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Walgren LA, Wade C, Dessaulles M, Martin Ginis K, Locke J. A review of the role for pelvic floor physiotherapy in postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence. Post Reprod Health 2024:20533691241272830. [PMID: 39129175 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241272830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition affecting women. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized field of physiotherapy dedicated to assessing and treating pelvic floor muscles. This therapy has demonstrated benefits in addressing stress urinary incontinence in premenopausal women, with numerous studies supporting its efficacy in this population. However, pelvic floor physiotherapy in the treatment of postmenopausal women is less well-established, and furthermore, the types of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women are much broader. We provide a comprehensive review of recent literature investigating the effectiveness of pelvic floor physiotherapy therapy for various conditions in postmenopausal women, including urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence in the context of obesity, frailty, mobility, and dementia. After evaluating the current literature, it is evident that there is insufficient data to definitively endorse or dismiss the utilization of Pelvic floor physiotherapy for treating urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, considering the low associated risks of pelvic floor physiotherapy, we advocate for the initiation of comprehensive, large-scale randomized studies aimed at evaluating its effectiveness in addressing urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with special attention to vulnerable subgroups, including individuals who are obese, frail or experiencing cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Walgren
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Southern Medical Program, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Division of Urology, Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Locke
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Southern Medical Program, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Division of Urology, Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Fang J, Zhang R, Lin S, Lai B, Chen Y, Lu Y, Wang M, Lin Y, Weng Y, Lin J, Shen J. Impact of parity on pelvic floor morphology and function: A retrospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35738. [PMID: 37960825 PMCID: PMC10637539 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To analyze the effect of parity on pelvic floor morphology and function during the postpartum period. A total of 971 participants, who attended the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) between December 2019 and August 2021, were included. All participants were assessed using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), pelvic floor surface electromyography, and 3-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound to assess pelvic floor morphology and function. Multivariate analysis revealed no differences among primipara, deuteripara, and tertipara in pre-baseline rest, phasic contraction, endurance contraction, post-baseline rest, and MOS, except for tonic contraction (P = .020), the amplitude of which was lower in primipara than in deuteripara in post hoc comparison (P = .008). Differences in bladder neck presentation and bladder neck descent were statistically significant in multivariate analysis (P = .002, P = .001, respectively), with the value of bladder neck presentation in primiparas being greater than that of deuteriparas and tertipara (P = .002, P = .008, respectively), and the value of bladder neck descent was lower than that of deuteripara and tertipara in further post hoc comparisons (P = .002, P = .003, respectively). Functional impairment was not statistically associated with parity according to the MOS score or surface electromyography. However, parity was significantly correlated with descent of the bladder neck, and most of the effects appeared to occur during the first delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqi Fang
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children Critical Diseases Research [Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fujian Women and Children Hospital)], Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuqin Lin
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Binglan Lai
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Lu
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lin
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin Weng
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Lin
- Master of Medicine, Department of Women Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinming Shen
- Master of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
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Brady SS, Berry A, Camenga DR, Fitzgerald CM, Gahagan S, Hardacker CT, Harlow BL, Hebert-Beirne J, LaCoursiere DY, Lewis JB, Low LK, Lowder JL, Markland AD, McGwin G, Newman DK, Palmer MH, Shoham DA, Smith AL, Stapleton A, Williams BR, Sutcliffe S. Applying concepts of life course theory and life course epidemiology to the study of bladder health and lower urinary tract symptoms among girls and women. Neurourol Urodyn 2020; 39:1185-1202. [PMID: 32119156 PMCID: PMC7659467 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur at different periods during the life course of women, a little research on LUTS has adopted a life course perspective. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to demonstrate how life course theory and life course epidemiology can be applied to study bladder health and LUTS trajectories. We highlight conceptual work from the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium to enhance the understanding of life course concepts. METHODS Consortium members worked in transdisciplinary teams to generate examples of how life course concepts may be applied to research on bladder health and LUTS in eight prioritized areas: (a) biopsychosocial ecology of stress and brain health; (b) toileting environment, access, habits, and techniques; (c) pregnancy and childbirth; (d) physical health and medical conditions; (e) musculoskeletal health; (f) lifestyle behaviors; (g) infections and microbiome; and (h) hormonal status across the life span. RESULTS Life course concepts guided consortium members' conceptualization of how potential risk and protective factors may influence women's health. For example, intrapartum interventions across multiple pregnancies may influence trajectories of bladder health and LUTS, illustrating the principle of life span development. Consortium members also identified and summarized methodologic and practical considerations in designing life course research. CONCLUSIONS This paper may assist researchers from a variety of disciplines to design and implement research identifying key risk and protective factors for LUTS and bladder health across the life course of women. Results from life course research may inform health promotion programs, policies, and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya S Brady
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amanda Berry
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deepa R Camenga
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Colleen M Fitzgerald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Sheila Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Academic General Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | | | - Bernard L Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeni Hebert-Beirne
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - D Yvette LaCoursiere
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Jessica B Lewis
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lisa K Low
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jerry L Lowder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alayne D Markland
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Diane K Newman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary H Palmer
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David A Shoham
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Ariana L Smith
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ann Stapleton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Beverly R Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Siobhan Sutcliffe
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Abstract
More women participate in sports than ever before and the proportion of women athletes at the Olympic Games is nearly 50%. The pelvic floor in women may be the only area of the body where the positive effect of physical activity has been questioned. The aim of this narrative review is to present two widely held opposing hypotheses on the effect of general exercise on the pelvic floor and to discuss the evidence for each. Hypothesis 1: by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and decreasing the levator hiatus, exercise decreases the risk of urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, but negatively affects the ease and safety of childbirth. Hypothesis 2: by overloading and stretching the PFM, exercise not only increases the risk of these disorders, but also makes labor and childbirth easier, as the PFM do not obstruct the exit of the fetus. Key findings of this review endorse aspects of both hypotheses. Exercising women generally have similar or stronger PFM strength and larger levator ani muscles than non-exercising women, but this does not seem to have a greater risk of obstructed labor or childbirth. Additionally, women that specifically train their PFM while pregnant are not more likely to have outcomes associated with obstructed labor. Mild-to-moderate physical activity, such as walking, decreases the risk of urinary incontinence but female athletes are about three times more likely to have urinary incontinence compared to controls. There is some evidence that strenuous exercise may cause and worsen pelvic organ prolapse, but data are inconsistent. Both intra-abdominal pressure associated with exercise and PFM strength vary between activities and between women; thus the threshold for optimal or negative effects on the pelvic floor almost certainly differs from person to person. Our review highlights many knowledge gaps that need to be understood to understand the full effects of strenuous and non-strenuous activities on pelvic floor health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Bø
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, PB 4014, Ullevål Stadion, 0806, Oslo, Norway.
- Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Elisabeth Nygaard
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
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Hwang JY, Kim BI, Song SH. Parity: a risk factor for decreased pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance in middle-aged women. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 30:933-938. [PMID: 30868194 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-03913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Pocheon, South Korea
| | - Bo-In Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hanmaeum Changwon Hospital, Changwon, South Korea
| | - Seung Hun Song
- Comprehensive Gynecologic Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, 13496.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent literature about the potential role of chronic exercise on pelvic floor support and function. RECENT FINDINGS Stress urinary incontinence is common during physical activity. Scant evidence suggests a dose-response association between higher volumes of exercise and urinary incontinence. Athletes do not appear to have greater pelvic floor muscle strength or worse pelvic floor support compared to nonathletes. Pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity increases substantially as running speeds increase. SUMMARY Based on the current literature, no strong conclusions can be drawn about whether chronic exercise exerts a positive or negative influence on pelvic floor support and function. Adopting longitudinal research methodology that prospectively monitors exercise exposure and subsequent changes in pelvic floor support and function would help to reduce selection bias associated with cross sectional studies on groups of athletes.
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Angelo PH, Varella LRD, de Oliveira MCE, Matias MGL, de Azevedo MAR, de Almeida LM, de Azevedo PRM, Micussi MT. A manometry classification to assess pelvic floor muscle function in women. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187045. [PMID: 29084229 PMCID: PMC5662229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscylla Helouyse Angelo
- Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Thereza Micussi
- Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Increasing Age Is a Risk Factor for Decreased Postpartum Pelvic Floor Strength. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2017; 23:136-140. [PMID: 28067746 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine factors associated with decreased pelvic floor strength (PFS) after the first vaginal delivery (VD) in a cohort of low-risk women. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study examining the risk of pelvic floor injury in a cohort of primiparous women. All recruited participants underwent an examination, three-dimensional ultrasound and measurement of PFS in the third trimester and repeated at 4 weeks to 6 months postpartum using a perineometer. RESULTS There were 84 women recruited for the study, and 70 completed the postpartum assessment. Average age was 28.4 years (standard deviation, 4.8). There were 46 (66%) subjects with a VD and 24 (34%) with a cesarean delivery who labored. Decreased PFS was observed more frequently in the VD group compared with the cesarean delivery group (68% vs 42%, P = 0.03).In modified Poisson regression models controlling for mode of delivery and time of postpartum assessment, women who were aged 25 to 29 years (risk ratio = 2.80, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-7.57) and 30 years and older (risk ratio = 2.53, 95% confidence interval, 0.93-6.86) were over 2.5 times more likely to have decreased postpartum PFS compared with women younger than 25 years. CONCLUSIONS In this population, women aged 25 years and older were more than twice as likely to have a decrease in postpartum PFS.
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Varella LRD, Bezerra da Silva R, Eugênia de Oliveira MC, Melo PHA, Maranhão TMDO, Micussi MTABC. Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause. J Phys Ther Sci 2016; 28:3116-3121. [PMID: 27942131 PMCID: PMC5140811 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.3116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] To assess lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause and the quality of life of females with incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] The sample consisted of 302 females, aged between 40 and 56 years, divided into three groups: PRE (n= 81), PERI (n= 108) and POST (n= 113). This was a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study. Data were collected by assessment chart and conducting the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. [Results] Most of the women had less than 10 years of schooling and were married. In PERI and POST menopause, the most frequent lower urinary tract symptoms were urinary urgency and stress incontinence. The PRE group did not exhibit nocturia, urge incontinence or urinary urgency, and had the lowest symptoms frequency. In the three stages, stress incontinence was the most prevalent symptom. Of the three menopause stages, PERI had a greater impact on urinary incontinence according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. [Conclusion] The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms can vary across the different stages of menopause and the urinary incontinence was the most frequent complaint. Moreover, it was observed that quality of life was more affected in the perimenopause stage.
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