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Rodrigues-de-Souza DP, Casas-Castro A, Carmona-Pérez MC, García-Luque L, Alcaraz-Clariana S, Garrido-Castro JL, Alburquerque-Sendín F. Between-sexes differences in lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties of non-climacteric adults: a cross-sectional design. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21612. [PMID: 38062151 PMCID: PMC10703780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) are clinically relevant, but their dependence on sex remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify if lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the sex in a young adult population. Thirty-five healthy nulliparous women and 35 healthy men were analyzed (age range: 18-50). Lumbopelvic MMPs, that is, tone, stiffness, elasticity, relaxation and creep, assessed with MyotonPRO®, and pelvic floor (PF) health questionnaires were compared between-sexes. Intra-group correlations between sociodemographic and clinical data, and MMPs were also determined. The MMPs of PF were different between healthy non-climacteric adults of both sexes, with women showing higher values of tone and stiffness and lower values of elasticity and viscoelastic properties than men (in all cases, p < 0.03). At lumbar level, tone and stiffness were higher for men at both sides (in all cases, p < 0.04), and relaxation was lower at left side (p = 0.02). The MMPs showed few correlations with sociodemographic data within women. However, within males, there were positive correlations for PF stiffness and viscoelastic parameters with age, BMI and function (0.334 < r < 0.591) and, at lumbar level, negative correlations for tone and stiffness ( - 0.385 < r < -0.590) and positive correlations for viscoelastic properties (0.564 < r < 0.719), with BMI. This indicated that between-sexes differences of lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the specific location of assessment in healthy non-obese young individuals. Women show higher tone and stiffness and lower elasticity and viscoelasticity than men, at PF level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Azahara Casas-Castro
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Cristina Carmona-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Lourdes García-Luque
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sandra Alcaraz-Clariana
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Garrido-Castro
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, Rabanales Campus, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
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Dayican DK, Keser I, Yavuz O, Tosun G, Kurt S, Tosun OC. Can pelvic floor muscle training positions be selected according to the functional status of pelvic floor muscles? Niger J Clin Pract 2023; 26:1309-1318. [PMID: 37794544 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_53_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training varies according to the functional status of PFM. It is used to strengthen underactive PFM and relax overactive PFM. Aim This study aimed to determine the appropriate PFM training positions according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Materials and Methods Seventy-six women diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction were included. After the digital palpation, participants were divided into four groups according to the functional status of PFM: normal, overactive, underactive, and nonfunctional. Participants' PFM and abdominal muscle functions were assessed with superficial electromyography in three positions (modified butterfly pose-P1, modified child pose-P2, and modified deep squat with block pose-P3). Friedman's analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess whether the function of the muscles differed according to the functional status of the PFM and training positions. Results Normal PFM maximally contracted and relaxed in P1, whereas nonfunctional PFM was in P3 (P > 0.05). Overactive and underactive PFM was most contracted in P2 (P > 0.05) and relaxed in P1 (P < 0.001). In each functional state of the PFM, all abdominal muscles were most relaxed in P1, while their most contracted positions varied (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that the positions in which the PFM relaxes and contracts the most may vary according to the functional status of the PFM. Therefore, different PFM training positions may be preferred according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, more study needs to be done in this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Dayican
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Biruni University, Faculty of Health Sciences; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Biruni University, Graduate Education Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - I Keser
- Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
| | - O Yavuz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - G Tosun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - S Kurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - O C Tosun
- Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
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Wang S, Yang L, Jiang H, Xia J, Li W, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Jin H, Luo J, Dong S, Yu Y, Xie Z. Multifunctional Evaluation Technology for Diagnosing Malfunctions of Regional Pelvic Floor Muscles Based on Stretchable Electrode Array Probe. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1158. [PMID: 36980466 PMCID: PMC10047914 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) has become a serious public health problem. Accurate diagnosis of regional pelvic floor muscle (PFM) malfunctions is vitally important for the prevention and treatment of PFD. However, there is a lack of reliable diagnostic devices to evaluate and diagnose regional PFM abnormality. In this work, we developed a multifunctional evaluation technology (MET) based on a novel airbag-type stretchable electrode array probe (ASEA) for the diagnosis of malfunctions of regional PFM. The inflatable ASEA has specifically distributed 32 electrodes along the muscles, and is able to adapt to different human bodies for tight contact with the muscles. These allow synchronous collection of high-quality multi-channel surface electromyography (MC-sEMG) signals, and then are used to diagnose regional PFM malfunctions and evaluate inter-regional correlation. Clinical trial was conducted on 15 postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI) patients and 15 matched asymptomatic women. Results showed that SUI patients responded slowly to the command and have symptoms of muscle strength degeneration. The results were consistent with the relevant clinical manifestations, and proved the reliability of MET for multifunctional PFM evaluation. Furthermore, the MET can diagnose malfunctions of regional PFM, which is inaccessible with existing technology. The results also showed that the dysfunction of PSUI patients is mainly located in iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and urethral sphincter regions, and there is a weak correlation between these specific regions and nearby regions. In conclusion, MET provides a point-of-care diagnostic method for abnormal function of regional PFM, which has a potential for the targeted point-to-point electrical stimulation treatment and PFD pathology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengming Wang
- Key Lab. of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Luoqi Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Haofei Jiang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Lab. of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Zujuan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shaomin Zhang
- Key Lab. of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Key Lab. of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jikui Luo
- Key Lab. of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Shurong Dong
- Key Lab. of Advanced Micro/Nano Electronic Devices & Smart Systems of Zhejiang, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yanlan Yu
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Zhenwei Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
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König TT, Krude M, Muensterer OJ. Physical self-concept and ability to swim in patients born with anorectal malformation and Hirschsprung's disease: a case control study. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:717. [PMID: 36517764 PMCID: PMC9753325 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03782-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) live with permanent urinary and bowel symptoms, possibly impairing motor development in early childhood. Not being able to swim adds an unnecessary health risk. The aim of this study was to determine the ability to swim and physical self-concept in patients with ARM and HD. METHODS We performed an anonymous survey among the members of the national patient organization SoMA e.V. (6 through 25 years). A control group was recruited from our department. Ability to swim, symptom load according to Rintala Score and physical self-concept were recorded using validated questionnaires. Patients were matched with controls according to gender and age. Mean scores and 95%-confidence intervals (95%-CI) were calculated, χ2-test and multiple linear regression models were used as appropriate. RESULTS Totally, 83 match-control-pairs were included. Patients learned to swim at a similar age and rate (6.5 years, 95%-CI: 6.1-6.9, 74.7% swimmers) compared to controls (6.4 years, 95%-CI: 6.1-6.8, 79.5% swimmers, p = 0.46). VACTERL patients had a significantly lower swimmer rate (59.1%, p = 0.048). Swimmers had a significantly higher mean Rintala Score (12.5, 95%-CI: 11.6-13.2) compared to non-swimmers (10.4, 95%-CI: 8.1-12.1, p = 0,049). In prepubertal children (6 through 12 years), no difference in physical self-concept was shown compared to controls. Adolescents and young adults with ARM/HD, especially females, had a significantly lower mean score for the subscales of flexibility, speed, endurance and sports competence, independent of bowel symptom load according to Rintala Score. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ARM/HD have normal swimming skills and a normal physical self-concept in childhood that decreases with age compared to peers. In adolescence, parents and health care professionals should actively promote physical activity in ARM/HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Tamara König
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Department of Pediatric Surgery Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mattis Krude
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Department of Pediatric Surgery Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver J. Muensterer
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Dr. Von Haunersches Kinderspital, Munich, Germany
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Asymmetries of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Pelvic Floor in Nulliparous and Multiparous Women, and Men: A Cross-Sectional Study. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify if the muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of both sides of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) are symmetrical in different populations of both sexes. Between-sides comparisons of MMPs of PFMs, assessed with manual myotonometry, were performed in three groups, with 31 subjects each, composed of healthy nulliparous women (without any type of delivery or pregnancy), multiparous women (with at least two vaginal deliveries), and healthy adult men. Intra-group correlations between MMPs and age, body mass index (BMI), or clinical state of pelvic floor were also obtained. The nulliparous women and the men showed no between-sides differences in any MMP of PFMs. However, the multiparous women showed that the right side displayed less frequency (−0.65 Hz, 95% CI = −1.01, −0.20) and decrement (0.5, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.01), and more relaxation (1.00 ms, 95% CI = 0.47, 1.54) and creep (0.07 De, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.11), than the left side. Further, MMPs were related to age, sex, and BMI, also depending on the population, with the multiparous women being the only group with some between-sides asymmetries, which in this case were positive and of fair intensity for the left side of the PFMs, between BMI, and frequency and stiffness (rho Spearman coefficient: 0.365 and 0.366, respectively). The symmetry of MMPs of the PFMs could depend on the subject’s condition. Multiparous women show a higher tendency to asymmetries than nulliparous women and men, which should be considered in research and clinical settings.
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Tosun ÖÇ, Dayıcan DK, Keser İ, Kurt S, Yıldırım M, Tosun G. Are clinically recommended pelvic floor muscle relaxation positions really efficient for muscle relaxation? Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:2391-2400. [PMID: 35201370 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Various positions for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) relaxation are recommended during PFM training in physiotherapy clinics. To our knowledge, there is no study addressing the most effective position for PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of different relaxation positions on PFM and abdominal muscle functions in women with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS Sixty-seven women diagnosed with UI were enrolled in the study. The type, frequency, and amount of UI were assessed with the International Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and bladder diary. Superficial electromyography was used to assess PFM and abdominal muscle functions during three relaxation positions: modified butterfly pose (P1), modified child pose (P2), and modified deep squat with block (P3). Friedman variance analyses and Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni corrections were used to evaluate the difference between positions. RESULTS The most efficient position for PFM relaxation was P1 and followed by P3 and P2, respectively. The order was also the same for abdominal muscles (p < 0.001), P1 > P3 > P2. The rectus abdominis (RA) was the most affected muscle during PFM relaxation. The extent of relaxation of RA muscle increased as the extent of PFM relaxation increased (r = 0.298, p = 0.016). No difference was found between different types of UI during the same position in terms of PFM relaxation extents (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Efficient PFM relaxation is maintained during positions recommended in physiotherapy clinics. The extent of PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation varies according to the positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Çeliker Tosun
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Damla Korkmaz Dayıcan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - İrem Keser
- Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sefa Kurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Meriç Yıldırım
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Tosun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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Tim S, Mazur-Bialy AI. The Most Common Functional Disorders and Factors Affecting Female Pelvic Floor. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1397. [PMID: 34947928 PMCID: PMC8704638 DOI: 10.3390/life11121397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka I. Mazur-Bialy
- Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland;
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Albaladejo-Belmonte M, Tarazona-Motes M, Nohales-Alfonso FJ, De-Arriba M, Alberola-Rubio J, Garcia-Casado J. Characterization of Pelvic Floor Activity in Healthy Subjects and with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Diagnostic Potential of Surface Electromyography. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21062225. [PMID: 33806717 PMCID: PMC8004809 DOI: 10.3390/s21062225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a highly disabling disorder in women usually associated with hypertonic dysfunction of the pelvic floor musculature (PFM). The literature on the subject is not conclusive about the diagnostic potential of surface electromyography (sEMG), which could be due to poor signal characterization. In this study, we characterized the PFM activity of three groups of 24 subjects each: CPP patients with deep dyspareunia associated with a myofascial syndrome (CPP group), healthy women over 35 and/or parous (>35/P group, i.e., CPP counterparts) and under 35 and nulliparous (<35&NP). sEMG signals of the right and left PFM were recorded during contractions and relaxations. The signals were characterized by their root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MDF), Dimitrov index (DI), sample entropy (SampEn), and cross-correlation (CC). The PFM activity showed a higher power (>RMS), a predominance of low-frequency components (<MDF, >DI), greater complexity (>SampEn) and lower synchronization on the same side (<CC) in CPP patients, with more significant differences in the >35/P group. The same trend in differences was found between healthy women (<35&NP vs. >35/P) associated with aging and parity. These results show that sEMG can reveal alterations in PFM electrophysiology and provide clinicians with objective information for CPP diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Albaladejo-Belmonte
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.-B.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Marta Tarazona-Motes
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Politècnic i Universitari La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.-M.); (F.J.N.-A.); (M.D.-A.)
| | - Francisco J. Nohales-Alfonso
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Politècnic i Universitari La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.-M.); (F.J.N.-A.); (M.D.-A.)
| | - Maria De-Arriba
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Politècnic i Universitari La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.-M.); (F.J.N.-A.); (M.D.-A.)
| | - Jose Alberola-Rubio
- Unidad de Bioelectrónica, Procesamiento de señales y Algoritmia, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Javier Garcia-Casado
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.-B.); (J.G.-C.)
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Granados A, Cox S, Low-Beer N, Higham J, Kneebone R, Bello F. Taking the Pressure Off the Patient - Understanding Digital Rectal Examinations on a Real Subject. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2020; 67:2798-2805. [PMID: 32031926 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2020.2971826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Better understanding of palpation techniques during unsighted physical examinations has mostly been limited to qualitative and quantitative studies of performance of experts whilst conducting examinations on plastic benchtop models. However, little is known about their performance when conducting such examinations on real subjects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to better understand palpation techniques of experts whilst conducting a Digital Rectal Examination on a real subject. METHODS We recruited four consultants from relevant specialties and asked them to conduct two DREs on a Rectal Teaching Assistant whilst wearing small position and pressure sensors on their examining finger. We segmented the relevant anatomy from an MRI taken of the pelvic region, registered 3D models and analysed retrospectively performance in relation to executed tasks, supination/pronation, palpation convex hull and pressure applied. RESULTS Primary care consultants examined the anatomy more holistically compared to secondary care experts, the maximum pressure applied across experiments is 3.3N, overall the pressure applied on the prostate is higher than that applied to rectal walls, and the urologist participant not only applied the highest pressure but also did so with the highest most prominent frequency (15.4 and 25.3 Hz). CONCLUSIONS The results of our research allow for better understanding of experts' technical performance from relevant specialities when conducting a DRE, and suggest the range of pressure applied whilst palpating anatomy. SIGNIFICANCE This research will be valuable in improving the design of haptics-based learning tools, as well as in encouraging reflection on palpation styles across different specialities to develop metrics of performance.
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Lee K. Investigation of Electromyographic Activity of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Different Body Positions to Prevent Urinary Incontinence. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9357-9363. [PMID: 31813929 PMCID: PMC6918805 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to determine whether trunk stability muscles co-contract with body position as a factor of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity. Material/Methods Sixty-one healthy adults without pelvic floor dysfunction were examined for pelvic floor and trunk stability muscle activity in 4 body positions (ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in standing position, and ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in long sitting position). The activities of the PFMs via anal/vaginal probes, internal oblique (IO), multifidus (MF), tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles were measured by surface electromyography. Three-dimensional motion analysis measured the movement of the pelvis in real time according to the change in body position. Results There was a significant increase in PFM activity from the ankle neutral position while standing for both ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in standing position (p<0.05). In maximal contraction of PFM in the standing position, IO and MF were found to co-activate (p<0.05). Conclusions In standing position, the ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion positions activated PFMs, which was found to co-activate with trunk stability muscles. Pelvic floor training programs based on the results of this study may be helpful in patients with incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongjin Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungdong University, Wonju, Gangwon, South Korea
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