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic pain and sexual dysfunctions.

RESULTS

Power parameter of PERFECT scheme was significantly lower in subjects with PFD compared to Non-PFD group (p = 0.002). 41% of the subjects with Power 5 PFM strength in PFD group were diagnosed as stage 1 POP, 5.8% as stage 2 POP, 15.7% of urge incontinence, 23.3% of stress incontinence and 10.5% of mixed incontinence. Both urinary incontinence and POP were detected in 15.7% of them. Among all subjects, incontinence symptoms decreased whereas POP and sexual function did not change as PFM increased. PFM strength was negatively correlated with the number of PFD (p = 0.002, r = -0.34). The type of dysfunction did not correlate with PFM strength (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PFM strength only affects of urinary incontinence sypmtoms among all PFDs in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age. PFM strength may not be the main factor in the occurrence of PFDs as pelvic floor does not consist solely of muscle structure. However, it strongly affects the number of dysfunctions. Therefore, PFM training should be performed to prevent the occurrence of extra dysfunctions in addition to the existing ones even if it does not alter the symptoms.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in female cheerleaders: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Cheerleaders perform high-impact maneuvers that can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. We hypothesized that female cheerleaders would report more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and fewer symptoms of premenstrual syndrome than nonathletic women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included high-performance female cheerleaders and young nonathletic, nulliparous, and normal-weight females. Demographics, sports practices, and pelvic floor dysfunction data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Urinary symptoms were collected through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and King's Health Questionnaire. Intestinal symptoms were collected through the use of Criterion F of item C3, referring to functional constipation of Rome III and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Data on sexual function were collected through the Female Sexual Function Index. Data on pelvic organ prolapse were obtained through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS). In addition, questions about premenstrual syndrome-dysmenorrhea, irritability, headache, tiredness, fluid retention, and constipation-were collected through the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. The comparison between groups of the quantitative variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for comparison between groups on the occurrence of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction symptoms. A significance level of 5% was adopted.

RESULTS

A total of 156 women (78 cheerleaders and 76 nonathletes) completed the electronic questionnaire. Anal incontinence was the most prevalent symptom of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Cheerleaders were 2.3 times more likely to report symptoms regarding anal incontinence than nonathletic women. For the other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, no statistical differences between the groups were found. Cheerleaders reported fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period than did nonathletic women.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly anal incontinence, appears to be more prevalent among cheerleaders than among nonathletic women. In addition, cheerleaders demonstrated fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period.

Parity: a risk factor for decreased pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance in middle-aged women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The incidence of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction increases rapidly with menopause and aging. Despite the raised magnitude and prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women, the risk factors underlying PFM dysfunction still remain to be identified. PFM function can be clinically measured as the maximum strength and endurance using manometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate PFM function in terms of strength and endurance by perineometer and to assess the risk factors that decrease PFM strength and endurance in middle-aged women.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Overall, 125 parous women (age 40-60 years) completed the study. A questionnaire was used to collect information on several demographic and obstetric variables. The Peritron perineometer measured PFM strength and endurance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic variables on PFM function.

RESULTS

Both average strength of PFMs and maximum muscle strength significantly reduced as the number of parity increased. Average and maximum strength of PFMs showed a significant difference between women with parities of two and one (β = -0.435, p < .001; β = -0.441, p < 0.001, respectively). Both were even more influenced in women with parity of three (β = -0.503, p < .001; β = -0.500, p < .001). However, PFM endurance did not decrease with increasing parity number until the parity of two; however, it decreased in women with parity of three (β = -0.302, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Parity appeared to have a dominant influence on weakness of PFM, and strength was more significantly associated with parity than endurance in middle-aged women.

Terminology of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Women With and Without Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) is a target of the physical therapist intervention for women with urinary incontinence (UI). However, possible variations in PFMF terminology might hamper communication among researchers and health care professionals in Women's Health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the terminology of PFMF regarding clear terms, conceptual definitions, and operational definitions.

DATA SOURCES

Data sources include PUBMED, CINAHL, LILACS, and SCIELO.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies investigating any PFMF in women with or without UI, published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese from 2005 through 2017, were considered.

DATA EXTRACTION

The risk of bias was assessed by a questionnaire on the quality of observational studies. Data on terminology were extracted as terms, conceptual definitions, and operational definitions of PFMF and were synthesized according to key words, key ideas, and key operationalization, respectively. Consistencies and variations were identified for the most frequently investigated PFMF.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Sixty-four studies were included, and a low risk of bias was identified. All studies presented terms and operational definitions of PFMF, but only 29.7% presented conceptual definitions of those terms. One hundred ninety-six different terms referred to PFMF. According to similarities in terminology, 161 PFMF terms could be grouped under 26 terms; the other 35 were left ungrouped. Therefore, a total of 61 different PFMF terms were identified in the literature.

LIMITATIONS

A limitation in the study was that only observational studies were included.

CONCLUSIONS

A large variation in PFMF terminology was identified, precluding data gathering and meta-analysis. The lack of use of standardized terminology delays the progress of scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice dissemination. Efforts toward creating a collaborative, consensual terminology based on a sound framework are necessary.

Clinical and MRI changes of puborectalis and iliococcygeus after a short period of intensive pelvic floor muscles training with or without instrumentation : A prospective randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the impact of a 3-week period of intensive pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT), with or without instrumentation, on clinical and static magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of puborectalis (PR) and iliococcygeus (IL) muscles.

METHODS

24 healthy young women were enrolled in the study and 17 achieved the 9 sessions of 30 min training exercises and conducted all assessments. Participants were randomly assigned in two training groups: voluntary contractions combined with hypopressive exercises (HYPO) or biofeedback exercises combined with transvaginal electrical stimulations (ELEC). Clinical and T2-weighted MRI assessments were realized before and after training.

RESULTS

Modified Oxford Grading System (MOGS) scores for left PR and perineal body significantly increased in the two groups (p = 0.039, p = 0.008), but MOGS score for right PR significantly increased only in HYPO (p = 0.020). Muscle volumes of right and left IL significantly decreased (p = 0.040, p = 0.045) after training as well as signal intensities of right and left PR (p = 0.040, p = 0.021) and thickness of right and left IL at mid-vagina location (p = 0.012, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

A short period of intensive PFMT induces clinical and morphological changes in PFMs at rest suggesting a decrease in IL volume and adipose content of PR. Although the results suggested that an intensive non-instrumented PFMT is as effective as an instrumented training, future controlled studies with greater sample sizes are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of each of the two interventions.

Pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in postmenopausal women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in postmenopausal women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and the relation between PFM function and quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study with 216 postmenopausal women with (n = 126) and without (n = 90) PFD. PFM function was assessed by digital vaginal palpation using the PERFECT scale. Specific quality of life was evaluated using the King's Health Questionnaire for women with urinary incontinence and the Prolapse Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for women with pelvic organ prolapse. We analyzed women with PFD into two categories: Oxford's grade ≤2 or ≥3 using a chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Out of 126 womem with PFD 44 (34.9%) presented stress urinary incontinence, 21 (16.6%) had pelvic organ prolapse and 61 (48.4%) had urinary incontinence + pelvic organ prolapse. Strength had a median value 2 (0-5) in all women studied and most of them had insufficient strength, reduced endurance and repetition without statistical difference between groups. Incontinent women with strength ≤2 had worse perception of general health domain of King's Health Questionnaire (p = 0.007). No association was found between PFM function and Prolapse Quality-of-Life Questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

PFM function assessed by bidigital palpation in postmenopausal women was not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate between women with vs. women without PFM dysfunction and was not related with specific quality of life in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, respectively. These data should be used to reinforce the widespread recommendation that PFM training is essencial in PFD treatment.

Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions

Introduction

Few means exist to provide quantitative and reproducible assessment of vaginal conditions from biomechanical and functional standpoints.

Aim

To develop a new approach for quantitative biomechanical characterization of the vagina.

Methods

Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of soft tissue and function along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls. This can be done at rest, with applied vaginal deformation, and with pelvic muscle contraction.

Results

Data were analyzed for 42 subjects with normal pelvic floor support from an observational case-controlled clinical study. The average age was 52 years (range = 26–90 years). We introduced 8 VTI parameters to characterize vaginal conditions: (i) maximum resistance force to insertion (newtons), (ii) insertion work (millijoules), (iii) maximum stress-to-strain ratio (elasticity; kilopascals per millimeter), (iv) maximum pressure at rest (kilopascals), (v) anterior-posterior force at rest (newtons), (vi) left-right force at rest (newtons), (vii) maximum pressure at muscle contraction (kilopascals), and (viii) muscle contraction force (newtons). We observed low to moderate correlation of these parameters with subject age and no correlation with subject weight. 6 of 8 parameters demonstrated a P value less than .05 for 2 subject subsamples divided by age (≤52 vs >52 years), which means 6 VTI parameters change with age.

Conclusions

VTI allows biomechanical and functional characterization of the vaginal conditions that can be used for (i) understanding “normal” vaginal conditions, (ii) quantification of the deviation from normality, (iii) personalized treatment (radiofrequency, laser, or plastic surgery), and (iv) assessment of the applied treatment outcome.

Egorov V, Murphy M, Lucente V, et al. Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions. Sex Med 2018;6:39–48.

A manometry classification to assess pelvic floor muscle function in women

OBJECTIVE

To develop a classification scale for manometry of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in Brazilian women, according to the modified Oxford scale.

METHODS

A cross sectional study, with 288 women enrolled in the Maternity, Natal, Brazil. Manometry and PFM strength data were collected and classified according to the modified Oxford scale. A simple linear regression was performed to determine the classification scale of manometry using the modified Oxford scale as the explanatory variable and the arithmetic mean of the manometry measurements as the response variable.

RESULTS

The average age was 52.80 (±8.78; CI: 51.67-53.93) years. Manometry showed an average of 35.1 (±22.7; CI: 32.1-38.0) cmH2O and most women (29.7%) scored grade 3 on the modified Oxford scale. According to the proposed scale, values between 7.5 to 14.5 cmH2O correspond to very weak pressure; 14.6 to 26.5 cmH2O represent weak pressure; 26.6 to 41.5 cmH2O represent moderate pressure; 41.6 to 60.5 cmH2O represent good pressure, and values above 60.6 cmH2O correspond to strong pressure.

CONCLUSION

Manometry values were rated on a five-point scale. It is possible to rank the pressure levels performed by voluntary contraction of PFM with this new scale.

Age-related alterations in female obturator internus muscle

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is a widely utilized, but often challenging therapy for pelvic floor disorders, which are prevalent in older women. Regimens involving the use of appendicular muscles, such as the obturator internus (OI), have been developed for strengthening of the levator ani muscle (LAM). However, changes that lead to potential dysfunction of these alternative targets in older women are not well known. We hypothesized that aging negatively impacts OI architecture, the main determinant of muscle function, and intramuscular extracellular matrix (ECM), paralleling age-related alterations in LAM.

METHODS

OI and LAM were procured from three groups of female cadaveric donors (five per group): younger (20 - 40 years), middle-aged (41 - 60 years), and older (≥60 years). Architectural predictors of the excursional (fiber length, L _f), force-generating (physiological cross-sectional area, PCSA) and sarcomere length (L _s) capacity of the muscles, and ECM collagen content (measure of fibrosis) were determined using validated methods. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with a significance level of 0.05, and linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the donors in the three groups were 31.2 ± 2.3 years, 47.6 ± 1.2 years, and 74.6 ± 4.2 years (P < 0.005). The groups did not differ with respect to parity or body mass index (P > 0.5). OI L _f and L _s were not affected by aging. Age >60 years was associated with a substantial decrease in OI PCSA and increased collagen content (P < 0.05). Reductions in OI and LAM force-generating capacities with age were highly correlated (r ² = 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings of age-related decreases in predicted OI force production and fibrosis suggest that these alterations should be taken into consideration, when designing pelvic floor fitness programs for older women.

Influence of parity, type of delivery, and physical activity level on pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of parity, type of delivery, and physical activity level on pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women. [Subjects and Methods] This was an observational analytic cross-sectional study with a sample of 100 postmenopausal women, aged between 45 and 65 years, divided into three groups according to menopausal stage: hysterectomized and early and late postmenopause. Patients were assessed for sociodemographic and gyneco-obstetric factors and subjected to a muscle strength test and perineometry. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and multiple regression were applied. [Results] The results showed homogeneity in sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. There was no difference in pelvic floor muscle function among the three groups. Type of delivery, parity and physical activity level showed no influence on muscle function. [Conclusion] The findings demonstrate that parity, type of delivery, and physical activity level had no influence on pelvic floor muscle pressure in postmenopausal women. One hypothesis to explain these results is the fact that the decline in muscle function in postmenopausal women is related to the female aging process.

Impact of different body positions on bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles in nulliparous continent women

We examined pelvic floor muscles (PFM) activity (%MVC) in twenty nulliparous women by body position during exercise as well as the activation of abdominal muscles and the gluteus maximus during voluntary contractions of the PFMs. Pelvic floor muscle activity was recorded using a vaginal probe during five experimental trials. Activation of transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, and gluteus maximus during voluntary PFM contractions was also assessed. Significant differences in mean normalized amplitudes of baseline PFM activity were revealed between standing and lying (P < 0.00024) and lying and ball-sitting positions (P < 0.0053). Average peak, average time before peak, and average time after peak did not differ significantly during the voluntary contractions of the PFMs. Baseline PFM activity seemed to depend on the body position and was the highest in standing. Pelvic floor muscles activity during voluntary contractions did not differ by position in continent women. Statistically significant differences between the supine lying and sitting positions were only observed during a sustained 60-second contraction of the PFMs.

Pelvic floor muscle activity, quality of life, and sexual function in peri- and recently postmenopausal women with and without dyspareunia: a cross-sectional study

Pelvic floor alterations during menopausal years, resulting from aging and hormonal decline, may lead to several forms of sexual dysfunction. Dyspareunia-pain during sexual intercourse-is among the most frequent. Nevertheless, few studies so far have evaluated pelvic floor muscle function in postmenopausal women with dyspareunia. The authors thus carried out a cross-sectional study to assess myoelectric activity in pelvic floor muscles in peri- and postmenopausal women with and without dyspareunia receiving routine care at an outpatient clinic. In addition, sexual function (using the Female Sexual Function Index) and quality of life (using the Cervantes Scale) were assessed. Fifty-one peri- and postmenopausal women between 45 to 60 years of age (M = 52.1, SD = 4.9) were evaluated, 27 with and 24 without dyspareunia. There were no statistically significant differences in resting muscle activity, maximal voluntary contraction, and sustained contraction between women with and without dyspareunia. There were statistically significant between-group differences on the Cervantes Scale (p =.009) and in all Female Sexual Function Index domains except desire and satisfaction (arousal, p =.019; lubrication, p =.030; orgasm, p =.032; pain, p <.001; desire, p =.061; satisfaction, p =.081), indicating that women with dyspareunia experience worse quality of life and less satisfactory sexual function as compared with women without dyspareunia.

Can women correctly contract their pelvic floor muscles without formal instruction?

OBJECTIVES

It is unknown how many women presenting for primary care can appropriately contract their pelvic floor muscle (PFM) or whether this ability differs between women with or without pelvic floor disorders. We sought to describe the proportion of women who initially incorrectly contract the PFM and how many can learn after basic instruction.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 779 women presenting to community-based primary care practices. During PFM assessment, research nurses recorded whether women could correctly contract their PFM after a brief verbal cue. We defined pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as prolapse to or beyond the hymen and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as a score of greater than equal 3 on the Incontinence Severity Index.

RESULTS

Pelvic floor muscle contraction was done correctly on first attempt in 85.5%, 83.4%, 68.6%, and 85.8% of women with POP, SUI, both POP and SUI, and neither POP nor SUI, respectively (P=0.01 for difference between POP and SUI versus neither POP nor SUI). Of 120 women who initially incorrectly contracted the PFM, 94 women (78%) learned after brief instruction. Women with POP were less likely to learn than women with neither POP nor SUI (54.3% vs 85.7%, P=0.001). Increasing vaginal delivery and decreasing caffeine intake (but not age or other demographic factors) were associated with incorrect PFM contraction; only decreased caffeine intake remained significant on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women with no or mild pelvic floor disorders can correctly contract their PFM after a simple verbal cue, suggesting that population-based prevention interventions can be initiated without clinical confirmation of correct PFM technique.

Pelvic floor muscle function in a general population of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aims to examine the relationship between pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a general female population.

Methods

Cross-sectional study on women aged 45–85 years. Validated questionnaires were used to assess pelvic floor muscle function. POP and PFMF were evaluated with vaginal examination. For statistical analysis chi-squared test for trend and analysis of variance were used.

Results

Response rate to the questionnaire was 62.7% (1,869/2,979). No significant differences were found in muscle strength and endurance during voluntary muscle contraction between the POP stages. Women with POP stages I and II were significantly less able to achieve effective involuntary muscle contraction during coughing (38.3% and 37.7%) than women without POP (75.2%).

Conclusion

Involuntary contraction of the PFM during coughing (that resulted in stabilization of the perineum) was significantly weaker in the women with POP stage I and II than in the women without POP.