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What improvements in levator ani motor function lead to improvement in stress urinary incontinence signs and symptoms in females? Int Urogynecol J 2021; 33:2735-2747. [PMID: 34477898 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04931-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The objectives were to determine whether levator ani muscle (LAM) motor function is associated with female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) severity, and whether changes in LAM motor function induced through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) are associated with improvements in SUI signs and symptoms. METHODS Pelvic morphology and LAM function were evaluated using ultrasound imaging and manual palpation using the elements of the PERFECT Scheme (Power, Endurance, Repetitions, Fast contractions, Elevation, Co-contraction and Timing) before and after women with SUI underwent a 12-week PFMT intervention. SUI severity was determined subjectively (ICIQ-FLUTS-UI) and objectively (30-min pad test [30MPT]). RESULTS At baseline (n = 97), less leakage on the 30MPT was weakly associated with higher bladder neck position (ρs = -0.209,p = 0.044), yet with lower LAM function based on the PERFECT Scheme (overall score: ρs = 0.206, p = 0.043; repeated maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs): ρs = 0.203, p = 0.046; power/motor control: ρs = 0.214, p = 0.035). Lower symptom severity (ICIQ-FLUTS-UI) was associated with observed perineal lift during coughing (U = 34.000; p = 0.042). All measures of SUI severity and LAM function were significantly improved after PFMT intervention. Greater improvements in bladder neck elevation during MVC (ρs = -0.261, p = 0.027) and greater reductions in levator plate length during MVC (ρs = 0.292, p = 0.016) were weakly associated with greater reductions in leakage (30MPT), the latter also being associated with more improvement symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS-UI; ρs = 0.238, p = 0.041). Greater improvement in the ability to repeat MVCs (ρs = 0.303, p = 0.009) was weakly associated with smaller improvements in symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS-UI). CONCLUSION Improvements in bladder neck support and elevation show weak associations with improvement in SUI signs and symptoms. LAM function as measured by the PERFECT Scheme is not associated with SUI severity in women, and improvements in LAM function when measured by the PERFECT Scheme are not associated with improvements in SUI signs and symptoms.
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García-Sánchez E, Ávila-Gandía V, López-Román J, Martínez-Rodríguez A, Rubio-Arias JÁ. What Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Load is Optimal in Minimizing Urine Loss in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4358. [PMID: 31717291 PMCID: PMC6887794 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly used for urine loss. However, research studies have not determined which training load is the most effective for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Moreover, none of the previous reviews or studies have described the total effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with an objective test such as the pad test. The objectives were to analyze the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women with SUI and to determine which training load produces the greatest adaptations for decreasing urine loss. The search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane), for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PFMT. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: participants were women; were older than 18; had SUI; were treated with PFMT; and the assessments of the effects were measured with a pad test. Finally, 10 articles (293 women) analyzed the pad test in women with SUI who performed PFMT. The meta-analysis showed that PFMT, independent of the protocol used in the study, resulted in decreased urine loss in women suffering from SUI. However, for large effects, the program should last 6-12 weeks, with >3 sessions/week and a length of session <45 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-Sánchez
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain; (E.G.-S.); (V.Á.-G.); (J.L.-R.)
- Fundación para la Formación e Investigación Sanitarias de la Región de Murcia, 30003 Murcia, Spain
- Health Sciences PhD program, Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente Ávila-Gandía
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain; (E.G.-S.); (V.Á.-G.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Javier López-Román
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain; (E.G.-S.); (V.Á.-G.); (J.L.-R.)
- Fundación para la Formación e Investigación Sanitarias de la Región de Murcia, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Alicante University, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias
- Faculty of Sports, UCAM, Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay‐Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 10:CD005654. [PMID: 30288727 PMCID: PMC6516955 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005654.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the most commonly used physical therapy treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It is sometimes also recommended for mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and, less commonly, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2014. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of PFMT for women with urinary incontinence (UI) in comparison to no treatment, placebo or sham treatments, or other inactive control treatments; and summarise the findings of relevant economic evaluations. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (searched 12 February 2018), which contains trials identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, handsearching of journals and conference proceedings, and the reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with SUI, UUI or MUI (based on symptoms, signs or urodynamics). One arm of the trial included PFMT. Another arm was a no treatment, placebo, sham or other inactive control treatment arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility and risk of bias. We extracted and cross-checked data. A third review author resolved disagreements. We processed data as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We subgrouped trials by diagnosis of UI. We undertook formal meta-analysis when appropriate. MAIN RESULTS The review included 31 trials (10 of which were new for this update) involving 1817 women from 14 countries. Overall, trials were of small-to-moderate size, with follow-ups generally less than 12 months and many were at moderate risk of bias. There was considerable variation in the intervention's content and duration, study populations and outcome measures. There was only one study of women with MUI and only one study with UUI alone, with no data on cure, cure or improvement, or number of episodes of UI for these subgroups.Symptomatic cure of UI at the end of treatment: compared with no treatment or inactive control treatments, women with SUI who were in the PFMT groups were eight times more likely to report cure (56% versus 6%; risk ratio (RR) 8.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.68 to 19.07; 4 trials, 165 women; high-quality evidence). For women with any type of UI, PFMT groups were five times more likely to report cure (35% versus 6%; RR 5.34, 95% CI 2.78 to 10.26; 3 trials, 290 women; moderate-quality evidence).Symptomatic cure or improvement of UI at the end of treatment: compared with no treatment or inactive control treatments, women with SUI who were in the PFMT groups were six times more likely to report cure or improvement (74% versus 11%; RR 6.33, 95% CI 3.88 to 10.33; 3 trials, 242 women; moderate-quality evidence). For women with any type of UI, PFMT groups were two times more likely to report cure or improvement than women in the control groups (67% versus 29%; RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.47; 2 trials, 166 women; moderate-quality evidence).UI-specific symptoms and quality of life (QoL) at the end of treatment: compared with no treatment or inactive control treatments, women with SUI who were in the PFMT group were more likely to report significant improvement in UI symptoms (7 trials, 376 women; moderate-quality evidence), and to report significant improvement in UI QoL (6 trials, 348 women; low-quality evidence). For any type of UI, women in the PFMT group were more likely to report significant improvement in UI symptoms (1 trial, 121 women; moderate-quality evidence) and to report significant improvement in UI QoL (4 trials, 258 women; moderate-quality evidence). Finally, for women with mixed UI treated with PFMT, there was one small trial (12 women) reporting better QoL.Leakage episodes in 24 hours at the end of treatment: PFMT reduced leakage episodes by one in women with SUI (mean difference (MD) 1.23 lower, 95% CI 1.78 lower to 0.68 lower; 7 trials, 432 women; moderate-quality evidence) and in women with all types of UI (MD 1.00 lower, 95% CI 1.37 lower to 0.64 lower; 4 trials, 349 women; moderate-quality evidence).Leakage on short clinic-based pad tests at the end of treatment: women with SUI in the PFMT groups lost significantly less urine in short (up to one hour) pad tests. The comparison showed considerable heterogeneity but the findings still favoured PFMT when using a random-effects model (MD 9.71 g lower, 95% CI 18.92 lower to 0.50 lower; 4 trials, 185 women; moderate-quality evidence). For women with all types of UI, PFMT groups also reported less urine loss on short pad tests than controls (MD 3.72 g lower, 95% CI 5.46 lower to 1.98 lower; 2 trials, 146 women; moderate-quality evidence).Women in the PFMT group were also more satisfied with treatment and their sexual outcomes were better. Adverse events were rare and, in the two trials that did report any, they were minor. The findings of the review were largely supported by the 'Summary of findings' tables, but most of the evidence was downgraded to moderate on methodological grounds. The exception was 'participant-perceived cure' in women with SUI, which was rated as high quality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on the data available, we can be confident that PFMT can cure or improve symptoms of SUI and all other types of UI. It may reduce the number of leakage episodes, the quantity of leakage on the short pad tests in the clinic and symptoms on UI-specific symptom questionnaires. The authors of the one economic evaluation identified for the Brief Economic Commentary reported that the cost-effectiveness of PFMT looks promising. The findings of the review suggest that PFMT could be included in first-line conservative management programmes for women with UI. The long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of PFMT needs to be further researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantale Dumoulin
- University of MontrealSchool of Rehabilitation, Faculty of MedicineC.P.6128 Succ. Centre‐villeMontrealQCCanadaH3C 3J7
| | - Licia P Cacciari
- University of MontrealSchool of Rehabilitation, Faculty of MedicineC.P.6128 Succ. Centre‐villeMontrealQCCanadaH3C 3J7
| | - E Jean C Hay‐Smith
- University of OtagoRehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of MedicineWellingtonNew Zealand
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Dierick F, Galtsova E, Lauer C, Buisseret F, Bouché AF, Martin L. 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. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 118:1661-1671. [PMID: 29948199 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dierick
- Forme and Fonctionnement Humain Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, CERISIC, Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut, rue Trieu Kaisin, 136, 6061, Montignies-sur-Sambre, Belgium.
| | - Ekaterina Galtsova
- Forme and Fonctionnement Humain Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, CERISIC, Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut, rue Trieu Kaisin, 136, 6061, Montignies-sur-Sambre, Belgium
| | - Clara Lauer
- Forme and Fonctionnement Humain Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, CERISIC, Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut, rue Trieu Kaisin, 136, 6061, Montignies-sur-Sambre, Belgium
| | - Fabien Buisseret
- Forme and Fonctionnement Humain Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, CERISIC, Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut, rue Trieu Kaisin, 136, 6061, Montignies-sur-Sambre, Belgium
| | | | - Laurent Martin
- Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, site Saint-Jospeh, rue Marguerite Depasse, 6, 6060, Gilly, Belgium
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Value of transperineal ultrasound on the observation of paravaginal support. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 297:943-949. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Oliveira DA, Parente MPL, Calvo B, Mascarenhas T, Natal Jorge RM. A holistic view of the effects of episiotomy on pelvic floor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2017; 33. [PMID: 28444997 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal delivery is commonly accepted as a risk factor in pelvic floor dysfunction; however, other obstetric procedures (episiotomy) are still controversial. In this work, to analyze the relationship between episiotomy and pelvic floor function, a finite element model of the pelvic cavity is used considering the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) with damaged regions from spontaneous vaginal delivery and from deliveries with episiotomy. Common features assessed at screening of pelvic floor dysfunction are evaluated during numerical simulations of both Valsalva maneuver and contraction. As stated in literature, a weakening of the PFM, represented by damaged regions in the finite element model, would lead to a bladder neck hypermobility measured as a variation between the α angle (angle between the bladder neck and the symphysis pubis line and the midline of the symphysis) during straining and withholding. However, the present work does not associate bladder neck hypermobility to a more damaged muscle, suggesting that other supportive structures also play an important role in the stabilization of the pelvic organs. Furthermore, considering passive behavior of the PFM, independently of the amount of damage considered, the resultant displacements of the pelvic structures are the same. Regarding the PFM contraction, the less the muscle is damaged, the greater the movements of the pelvic organs. Furthermore, the internal organs of the female genital system are the most affected by the unhealthy of the PFM. Additionally, the present study shows that the muscle damage affects more the active muscle component than the passive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce A Oliveira
- INEGI, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Begoña Calvo
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Mascarenhas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centro Hospitalar de São João-EPE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Quality-of-Life Outcomes Following Surface Electromyography Biofeedback as an Adjunct to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 41:73-82. [PMID: 29375282 DOI: 10.1097/jwh.0000000000000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background A non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) is surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. A lack of consensus and evidence exists on the Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes following sEMG biofeedback using surface electrodes at the perineum compared to the more invasive intravaginal probe. This case report examines QoL using sEMG biofeedback at the perineum with PFM training for UI. Study Design Single subject case report. Case Description The patient was a 61-year-old woman diagnosed with UI. Her chief complaints were nocturia, urine leakage with urgency, and urine leakage with sneezing and coughing. Physical therapy (PT) treatment focused on behavioral modification, PFM strengthening with and without sEMG biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises with PFM contractions. Outcomes At four weeks from baseline, the patient's PFM strength increased from 2/5 to 4/5 based on the Modified Laycock Scale. Her PFM endurance contraction improved from two seconds to ten seconds. The International Continence Impact Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score decreased from 6 to 0, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire - Short Form (IIQ-7) score decreased from 14.3 to 0, and the 3 Incontinence Questions (3IQ) responses did not change. Discussion The outcomes from this case report demonstrate a brief course of PT treatment consisting of perineal sEMG biofeedback in conjunction with PFM training demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in incontinence-related QoL, in addition to improvements in motor function in a woman with mixed UI and nocturia.
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Thubert T, Bakker E, Fritel X. Rééducation pelvi-périnéale et troubles de la statique pelvienne de la femme. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 43:389-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2015.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Griebling TL. Re: Effects of PRM Rehabilitation on PFM Function and Morphology in Older Women. J Urol 2014; 191:742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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McLean L, Varette K, Gentilcore-Saulnier E, Harvey MA, Baker K, Sauerbrei E. Pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress urinary incontinence causes hypertrophy of the urethral sphincters and reduces bladder neck mobility during coughing. Neurourol Urodyn 2013; 32:1096-102. [PMID: 23861324 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 12-week pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training program on urethral morphology and mobility in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS Forty women with SUI were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the treatment group received 12 weekly physiotherapy sessions during which they learned how to properly contract their pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and a home exercise program was prescribed, reviewed, and progressed; the control group received no treatment. Before and after the 12-week study period, ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate bladder neck position and mobility during coughing and Valsalva maneuver in supine and in standing, as well as urethral morphology. Secondary outcome measures included a 3-day bladder diary, 30-min pad test, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6). RESULTS The women in the treatment group demonstrated reduced bladder neck mobility during coughing and increased cross-sectional area of their urethra after as compared to before the training. These changes were not evident in the control group. No differences in the resting position of the bladder neck or in bladder neck excursion during Valsalva maneuver were noted in either group. Concomitantly the women in the treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in the 3-day bladder diary and IIQ-7 after the PFM training and improved significantly more than the control group. CONCLUSION Physiotherapist-supervised PFM training reduces bladder neck motion during coughing, and results in hypertrophy of the urethral sphincter in women who present with SUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda McLean
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Madill SJ, Pontbriand-Drolet S, Tang A, Dumoulin C. Effects of PFM rehabilitation on PFM function and morphology in older women. Neurourol Urodyn 2013; 32:1086-95. [PMID: 23359286 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a pelvic floor muscle (PFM) rehabilitation program on incontinence symptoms, PFM function, and morphology in older women with SUI. METHODS Women 60 years old and older with at least weekly episodes of SUI were recruited. Participants were evaluated before and after a 12-week group PFM rehabilitation intervention. The evaluations included 3-day bladder diaries, symptom, and quality of life questionnaires, PFM function testing with dynamometry (force) and electromyography (activation) during seven tasks: rest, PFM maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), straining, rapid-repeated PFM contractions, a 60 sec sustained PFM contraction, a single cough and three repeated coughs, and sagittal MRI recorded at rest, during PFM MVCs and during straining to assess PFM morphology. RESULTS Seventeen women (68.9 ± 5.5 years) participated. Following the intervention the frequency of urine leakage decreased and disease-specific quality of life improved significantly. PFM function improved significantly: the participants were able to perform more rapid-repeated PFM contractions; they activated their PFMs sooner when coughing and they were better able to maintain a PFM contraction between repeated coughs. Pelvic organ support improved significantly: the anorectal angle was decreased and the urethrovescial junction was higher at rest, during contraction and while straining. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that improvements in urine leakage were produced along with improvements in PFM co-ordination (demonstrated by the increased number of rapid PFM contractions and the earlier PFM activation when coughing), motor-control, pelvic organ support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie J Madill
- School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Soljanik I, Janssen U, May F, Fritsch H, Stief CG, Weissenbacher ER, Friese K, Lienemann A. Functional interactions between the fossa ischioanalis, levator ani and gluteus maximus muscles of the female pelvic floor: a prospective study in nulliparous women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 286:931-8. [PMID: 22692630 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the role of the fossa ischioanalis (FI) in functional relations between the levator ani (LA) and gluteus maximus muscles (GM) in healthy female volunteers. METHODS Twenty-three nulliparae were examined. Electromyogramms of LA and GM were simultaneously recorded during voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and at rest in six body positions. The surface areas of LA (LAA), FI (FIA) and GM (GMA) were evaluated using MRI. RESULTS Simultaneous LA and GM contractions were electromyographically observed irrespectively of body position in 97.2 %. MRI revealed synchronous movement of all structures: while LAA (-7.4 %) reduced, GMA increased (+6.8 %), FIA changed significantly (+3.4 %). CONCLUSIONS The LA, FI and GM are morphologically and functionally connected. We recommend considering these structures as the 'LFG-Complex', emphasising the importance of this unit for functional integration of the pelvic floor. The findings of this study may contribute to understanding of urinary continence mechanism and disorders after pelvic floor surgery and obstetrical trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Soljanik
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchionini str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Madill S, Tang A, Pontbriand-Drolet S, Dumoulin C. Comparison of two methods for measuring the pubococcygeal line from sagittal-plane magnetic resonance imaging. Neurourol Urodyn 2011; 30:1613-9. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.21079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Morin M, Gravel D, Bourbonnais D, Dumoulin C, Ouellet S, Pilon JF. Application of a new method in the study of pelvic floor muscle passive properties in continent women. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2010; 20:795-803. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Dumoulin C, Bourbonnais D, Morin M, Gravel D, Lemieux MC. Predictors of Success for Physiotherapy Treatment in Women With Persistent Postpartum Stress Urinary Incontinence. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010; 91:1059-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Nunes FR, Guirro ECDO, Martins CC, Guirro RRJ. Influence of visual feedback on pelvic floor muscle strength. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2010; 151:217-20. [PMID: 20427111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the visual feedback influence on pelvic floor muscle contraction. STUDY DESIGN Seventeen nulliparous, urinary-continent women participated in this study. Pelvic floor muscle strength with and without the use of visual feedback was measured with a dynamometric speculum in two directions (anteroposterior and left-right). To compare the mean strength values with and without the use of visual feedback, the t test was applied. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the pelvic floor muscle anteroposterior strength values with and without the use of visual feedback (p=0.30), and no significant difference for the left-right strength (p=0.37). CONCLUSION There was no difference between the pelvic floor muscle strength values with and without the use of visual feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Roberta Nunes
- Physiotherapy Master's Course, Health Science Faculty, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Brazil
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