The effect of the correlation between the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and diaphragmatic motion during breathing

Pelvic Floor Disorders Due to Anal Sexual Activity in Men and Women: A Narrative Review

Recent evidence shows that consensual anal penetrative intercourse has become more prevalent, not only limited to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men but also for women who are in a sexual relationship with men. The aim of this review was to study the influence of consensual anal intercourse on pelvic floor function and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy treatment in preventing or treating consensual anal intercourse-induced anodyspareunia and/or fecal incontinence. We reviewed 68 references that showed that anal penetrative intercourse is a risk factor for anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence in both men and women. This risk of anal intercourse may increase with emotional discomfort, an overactive pelvic floor, lack of lubrication, frequency of anal penetrative intercourse, and hard practice (BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism, and masochism). It seems that pelvic floor physical therapists play an essential role in preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal intercourse, which can lead to anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence; the treatment includes education, pelvic floor training with and without biofeedback, electric stimulation, manual therapy, and dilatators. Further studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of the causes and treatment efficacy of pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal penetrative intercourse.

Effects of Pilates Training on Cardiorespiratory Functions in Medical Conditions - Comprehensive Approach: A Narrative Review

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is established as a clinical vital sign in therapeutic strategy to restoring health of patients in medical conditions inclusive of age-related diseases. The beneficial effects of Pilates training (PT) are recognized for various aspects of health and fitness, but limited data present an impact on cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, the current narrative review discusses the impact of the PT interventions on indicators of cardiorespiratory function among different patient groups to identify the mechanisms linking CRF with PT. The authors searched systematically databases: PubMed, Web of Science from inception to March 2023 and analyzed available data including finally 20 papers. In description of the findings PEDro Scale and final score was used. Analyzed data indicated: a) pleiotropic input of PT on improving physical performance in medical conditions; b) specific parameters characterizing effectiveness of PT in each group of patients according of disease; c) different range of static significance and effect size especially for such following indicators as: VO2 at VT (ml•kg-1•min-1), VO2 peak/max (ml•kg-1•min-1), HR at VT (beats•min-1), HRmax (beats•min-1), VE (L•min-1). We also formulate and discuss potential physiological mechanisms of PT affecting CRF. This paper showed PT: a) has positive impact on broad spectrum of indicators of cardiorespiratory function by pleiotropic action among different patients' groups; b) significant ameliorates quality of life that may contribute to long-standing behavior change of patients related with overall physical activity.

Bidirectional Relationships between Sarcopenia and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Sarcopenia and pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are prevalent and often cooccurring conditions in the aging population. However, their bidirectional relationship and underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. This narrative review aims to elucidate this relationship by exploring potential causative interplays, shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and common risk factors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on epidemiological associations, interaction mechanisms, and implications for patient care. While epidemiological studies demonstrate associations between sarcopenia and PFDs, our findings reveal a cyclical relationship where sarcopenia may exacerbate PFDs through mechanisms such as decreased muscle strength and mobility. Conversely, the presence of PFDs often leads to reduced physical activity due to discomfort and mobility issues, which in turn exacerbate the muscle atrophy associated with sarcopenia. Additionally, shared risk factors such as physical inactivity, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic syndrome, and menopausal hormonal changes likely contribute to the onset and progression of both conditions. These interactions underscore the importance of concurrently integrated care approaches that address both conditions. Effective management requires comprehensive screening, the recognition of contributing factors, and tailored exercise regimens supported by a multidisciplinary approach. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies tracking disease progression and evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary care models in optimizing patient outcomes.

Technologies for Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Functionality: A Systematic Review

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in women and has a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide a general overview of the current state of technology used to assess pelvic floor functionality. It also provides literature research of the physiological and anatomical factors that correlate with pelvic floor health. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and IEEE databases were searched for publications on sensor technology for the assessment of pelvic floor functionality. Anatomical and physiological parameters were identified through a manual search. In the systematic review, 114 publications were included. Twelve different sensor technologies were identified. Information on the obtained parameters, sensor position, test activities, and subject characteristics was prepared in tabular form from each publication. A total of 16 anatomical and physiological parameters influencing pelvic floor health were identified in 17 published studies and ranked for their statistical significance. Taken together, this review could serve as a basis for the development of novel sensors which could allow for quantifiable prevention and diagnosis, as well as particularized documentation of rehabilitation processes related to pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing-Anatomical and Biomechanical Consideration

Background: Deep diaphragmatic breathing (DDB) involves slow and fully contraction of the diaphragm with expansion of the belly during inhalation, and slow and fully contraction of the abdominal muscles with reduction of the belly during exhalation. It is the key component of the holistic mind-body exercises commonly used for patients with multimorbidity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to re-visit and address the fundamental anatomical and biomechanical consideration of the DDB with the relevant literature. Method: Peer-reviewed publications from last the 15 years were retrieved, reviewed, and analyzed. Findings: In this article, we described the updated morphological and anatomical characteristics of the diaphragm. Then, we elucidated in a biomechanical approach how and why the DDB can work on the gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems as well as on regulating the intra-abdominopelvic pressure and mind-body interaction to coordinate the diaphragm-pelvic floor-abdominal complex for a variety of physical and physiological activities. Conclusion: Understanding of this updated DDB knowledge may help holistic healthcare professionals including holistic nurses provide better patient education and care management during the DDB or DDB-based mind-body intervention time.

Is there a synergistic relationship between diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles in pregnant women?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine whether there is a synergistic relationship between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in pregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our study was carried out as a cross-sectional study in primigravid pregnants in the second and third trimesters. Superficial electromyography (EMG), 2D/3D ultrasonography (USG), pulmonary function test (PFT), PERFECT, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and inspiratory pressure (MIP) measurements were used to evaluate pelvic floor and diaphragm muscle functions during pregnancy. Mann-Whitney U test was used to show the change in the second and third trimesters, and Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship.

RESULTS

No correlation was found between the EMG data of the PFM and diaphragm, or between the USG data of the PFM and diaphragm in all participants, in the second and third trimesters. In the third trimester of the study, diaphragmatic thickness and levator hiatal area (LHA) decreased and both diaphragm and PFM % MVC EMG parameters increased. In the third trimester, FVC, MIP, MEP decreased, and nonsignificant increase in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and peak ekspiratuar flow(PEF) were detected. A significant correlation was found between pelvic floor levator hiatal area USG and FEV1/FVC in both trimesters (r: 0,577p: 0,004).

CONCLUSION

There may be a synergistic relationship between the diaphragm and PFM in pregnant women, the relationship may weaken as pregnancy progresses, and there may be no coactivation relationship between the two muscles. In order to prevent the occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and to increase the effect of rehabilitation programs, the relationship between the diaphragm and the PFM should be determined and more studies should be conducted.

Investigation of the effects of pelvic floor training on pain, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life in female patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

AIM

To investigate the effects of pelvic floor training on pain, sexual dysfunction and quality of life in female patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and determine whether pelvic floor training was superior to an education program.

METHODS

Forty-six pSS patients (all women) with an average age of 47.78 ± 9.18 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as a pelvic floor training group and control group for 8 weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Pelvic Floor Disability Index-20 (PFDI-20), and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) were used to evaluate the outcomes. All evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the 8th week.

RESULTS

When the groups were compared before training, there was no significant difference (p > .05). In post-training comparisons, there were significant differences in VAS, PPIQ, FSFI, PFIQ-7, and PFDI-20 in the pelvic floor training group (p values between .02 and .00), and in FSFI-lubrication, PFIQ-7, and PFDI-20 (p values between .00 and .03) in the control group. According to Δ values, the pelvic floor training group was found to be superior in terms of FSFI orgasm, pain, and lubrication scores (p = .00) and all sub-parameters of PFDI-20 (p = .00).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor training has a positive effect on the sexual dysfunction and discomfort caused by pelvic symptoms in patients with pSS. Pelvic floor training should be included in rehabilitation programs to improve sexual function and pelvic floor dysfunctions for patients with pSS.

Lateral abdominal muscle thickness during breathing maneuvers in women with and without stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients predominantly experience involuntary leakage during respiratory functions that induce a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) such as coughing and sneezing. The abdominal muscles have an important role in the forced expiration and modulation of IAP. We hypothesized that SUI patients have different thickness changes in the abdominal muscles compared to healthy individuals during breathing maneuvers.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted on 17 adult women with SUI and 20 continent women. Muscle thickness changes were measured by ultrasonography at the end of deep inspiration and expiration, and the expiratory phase of voluntary coughing for external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles. The percent thickness changes of muscles were used and analyzed with a two-way mixed ANOVA test and post-hoc pairwise comparison at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The percent thickness changes of TrA muscle were significantly lower in SUI patients at deep expiration (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.055) and coughing (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.691). While, percent thickness changes for EO (p = 0.004, Cohen's d=0.996) and IO thickness (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.784) were greater at deep expiration and deep inspiration, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The percent thickness changes of abdominal muscles differed between women with and without SUI during breathing maneuvers. The present study provided information regarding the altered function of abdominal muscles during breathing maneuvers; therefore, it is important to consider the respiratory role of abdominal muscles for the rehabilitation of SUI patients.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy: A Narrative Review

Rehabilitative treatment of urinary incontinence after prostatectomy has showed, on the basis of recent published evidence, encouraging results. At first, clinician applied evaluation and treatment approach suggested based on the studies and rationale of female stress urinary incontinence, but although long term literature suggested no evidence of benefits. Recent studies that have shown the real control mechanisms in male continence through the use of trans-perineal ultrasound, demonstrated that it is not appropriate to transfer the rehabilitation techniques applied in female stress incontinence to male incontinence after prostatectomy. Even that pathophysiology of urinary incontinence after prostatectomy is not fully understood, it's in part attributable to a urethral or bladder source. In particular, however, urethral sphincter dysfunction is predominant, secondary to surgical damage and to the partly organic and partly functional dysfunction of the external urethral sphincter; complementary action of all the muscles capable of contributing to the maintenance of urethral resistance is therefore important. As for rehabilitative approach to post-prostatectomy incontinence, the primary objective is to quantify the residual capacity of the muscular function that must replace the sphincter function, often compromised by surgery. Than a multimodal approach, comprising exercise and instrumental therapies, is needed. The present paper's aim was to overview current urinary dysfunction knowledge for male with radical prostatectomy, and to describe practical issue of evaluation and conservative treatment.

Exercise Position to Improve Synergy Between the Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the synergy between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) according to different exercise positions in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our secondary aim was to determine the short-term effects of single-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on diaphragmatic function.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 64 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The participants' diaphragm and abdominal muscle functions during voluntary PFM contraction and relaxation were assessed by surface electromyography and ultrasonography. The surface electromyography assessments were performed in supine (P1), crawling (P2) and sitting (P3) positions. A single week-PFMT was conducted on women who agreed to determine the short-term responses of the diaphragm function. The muscle functions according to exercise positions were compared with Friedman Analysis of Variance, and the short-term effects of single-week PFMT on diaphragm function was analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test.

RESULTS

The diaphragm activity during voluntary PFM contraction was highest in P2 before and after single-week PFMT (P < .001). Positive significant correlations were found between the activities diaphragm and abdominal muscles in different exercise positions (P < .05). After single-week PFMT, diaphragm thickness increased (P = .030) in P1, but diaphragm activity did not change in all 3 exercise positions (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The synergy between the diaphragm and PFM was greater in the crawling position in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The abdominal muscles seemed to contribute to maintaining this synergy. Therefore, PFMT combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises in the crawling position should be considered. In addition, single-week PFMT may positively affect diaphragm function in the short-term.

Squeeze the beat: Enhancing cardiac vagal activity during resonance breathing via coherent pelvic floor recruitment

Resonance breathing (RB) has been shown to benefit health and performance within clinical and non-clinical populations. This is attributed to its baroreflex stimulating effect and the concomitant increase in cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Hence, developing methods that strengthen the CVA boosting effect of RB could improve its clinical effectiveness. Therefore, we assessed whether supplementing RB with coherent pelvic floor activation (PRB), which has been shown to entrain the baroreflex, yields stronger CVA than standard RB. N = 32 participants performed 5-min of RB and PRB, which requires to recruit the pelvic floor during the complete inspiratory phase and release it at the initiation of the expiration. CVA was indexed via heart rate variability using RMSSD and LF-HRV. PRB induced significantly larger RMSSD (d = 1.04) and LF-HRV (d = 0.75, ps &lt; .001) as compared to RB. Results indicate that PRB induced an additional boost in CVA relative to RB in healthy individuals. However, subsequent studies are warranted to evaluate whether these first findings can be replicated in individuals with compromised health, including a more comprehensive psychophysiological assessment to potentially elucidate the origin of the observed effects. Importantly, longitudinal studies need to address whether PRB translates to better treatment outcomes.

Characterizing Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity During Walking and Jogging in Continent Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are active during motor tasks that increase intra-abdominal pressure, but little is known about how the PFM respond to dynamic activities, such as gait. The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare PFM activity during walking and jogging in continent adults across the entire gait cycle.

Methods

17 able-bodied individuals (8 females) with no history of incontinence participated in this study. We recorded electromyography (EMG) from the abdominal muscles, gluteus maximus (GM), and PFM while participants performed attempted maximum voluntary contractions (aMVC) of all muscles and completed 60–70 strides in four gait conditions: slow walk (1 km/h); regular walk (self-selected comfortable pace); transition walk (self-selected fastest walking pace); jog (same speed as transition walking). We quantified activity throughout the whole gait cycle (%aMVCGC) and during periods of bursting (%aMVCBR) for each participant, and analyzed the timing of PFM bursting periods to explore when the PFM were most active in the gait cycle. We also conducted a phase metric analysis on the PFM and GM burst timings. We performed a Spearman's rank-order correlation to examine the effect of speed on %aMVCGC, %aMVCBR, and phase metric score, and used the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test to evaluate the effect of gait modality, matched for speed (walking vs. jogging), on these variables.

Results

The PFM were active throughout the gait cycle, with bursts typically occurring during single-leg support. The PFM and GM were in phase for 44–69% of the gait cycle, depending on condition. There was a positive correlation between gait speed and both %aMVCGC and %aMVCBR (p &lt; 0.001). Phase metric scores were significantly higher during jogging than transition walking (p = 0.005), but there was no difference between gait modality on %aMVCGC or %aMVCBR (p = 0.059). Where possible we disaggregated data by sex, although were unable to make statistical comparisons due to low sample sizes.

Conclusion

The PFM are active during walking and jogging, with greater activity at faster speeds and with bursts in activity around single-leg support. The PFM and GM co-activate during gait, but are not completely in phase with each other.

Breathing, (S)Training and the Pelvic Floor—A Basic Concept

Background: The current scientific literature is inconsistent regarding the potential beneficial or deleterious effects of high-intensity physical activities on the pelvic floor (PF) in women. So far, it has not been established with certainty whether disparate breathing mechanisms may exert short- or long-term influence on the PF function in this context, although based on the established physiological interrelationship of breathing with PF activation, this seems plausible. Objective: To propose a basic concept of the influence of different breathing patterns on the PF during strenuous physical efforts. Methodical approaches: Review of the recent literature, basic knowledge of classical western medicine regarding the principles of muscle physiology and the biomechanics of breathing, additional schematic illustrations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data corroborate the proposed concept and exemplify the consequences of strenuous efforts on the PF in relation to respective breathing phases. Conclusion: The pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) physiologically act as expiratory muscles in synergy with the anterolateral abdominal muscles, contracting during expiration and relaxing during inspiration. Obviously, a strenuous physical effort requires an expiratory motor synergy with the PFM and abdominal muscles in a co-contracted status to train the PFM and protect the PF against high intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Holding breath in an inspiratory pattern during exertion stresses the PF because the high IAP impinges on the relaxed, hence insufficiently protected, PFMs. It seems conceivable that such disadvantageous breathing, if performed regularly and repeatedly, may ultimately cause PF dysfunction. At any rate, future research needs to take into account the respective breathing cycles during measurements and interventions addressing PFM function.

Postpartum urinary incontinence and birth outcomes as a result of the pushing technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Directed pushing while using the Valsalva maneuver is shown to lead to bladder neck descent, especially in women with urinary incontinence (UI). There is insufficient evidence about the benefits or adverse effects between the pushing technique during the second stage of labor and urinary incontinence postpartum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the pushing technique for women during labor on postpartum UI and birth outcomes.

METHODS

Scientific databases were searched for studies relating to postpartum urinary incontinence and birth outcomes when the pushing technique was used from 1986 until 2020. RCTs that assessed healthy primiparas who used the pushing technique in the second stage of labor were included. In accordance with Cochrane Handbook guidelines, risk of bias was assessed and meta-analyzed. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs (4606 primiparas) were included. The change in UI scores from baseline to postpartum was significantly lower as a result of spontaneous pushing (two studies; 867 primiparas; standardized mean difference: SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.04). Although women were in the recumbent position during the second stage, directed pushing group showed a significantly shorter labor by 21.39 min compared with the spontaneous pushing group: there was no significant difference in the duration of the second stage of labor between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Primiparas who were in the upright position and who experienced spontaneous pushing during the second stage of labor could reduce their UI score from baseline to postpartum.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Resting Tone in Children With Dysfunctional Voiding Symptomology Following Simple Gross Motor Exercises

PURPOSE

The study aimed to understand the effects of a set of simple gross motor exercises on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) resting tone (RT) in children with dysfunctional voiding symptomology.

METHODS

The study compared PFM RT for a single-sample before and after 2 protocols: exercise versus relaxation (metric standard).

RESULTS

Participants included 27 children ages 5.00 to 10.92 years. Preintervention PFM RT was similar between the interventions: 63% (exercise) and 78% (relaxation) of children decreased PFM RT following intervention. Between-intervention post-minus-prechanges in PFM RT were compared. Between-intervention differences were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise and relaxation protocols were comparable in lowering PFM RT in children with voiding dysfunction. Findings are clinically worthy in that either exercises or relaxation prior to toileting may assist with more complete emptying in children with symptoms.

The Most Common Functional Disorders and Factors Affecting Female Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor (PF) is made of muscles, ligaments, and fascia, which ensure organ statics, maintain muscle tone, and are involved in contractions. This review describes the myofascial relationships of PF with other parts of the body that determine the proper functions of PF, and also provides insight into PF disorders and the factors contributing to them. PF plays an important role in continence, pelvic support, micturition, defecation, sexual function, childbirth, and locomotion, as well as in stabilizing body posture and breathing, and cooperates with the diaphragm and postural muscles. In addition, PF associates with distant parts of the body, such as the feet and neck, through myofascial connections. Due to tissue continuity, functional disorders of muscles, ligaments, and fascia, even in the areas that are distant from PF, will lead to PF disorders, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pain. Dysfunctions of PF will also affect the rest of the body.

Efficacy of spontaneous pushing with pursed lips breathing compared with directed pushing in maternal and neonatal outcomes

This is a quasi-randomised clinical trial, with 62 low-risk pregnant women in the second stage of labour. They were randomly allocated in control (CG) (n = 31) and intervention (IG) (n = 31) groups. The IG performed spontaneous pushing with pursed lips breathing while the CG was oriented to perform directed pushing associated with Valsalva Manoeuvre (VM). There was no difference between the groups regarding the occurrence of episiotomy (RR 1,1; 95%IC 1,0 to 1,2). However, there was a decrease in the duration of the maternal pushing by 3.2 min (MD 3,2; 95%CI 1,4 to 5,1) and a difference in maternal anxiety (Md (IQR) IG 46 (35-52), CG 51 (44-56) p:0,049), both favouring the IG. Spontaneous pushing was effective in reducing the duration of the pushing and showed a difference in maternal anxiety but did not decrease the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) under the identifier: RBR-556d22IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on the subject? Spontaneous pushing reduces the duration of pushing time when compared to directed pushing with VM but has no effect on other maternal and neonatal outcomes, based on a low quality of evidence.What do the results of this study add? No subject has been published on the subject. Our results suggest that the use spontaneous pushing with pursed lips breathing reduces the duration of the pushing by 3.2 min, also showing a difference in maternal anxiety. This result may indicate its use for emotional control when compared to the directed pushing.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? These findings may signal an attitude in decision-making about guiding the breathing pattern in the expulsive stage.

The Prevalence and Association of Stress Urinary Incontinence, Core Muscle Endurance, and Low Back Pain among Married Women in Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control Study

Purpose

There may be a strong association among stress urinary incontinence (SUI), low back pain (LBP), and core muscle endurance (CME) in married women. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and clinical association between SUI, CME, and LBP among married women in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The study was based on a case-control research design, conducted among 143 women with LBP (mean age, 32 ± 7.4 years) and 160 healthy women (mean age, 31.7 ± 6.7 years). SUI, CME, and functional disability were assessed using the international consultation on the Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), prone plank test (PP), and Oswestry Disability Index for LBP-United Arab Emirates edition (ODI-UAE).

Results

The prevalence of SUI was found to be 60% in the LBP group while 20% in the control group. CME revealed a stronger negative correlation with SUI in the LBP group (r_s = −0.75) than in the control group (r_s = −0.63).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SUI was observed higher in women with LBP than healthy women. CME exhibited a stronger association with SUI than LBP among women with LBP compared to healthy women in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the role of CME in SUI development or vice versa among married women with LBP may be subjected to further research.

Urinary Incontinence in Women: Modern Methods of Physiotherapy as a Support for Surgical Treatment or Independent Therapy

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem affecting quality of life of nearly 420 million people, both women and men. Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training and other physiotherapy techniques play an important role in non-surgical UI treatment, but their therapeutic effectiveness is limited to slight or moderate severity of UI. Higher UI severity requires surgical procedures with pre- and post-operative physiotherapy. Given that nearly 30%-40% of women without dysfunction and about 70% with pelvic floor dysfunction are unable to perform a correct PFM contraction, therefore, it is particularly important to implement physiotherapeutic techniques aimed at early activation of PFM. Presently, UI physiotherapy focuses primarily on PFM therapy and its proper cooperation with synergistic muscles, the respiratory diaphragm, and correction of improper everyday habits for better pelvic organ support and continence. The purpose of this work is a systematic review showing the possibilities of using physiotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of UI in women with attention to the techniques of PFM activation. Evidence of the effectiveness of well-known (e.g., PFM training, biofeedback, and electrostimulation) and less-known (e.g., magnetostimulation, vibration training) techniques will be presented here regarding the treatment of symptoms of urinary incontinence in women.

Relationship between symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and respiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Some respiratory muscles work in synergy with the pelvic floor (PF). Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is characterized by weak PF muscles and has been associated with worse pulmonary ventilation function in women. To date no studies have investigated the association between respiratory muscle strength and POP. This study aimed to determine whether symptomatic POP is associated with respiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women. In this observational cross-sectional study, 204 community-dwelling women (41-80 years old) from Santa Cruz (Northeastern Brazil) provided information on socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, reproductive history and symptomatic POP via a structured questionnaire. A digital manometer was used to measure their maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, body mass index, and smoking), evaluated the association between POP and MIP/MEP. The results show that 14.7% of the sample reported symptomatic POP. These women exhibited lower mean MIP and MEP than those reporting no POP, but the intergroup difference was only significant for MEP (p = .01). The association between POP and MEP remained statistically significant, even after covariates (β = 11.9, p = .04) were adjusted. Symptomatic POP is associated with expiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women. This innovative research provides important information regarding the need to evaluate the integrity of PF muscles when assessing respiratory muscle strength, which may help clinicians devise preventive and treatment strategies to improve women's health during the aging process.

Physical therapy in stress urinary incontinence among women – a review of the literature and a suggested treatment protocol

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence is an increasingly common problem among women. The disorder affects every third woman, regardless of age. To make treatment of these women more effective, the therapeutic treatment path should be regulated. Important elements are cooperation between specialists, prevention and conservative treatment. This paper is a systematic review of current literature concerning physiotherapy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Aim of the study: The main aim of the study was to develop a physiotherapy protocol for this particular group of patients. Material and methods: The following databases: Pubmed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus were searched using the following keywords: stress urinary incontinence therapy/ physiotherapy/manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle training/ diagnostic/ investigation, pelvic floor dysfunction, diaphragm. The information available on the websites of the Polish Urogynecological Association, Przegląd Urologiczny (Urological Review) and the UroConti Association was also used. Results: On the basis of the collected literature, the Polish medical care system for patients with stress urinary incontinence in Poland was presented, the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic methods was determined and elements of therapy worthy of further attention were marked. On the basis of the collected information, a physiotherapeutic protocol was proposed in stress urinary incontinence. Conclusions: 1. Physiotherapy as a form of treatment of stress urinary incontinence should always constitute a part of the therapeutic process. Used as the first in some cases, it helps avoid surgical intervention. It can also reduce the risk of complications after surgical intervention. 2. The therapeutic treatment path should also include diagnostics and physiotherapeutic treatment. 3. In the treatment of a patient with stress urinary incontinence, the following elements should be taken into account: body posture, breathing method, patient’s habits, pelvic floor muscle work. 4. For physiotherapy in stress urinary incontinence to be more accessible and widespread, it should be refunded. 5. Physiotherapy in stress urinary incontinence requires further systematic research. Article received: 04.01.2018; Accepted: 15.04.2018 null

Knowledge of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women

[Purpose] Proper pelvic floor function is important to avoid serious dysfunctions including incontinence, prolapse, and sexual problems. The current study evaluated the knowledge of young nulliparous women about their pelvic floor and identified what additional information they wanted. [Subjects and Methods] In this cross-sectional survey, a validated, 36 item questionnaire was distributed to 212 nulliparous women. The questionnaire addressed demography, pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor dysfunction, and possible information sources. Descriptive statistics were generated for all variables. Stability and validity testing were performed using Kappa statistics and intra class correlation coefficients to define agreement for each question. The study was approved by the ethics Committee (B300201318334). [Results] Using a VAS scale (0 to 10), the women rated their knowledge about the pelvic floor as a mean of 2.4 (SD 2.01). A total of 93% of the women were insufficiently informed and requested more information; 25% had concerns about developing urinary incontinence, and 14% about fecal incontinence. Many of the women were unaware what pelvic floor training meant. [Conclusion] There was a significant lack of knowledge about pelvic floor function among nulliparous women. The majority of nulliparous women expressed a need for education, which might offer a way to reduce dysfunction.