PEOPLE: Lifestyle and comorbidities as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse-a systematic review and meta-analysis PEOPLE: PElvic Organ Prolapse Lifestyle comorbiditiEs.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The literature is scarce regarding the effects of comorbidities, clinical parameters, and lifestyle as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study was performed to systematically review the literature related to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia, chronic constipation, smoking, chronic cough, occupation, and striae and varicose veins as determinants for POP. METHODS: Search terms in accordance with Medical Subject Headings were used in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. Clinical comparative studies between women with and without POP and containing demographic and/or clinical raw data related to lifestyle and/or comorbidities were included. The ROBINS-I (risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions) instrument was used. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used for homogeneous and heterogeneous studies, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. BMI < 25 kg/m2 was found to be a protective factor for POP [OR 0.71 (0.51, 0.99); p = 0.04], and BMI > 30 kg/m2 was a risk factor for POP [OR 1.44 (1.37, 1.52); p < 0.00001]. Waist circumference (≥ 88 cm) was reported as a risk factor for POP [OR 1.80 (1.37, 2.38); p < 0.00001], along with HT [OR 1.18 (1.09, 1.27); p = 0.04], constipation [OR 1.77 (1.23, 2.54); p < 0.00001], occupation [OR 1.86 (1.21, 2.86); p < 0.00001], persistent cough [OR 1.52 (1.18, 1.94); p < 0.0001]), and varicose veins [OR 2.01 (1.50, 2.70); p = 0.12]. CONCLUSIONS: BMI < 25 kg/m2 is protective while BMI > 30 kg/m2 is a risk factor for POP. Large waist circumference, dyslipidemia, HT, constipation, occupation, persistent cough, and varicose veins are also determinants for POP.

Pelvic floor muscle function differs between supine and standing positions in women with stress urinary incontinence: an experimental crossover study.

QUESTION: In women with stress urinary incontinence, how does pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function differ between supine and standing when assessed using manometry, vaginal palpation, dynamometry and electromyography? DESIGN: An experimental crossover study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 101 women with stress urinary incontinence were included. INTERVENTION: The PFM evaluations were performed and compared in supine and standing positions. The participants were assigned to either Group 1 (assessments in supine followed by standing) or Group 2 (assessments in standing followed by supine). OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the PFM pressure during the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Secondary outcomes were the measures of PFM pressure at rest; PFM function (PERFECT scheme); active and passive forces (dynamometry); and PFM electromyography (EMG) activity. RESULTS: The mean MVC pressure was significantly lower in standing (MD -7 cmH2O, 95% CI -10 to -4). The mean PFM resting pressure was higher in standing (7 cmH2O, 95% CI 5 to 10). Three measures of PFM function derived from vaginal palpation were better in supine than in standing. The PFM active and the passive forces measured using dynamometry were higher in standing (0.18 kgf, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.20). The resting EMG activity was higher in standing than in supine (MD 3.6 µV, 95% CI 2.6 to 4.5), whereas EMG activity during MVC was higher in supine than standing (MD -8.7 µV, 95% CI -12.5 to -4.8). CONCLUSION: The pressure and EMG activity during MVC, and PFM function were lower in standing. The resting pressure, the passive and active forces of the PFM and the resting EMG activity of the PFM were higher in standing.

Is there a correlation between a 20-min pad-test and subjective urine leakage amount?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The quantification of urinary incontinence (UI) is widely used in clinical practice to guide the prognosis and treatment, and the pad test is an inexpensive, quick, and easy tool to assess UI that has been used in studies in the literature. Another way to evaluate UI is the subjective urine leakage amount, but no studies have tried to correlate it with the 20-min pad test. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation of the 20-min pad test with the subjective urine leakage amount and compare it with the pelvic floor function. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 72 participants. It evaluated pelvic floor muscle strength as well as the duration of symptoms and pad weight. It used mean, standard deviation, median, and 95% confidence interval. In addition, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used. The significance level was fixed at 5% (significant if P < 0.05). RESULTS: Only age was different between leakage volumes; participants who report greater UI volume were older than the participants who leaked less urine. There were no differences related to the duration of symptoms between different UI volumes and pad weights according to the subjective volume reported. Spearman's coefficient between pad weight and subjective volume of urine leakage was rs = 0.558 (P ≤ 0.0001), demonstrating a moderate positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: There was a moderate correlation between the UI volume reported and the 20-min pad test. Additionally, no differences related to pelvic floor function were detected.

Effects of voluntary pre-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (the Knack) on female stress urinary incontinence-a study protocol for a RCT.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a subtype of urinary incontinence that occurs more commonly amongst women. The pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered the gold standard for treating SUI. Another technique called the Knack postulated that pre-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during activities of increasing intra-abdominal pressure prevents urinary loss. Currently, there are no studies supporting the Knack for the treatment of SUI. Thus, the aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that voluntary pre-contraction of PFM can treat SUI. For this purpose, the following parameters will be analysed and compared amongst (1) the Knack, (2) PFMT and (3) the Knack + PFMT groups: urine leakage as assessed by the pad test, urinary symptoms, muscle function, quality of life, subjective cure, adherence to exercises in the outpatient setting and at home and perceived self-efficacy of PFM exercises. METHODS: A single-centre, double-blind (investigator and outcome assessor) randomised controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up of supervised treatment and an additional 3 months of follow-up (unsupervised) for a total of 6 months of follow-up. Two hundred ten women with mild to moderate SUI will be included, aged between 18 and 70 years. To compare the primary and secondary outcome measures within and between the groups studied (before and after intervention), the ANOVA statistical test will be used. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be presented as mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval and median and minimum and maximum values. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study closes a gap, as voluntary PFM pre-contraction (the Knack) has not yet been included in the physiotherapeutic treatment of SUI, and if shown successful could be implemented in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03722719 . Registered on October 29, 2018. Study protocol version 1. Was this trial prospectively registered? Yes Funded by: The present study did not receive funding. Anticipated completion date: The anticipated trial commencement and completion dates are October 2018 and October 2021, respectively. Provenance: Not invited. Peer reviewed. Human research ethics approval committee: Research Ethical Board of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil. Human research ethics approval number: 2.517.312.

Telehealth in the rehabilitation of female pelvic floor dysfunction: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased the awareness and efforts to provide care from distance using information technologies. We reviewed the literature about the practice and effectiveness of the rehabilitation of the female pelvic floor dysfunction via telehealth regarding symptomatology and quality of life and function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS: A bibliographic review was carried out in May 2020 in the databases: Embase, Medline/PubMed, LILACS and PEDro. A total of 705 articles were reviewed after the removal of duplicates. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated by the PEDro scale. Two authors performed data extraction into a standardized spreadsheet. RESULTS: Four studies were included, two being randomized controlled trials. Among the RCTs, only one compared telehealth with face-to-face treatment; the second one compared telehealth with postal treatment. The other two studies are follow-up and cost analysis reports on telehealth versus postal evaluation. Data showed that women who received the intervention remotely presented significant improvement in their symptoms, such as reducing the number of incontinence episodes and voiding frequency, improving PFM strength and improving quality of life compared to women who had the face-to-face treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth promoted a significant improvement in urinary symptoms, PFM function and quality of life. Telehealth is still emerging, and more studies are needed to draw more conclusions. The recommendations of the governmental authorities, physical therapy councils and corresponding associations of each country also need to be considered.

The role of vaginal palpation in motor learning of the pelvic floor muscles for women with stress urinary incontinence: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30 to 50% of women are unable to correctly perform pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions. For women to benefit from a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) programme for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the awareness phase of PFMT cannot be omitted. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether vaginal palpation together with verbal instructions about PFMs and body awareness techniques helps women with SUI learn how to correctly contract the PFMs and improve their functions. METHODS: This single-centre, double-blind randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups was designed following the standard protocol items for randomized interventional trials (SPIRIT). The results will be reported in a manner consistent with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Patients with SUI (n = 172) will be recruited. The experimental group will receive verbal instructions about PFM function and body awareness techniques together with vaginal palpation; the control group will receive similar protocol without vaginal palpation. The primary outcome includes the number of fast-twitch muscle fibres assessed by vaginal palpation and visual observation. Secondary outcomes include power and muscular endurance that will be assessed by visual observation and vaginal palpation (Oxford scale), the use of accessory muscles during the voluntary contraction of PFMs, and the self-efficacy and the expectations for the results using the self-efficacy scale of pelvic floor exercises. DISCUSSION: This study will determine whether vaginal palpation can help women with SUI to correctly perform PFM contractions and improve their functions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03325543 . Registered on 30 November 2017. Study protocol version 1; 30 November 2020. Prospectively registered.

Ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles and association with muscle function in incontinent women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Many women with pelvic floor dysfunction are unable to perform pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction. We aimed to assess the ability to contract the PFM and to evaluate the association with muscle function in Brazilian women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including incontinent women over the age of 18. The assessment of PFM contraction was carried out by bidigital palpation via the PERFECT scheme. We categorized our population as: group absent: women not able to contract the PFM with verbal instructions; group 1 (1st command): women able to contract their PFM after verbal instructions; group 2 (2nd command): women who needed additional training on PFM anatomy and functioning to contract them. We compared the groups regarding their PFM functionality. We used ANOVA for demographic data and Mann-Whitney test for association analyses and P value < 0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Among 139 women included, 21 (15.1%) were not able to perform the contraction of the PFM. Sixty-five (46.7%) contracted their PFM voluntarily at the first command and 53 (38.1%) at the second command. There was a significant reduction in the PFM function in group 2 in terms of power (p < 0.001), endurance (p < 0.001) and fast contraction (p < 0.001) compared to group 1. CONCLUSION: A high percentage (53.2%) of women were not able to contract their PFM voluntarily without training in PFM anatomy and functioning. Those women had impaired muscle function compared to women able to perform PFM after receiving exclusively oral instructions.

Pelvic floor muscle training for female stress urinary incontinence: a randomised control trial comparing home and outpatient training.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the literature, it is suggested that supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) might be the first option treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, inadequate accessibility to health care and scarce individual resources may prevent adherence to the treatment. Our study is aimed at comparing the efficacy of performing PFMT in an outpatient clinic and at home in Brazilian incontinent women, and to verify if home PFMT may be an alternative to those not able to attend the outpatient sessions. METHODS: A total of 69 women with predominant SUI were randomised into two groups: outpatient PFMT and home PFMT. The primary outcome was the cure of SUI defined as <2 g of leakage in a 20-min pad test. Secondary outcomes were: pelvic floor muscle function; urinary symptoms; quality of life; patient satisfaction; and adherence to home exercise sets. The assessments were conducted at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Statistical analyses consisted of Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-squared, and Wilcoxon tests, with a 5% cut-off for significance. RESULTS: A superior objective cure of SUI was observed in the outpatient clinic (62%) compared with the home (28%) PFMT groups (OR: 4.0 [95% CI: 1.4-11.0]; p = 0.011). Secondarily, there was no difference between groups regarding the following: satisfaction with the treatment; quality of life; function of the PFMs; and number of episodes of urine leakage per week. The home adherence to the exercises was superior in the outpatient PFMT group only during the first-month training. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient PFMT was associated with a higher objective cure of SUI than home PFMT. However, subjective findings show equal benefit of home PFMT providing evidence that this may be an alternative treatment to our population.

Outpatient biofeedback in addition to home pelvic floor muscle training for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To test if biofeedback (BF) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) increases the frequency of home exercises performed by women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: 72 incontinent women were randomized to BF (outpatient BF + home PFMT) or PFMT (outpatient PFMT + home PFMT) groups. ASSESSMENTS: baseline, after 3 months of supervised treatment, at 9-month follow-up (after six additional months of home PFMT only). PRIMARY OUTCOME: frequency of monthly exercises sets performed (exercise diary) after 3-month treatment. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: adherence, urinary symptoms, severity and cure of SUI (pad test <2 g leakage), muscle function, quality of life, and subject cure (satisfaction report with no desire for different treatment) at the two time-points. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: ANOVA and Student's t-test with 5% cut-off for significance. RESULTS: It was observed similar frequency of monthly home exercises sets performed by BF (67.9 out of 82) and PFMT (68.2 out of 82) groups at 3 months. Secondarily, equal satisfaction, but superior objective cure of SUI for BF group after 3-month treatment (P = 0.018; OR: 3.15 [95% CI: 1.20-8.25]). At 9-month follow-up, the adherence to home exercises was similar (around 50%) and significantly dropped in both groups compared to the 3-month results (around 85%). No difference was detected in the objective and subjective cure of SUI between the groups after 9 months. Both therapies similarly improved the muscle function and quality of life during the study (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunct BF did not increase the frequency of home exercises performed by SUI patients.

Correlation between maximum voluntary contraction and endurance measured by digital palpation and manometry: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION:: Digital palpation and manometry are methods that can provide information regarding maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), and a strong correlation between these variables can be expected. OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the correlation between MVC and endurance, measured by digital palpation and manometry. METHOD:: Forty-two women, with mean age of 58.1 years (±10.2), and predominant symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), were included. Examination was firstly conducted by digital palpation and subsequently using a Peritron manometer. MVC was measured using a 0-5 score, based on the Oxford Grading Scale. Endurance was assessed based on the PERFECT scheme. RESULTS:: We found a significant positive correlation between the MVC measured by digital palpation and the peak manometric pressure (r=0.579, p<0.001), and between the measurements of the endurance by Peritron manometer and the PERFECT assessment scheme (r=0.559, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:: Our results revealed a positive and significant correlation between the capacity and maintenance of PFM contraction using digital and manometer evaluations in women with predominant symptoms of SUI.

Correlation between maximum voluntary contraction and endurance measured by digital palpation and manometry: An observational study / Correlação entre contração voluntária máxima e endurance avaliados por palpação digital e manometria: um estudo observacional

Summary Introduction: Digital palpation and manometry are methods that can provide information regarding maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), and a strong correlation between these variables can be expected. Objective: To investigate the correlation between MVC and endurance, measured by digital palpation and manometry. Method: Forty-two women, with mean age of 58.1 years (±10.2), and predominant symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), were included. Examination was firstly conducted by digital palpation and subsequently using a Peritron manometer. MVC was measured using a 0-5 score, based on the Oxford Grading Scale. Endurance was assessed based on the PERFECT scheme. Results: We found a significant positive correlation between the MVC measured by digital palpation and the peak manometric pressure (r=0.579, p<0.001), and between the measurements of the endurance by Peritron manometer and the PERFECT assessment scheme (r=0.559, P<0.001). Conclusion: Our results revealed a positive and significant correlation between the capacity and maintenance of PFM contraction using digital and manometer evaluations in women with predominant symptoms of SUI.

Resumo Introdução: a palpação digital e a manometria são métodos capazes de fornecer informações sobre contração voluntária máxima (CVM) e endurance da musculatura do assoalho pélvico (MAP), e pode-se esperar uma forte correlação entre essas variáveis. Objetivo: investigar a correlação entre CVM e endurance, avaliados por palpação digital e manometria. Método: incluíram-se 42 mulheres, com idade média de 58,1 anos (±10,2) e sintomas predominantes de incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). Realizou-se primeiramente o exame digital, seguido pela manometria (Peritron®). Mensuraram-se a CVM de acordo com a escala de Oxford (0-5 pontos) e o endurance pelo esquema PERFECT. Resultados: encontrou-se correlação positiva entre CVM mensurada por palpação digital e pressão manométrica de pico (r=0,579; p<0,001), e entre as medições do endurance avaliado pelo Peritron e o esquema PERFECT (r=0,559; p<0,001). Conclusão: os resultados revelaram correlação positiva e significativa entre a capacidade e a manutenção de contração dos MAP por meio das avaliações digital e manométrica em mulheres com IUE.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle training in urinary incontinent elderly women: a sistematic review / Efeito do treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico na incontinência urinária de mulheres idosas: revisão sistemática

Introduction The International Continence Society (ICS) determines that the pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT) is the first-choice treatment of urinary symptoms in women. Objective The aim of this study was to systematize randomized controlled clinical trials that address the effects of PFMT in the treatment of urinary symptoms in older women using objective outcome measures. Method Systematic review search was performed eletronic the following databases: Medline, Pubmed, Lilacs, PEDro and manual research conducted in the references of the studies. Were considered eligible women aged over 60 years who performed PFMT in isolation, without the involvement of another technique. The PFMT performed in clinic or at home, with or without the supervision of a therapist and with or without the use of biofeedback as an adjunct. Considered as outcome measures urodynamic studies, voiding diary that assesses daytime urinary frequency, nocturnal urinary frequency, urinary incontinence and exchange absorbent, and, finally, the absorbent test that quantifies loss urinary grams. The assessment of methodological quality of the studies was conducted by PEDro scale. Results Three studies were reviewed in full. Only one trial was rated high methodological quality. There was significant improvement in urinary symptoms after treatment proposed in the three selected studies. Conclusion Considering the studies available so far are weak the evidence for the use of PFMT in the treatment of urinary symptoms in elderly women.

Introdução A Sociedade Internacional de Continência (SIC) determina que o treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) seja considerado como primeira opção de tratamento dos sintomas urinários nas mulheres. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi sistematizar ensaios clínicos randomizados e controlados que abordam os efeitos do TMAP no tratamento dos sintomas urinários em mulheres idosas utilizando medidas de desfecho objetivas. Método Revisão sistemática no qual foi feita uma busca eletrônica nas seguintes bases de dados: Medline, Pubmed, Lilacs, PEDro e pesquisa manual realizada nas referências bibliográficas dos estudos. Consideraram-se elegíveis mulheres idosas acima de 60 anos, que realizaram o TMAP de forma isolada, sem envolvimento de outra técnica. O TMAP realizado em ambulatório ou em domicílio, com ou sem a supervisão de um terapeuta e com ou sem o uso do biofeedback como adjuvante. Considerou-se como medidas de desfecho o estudo urodinâmico, o diário miccional que avalia a frequência urinária diurna, a frequência urinária noturna, perda urinária aos esforços e a troca de absorventes, e, por fim, o teste do absorvente que quantifica a perda urinária em gramas. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi realizada pela escala PEDro. Resultados Três estudos foram revisados na íntegra. Apenas um artigo foi classificado como de alta qualidade metodológica. Houve melhora significativa dos sintomas miccionais após o tratamento proposto nos três estudos selecionados. Conclusão Considerando os estudos disponíveis até o momento são fracas as evidências favoráveis à utilização do TMAP no tratamento dos sintomas urinários de mulheres idosas.

Qual o índice de massa corporal de mulheres com disfunções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico que procuram tratamento fisioterapêutico? / What is the body mass index of women with pelvic floor muscles dysfunctions that seek for physiotherapy treatment?

Sobrepeso e obesidade são relatados como importantes fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de disfunções do assoalho pélvico (AP) feminino. Assim, objetivou-se averiguar o índice de massa corporal (IMC) de mulheres com disfunções do AP que procuraram tratamento fisioterapêutico, e comparar com as estatísticas nacionais. Trata-se de um estudo observacional. Foram avaliados os prontuários de mulheres com disfunções do AP atendidas pelo Setor de Fisioterapia no período de 2004 à 2010, e incluídas todas as mulheres com a presença de algum sintoma de disfunção do AP. Calculou-se o IMC de 312 mulheres com disfunção do AP. A média de IMC foi de 28,1 kg/m2. Dessas mulheres, cerca de 70% apresentavam sobrepeso ou obesidade, resultado maior do que o índice nacional de 59%. A base fisiopatológica da relação entre obesidade e disfunções do AP está na correlação entre o IMC e a pressão intra-abdominal. A identificação do sobrepeso e da obesidade deve fazer parte dos programas de reabilitação do AP, uma vez que a redução do peso corporal pode contribuir para redução da severidade da disfunção. Com o presente estudo observa-se que as mulheres que procuram tratamento fisioterapêutico para disfunções do AP apresentam índice de obesidade maior do que a população feminina nacional.

Overweight and obesity are reported as important risk factors for developing of female pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction. Thus, the objective was to verify the body mass index (BMI) of women with PF dysfunctions who sought physiotherapy treatment, and comparing it with national statistics. This is an observational study. There were evaluated the records of women with PF dysfunctions served by the Physiotherapy Service from 2004 to 2010, and included all women with the presence of any symptom of PF dysfunction. It was calculated the BMI of 312 women with PF dysfunction. The BMI mean was 28.1 kg/m2. Approximately 70% of these women were overweight or obese, a value higher than the national rate of 59%. The pathophysiological basis of the relationship between obesity and PF dysfunction is the correlation between BMI and intra-abdominal pressure. The identification of overweight and obesity should be part of the rehabilitation programs of the PF, since the reduction in body weight can contribute by reducing the severity of the disorder. With the present study it was observed that women seeking physiotherapy treatment for PF dysfunction have higher rates of obesity than the national female population.

Efeito da adição do biofeedback ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico para tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço / Effect the adding of biofeedback to the training of the pelvic floor muscles to treatment of stress urinary incontinence

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da adição do biofeedback (BF) ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) para o tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, com mulheres com IUE sem deficiência esfincteriana detectada ao estudo urodinâmico e que realizavam a correta contração dos MAP. Foram excluídas mulheres com doenças neuromusculares e com prolapso genital graus III e IV. Foram randomizadas 40 mulheres em Grupo Controle e Grupo BF. O protocolo de TMAP com equipamento de BF foi constituído de três séries de dez contrações lentas (tônicas), com tempo de manutenção de seis a oito segundos em cada contração, seguido de um período de repouso de mesmo valor. Após cada contração sustentada, eram realizadas de três a quatro contrações rápidas (fásicas) em decúbito dorsal e ortostatismo, duas vezes na semana, totalizando 12 sessões. Avaliou-se o efeito da adição do BF ao TMAP na qualidade de vida pelo King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), nos sintomas urinários pelo diário miccional e na função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (MAP) pela palpação digital. A avaliação foi realizada inicialmente e após as 12 sessões de tratamento. O resultado foi descrito em médias e desvios padrão. Para análise de homogeneidade e verificação das diferenças entre os grupos utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney, e para diferenças entre os momentos de observação, o teste de Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Diminuição significativa nos escores dos domínios avaliados pelo KHQ na comparação entre os grupos, exceto para o domínio saúde geral (Grupo BF 32,8±26,9 versus Grupo Controle 48,4±29,5; p<0,13). Em concordância, observou-se melhora da função dos MAP após o tratamento no grupo BF, na power (4,3±0,8; p=0,001), endurance (6,0±2,2; p<0,001) e fast (9,3±1,9; p=0,001). Quando comparados os grupos, o Grupo BF destacou-se positivamente em relação ao power (Grupo BF 4,3±0,8 versus Grupo Controle 2,5±0,9; p<0,001), endurance (Grupo BF 6,0±2,2 versus Grupo Controle 2,7±1,9; p<0,001) e fast (Grupo BF 9,3±1,9 versus Grupo Controle 4,6±3,2; p<0,001). Redução da frequência urinária noturna (1,2±1,2 versus 0,7±0,9; p=0,02) e da perda de urina nos esforços (1,5±1,4 versus 0,6±0,8; p=0,001) foi observada no Grupo BF. CONCLUSÃO: A adição do BF ao TMAP para o tratamento da IUE, aplicado de acordo com o protocolo descrito, contribui para melhora da função dos MAP, redução dos sintomas urinários e melhora da qualidade de vida.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of adding biofeedback (BF) to the training of pelvic floor muscles (PFMT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective pilot study, randomized and controlled with women with SUI without sphincter deficiency, detected by urodynamic study and who performed the correct PFM contraction. Women with neuromuscular disorders and grade III and IV genital prolapse were excluded. Forty women were randomized into a Control Group and BF Group. The PFMT protocol with BF equipment consisted of three sets of ten slow contractions (tonic), with a holding time of six to eight seconds at each contraction followed by a rest period of equal duration. After each sustained contraction, they performed three to four fast contractions (phasic) in the supine and standing position twice a week, for a total of 12 sessions. We evaluated the effect of adding BF to PFMT on quality of life using King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) regarding urinary symptoms based on a voiding diary and regarding the function of pelvic floor muscles by digital palpation. The evaluation was performed initially and after 12 treatment sessions. Data are reported as mean and standard deviation. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the analysis of homogeneity and to determine differences between groups, and the Wilcoxon test was used to determine possible differences between the times of observation, with the level of significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ was observed in the comparison between groups, except for the general health domain (BF Group: 32.8±26.9 versus Control Group: 48.4±29.5, p<0.13). Accordingly, there was improvement in PFM function after treatment in the BF Group, regarding power (4.3±0.8, p= 0.001), endurance (6.0±2.2, p<0.001) and fast (9.3±1.9, p=0.001). When comparing the groups, the BF Group showed a positive result regarding power (BF Group 4.3±0.8 versus Control Group 2.5±0.9, p<0.001), endurance (6.0±2.2 BF Group versus Control Group 2.7±1.9, p<0.001) and fast (BF Group 9.3±1.9 versus Control Group 4.6 ± 3.2, p<0.001). Reduction of nocturnal urinary frequency (1.2±1.2 versus 0.7±0.9, p=0.02) and of effort urine loss (1.5±1.4 versus 0.6±0.8, p=0.001) was observed in the BF Group. CONCLUSION: The addition of BF to the PFMT for the treatment of SUI, applied according to the protocol described, improved PFM function, reduced urinary symptoms, and improved of the quality of life.

Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (QOL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Prospective clinical trial with 36 women with a diagnosis of SUI confirmed by urodynamic study. Women with neuromuscular diseases, using hormone replacement therapy, and with prolapse stage III and IV were not included. The exercise protocol for the PFM consisted of slow contractions (tonic fibers), followed by rapid contractions (phasic fibers) practiced in the supine, sitting, and standing positions, three times a week for a period of three months. We evaluated the impact of PFM on QOL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), a voiding diary, and digital palpation to assess the function of the PFMs during the initial evaluation and after three months of treatment. The result was described as means and standard deviations. We used the Wilcoxon test for comparison of the KHQ scores for paired samples, and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the mean scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ regarding the perception of health, impact of the incontinence, limitations of daily activities, physical limitations, social limitations, personal relationships, emotions, sleep/disposition, and measures of severity. In agreement with these results, significant decrease in nocturnal urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, as well as significant increase in muscle strength and endurance were observed. CONCLUSION: PFM training resulted in significant improvement in the QOL of women with SUI.

Impacto do treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico na qualidade de vida em mulheres com incontinência urinária / Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) na qualidade de vida (QV) em mulheres com incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico prospectivo com 36 mulheres com diagnóstico médico de IUE conrmado no estudo urodinâmico. Não foram incluídas mulheres com doenças neuromusculares, com uso de reposição hormonal e com prolapso grau III e IV. O protocolo de exercícios para os músculos do assoalho pélvico foi constituído de contrações lentas (bras tônicas), seguidas de contrações rápidas (bras fásicas), realizadas nas posições de decúbito dorsal, sentada e ortostática, três vezes na semana, por um período de três meses. Avaliou-se o impacto do TMAP na QV por meio do King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), diário miccional e palpação digital para avaliar a função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, durante a avaliação inicial e após os três meses de tratamento. O resultado foi descrito em médias e desvios-padrões. Utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon para comparação dos escores referentes ao KHQ para amostras pareadas, e adotou-se como nível de signicância o valor de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diminuição signicativa das médias dos escores dos domínios avaliados pelos KHQ. Esses domínios consistem na percepção da saúde, impacto da incontinência, limitações das atividades diárias, limitações físicas, limitações sociais, relações pessoais, emoções, sono/disposição e também medidas de gravidade. Em concordância com esses resultados, foram observados diminuição signicativa na frequência urinária noturna e na perda urinária, bem como aumento signicativo na força e endurance muscular. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico proporcionou melhora signicativa na QV de mulheres com IUE.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on the quality of life (QOL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Prospective clinical trial with 36 women with a diagnosis of SUI confirmed by urodynamic study. Women with neuromuscular diseases, using hormone replacement therapy, and with prolapse stage III and IV were not included. The exercise protocol for the PFM consisted of slow contractions (tonic fibers), followed by rapid contractions (phasic fibers) practiced in the supine, sitting, and standing positions, three times a week for a period of three months. We evaluated the impact of PFM on QOL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), a voiding diary, and digital palpation to assess the function of the PFMs during the initial evaluation and after three months of treatment. The result was described as means and standard deviations. We used the Wilcoxon test for comparison of the KHQ scores for paired samples, and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the mean scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ regarding the perception of health, impact of the incontinence, limitations of daily activities, physical limitations, social limitations, personal relationships, emotions, sleep/disposition, and measures of severity. In agreement with these results, significant decrease in nocturnal urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, as well as significant increase in muscle strength and endurance were observed. CONCLUSION: PFM training resulted in significant improvement in the QOL of women with SUI.

Biofeedback for the treatment of female pelvic floor muscle dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Biofeedback (BF) has been widely used in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions, mainly by promoting patient learning about muscle contraction with no side effects. However, its effectiveness remains poorly understood with some studies suggesting that BF offers no advantage over the isolated pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). The main objective of this study was to systematically review available randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of BF in female pelvic floor dysfunction treatment. Trials were electronically searched and rated for quality by use of the PEDro scale (values of 0-10). Randomized controlled trials assessing the training of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) using BF in women with PFM dysfunction were selected. Outcomes were converted to a scale ranging from 0 to 100. Trials were pooled with software used to prepare and update Cochrane reviews. Results are presented as weighted mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Twenty-two trials with 1,469 patients that analyzed BF in the treatment of urinary, anorectal, and/or sexual dysfunctions were included. PFMT alone led to a superior but not significant difference in the function of PFM when compared to PFMT with BF, by using vaginal measurement in the short and intermediate term: 9.89 (95 % CI -5.05 to 24.83) and 15.03 (95 % CI -9.71 to 39.78), respectively. We found a few and nonhomogeneous studies addressing anorectal and sexual function, which do not provide the cure rate calculations. Limitations of this review are the low quality and heterogeneity of the studies, involving the usage of distinct protocols of interventions, and various and different outcome measures. The results of this systematic review suggest that PFMT with BF is not more effective than other conservative treatments for female PFM dysfunction.

[Effect the adding of biofeedback to the training of the pelvic floor muscles to treatment of stress urinary incontinence]. / Efeito da adição do biofeedback ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico para tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of adding biofeedback (BF) to the training of pelvic floor muscles (PFMT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective pilot study, randomized and controlled with women with SUI without sphincter deficiency, detected by urodynamic study and who performed the correct PFM contraction. Women with neuromuscular disorders and grade III and IV genital prolapse were excluded. Forty women were randomized into a CONTROL GROUP and BF Group. The PFMT protocol with BF equipment consisted of three sets of ten slow contractions (tonic), with a holding time of six to eight seconds at each contraction followed by a rest period of equal duration. After each sustained contraction, they performed three to four fast contractions (phasic) in the supine and standing position twice a week, for a total of 12 sessions. We evaluated the effect of adding BF to PFMT on quality of life using King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) regarding urinary symptoms based on a voiding diary and regarding the function of pelvic floor muscles by digital palpation. The evaluation was performed initially and after 12 treatment sessions. Data are reported as mean and standard deviation. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the analysis of homogeneity and to determine differences between groups, and the Wilcoxon test was used to determine possible differences between the times of observation, with the level of significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the scores of the domains assessed by the KHQ was observed in the comparison between groups, except for the general health domain (BF Group: 32.8 ± 26.9 versus CONTROL GROUP: 48.4 ± 29.5, p<0.13). Accordingly, there was improvement in PFM function after treatment in the BF Group, regarding power (4.3 ± 0.8, p= 0.001), endurance (6.0 ± 2.2, p<0.001) and fast (9.3 ± 1.9, p=0.001). When comparing the groups, the BF Group showed a positive result regarding power (BF Group 4.3 ± 0.8 versus CONTROL GROUP 2.5 ± 0.9, p<0.001), endurance (6.0 ± 2.2 BF Group versus CONTROL GROUP 2.7 ± 1.9, p<0.001) and fast (BF Group 9.3 ± 1.9 versus CONTROL GROUP 4.6 ± 3.2, p<0.001). Reduction of nocturnal urinary frequency (1.2 ± 1.2 versus 0.7 ± 0.9, p=0.02) and of effort urine loss (1.5 ± 1.4 versus 0.6 ± 0.8, p=0.001) was observed in the BF Group. CONCLUSION: The addition of BF to the PFMT for the treatment of SUI, applied according to the protocol described, improved PFM function, reduced urinary symptoms, and improved of the quality of life.

Impacto do tratamento do câncer de colo uterino no assoalho pélvico / Impact of treatment of cervical cancer in the pelvic floor

O câncer de colo uterino se apresenta como a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as mulheres no mundo. Seu tratamento consiste principalmente por histerectomia radical e dissecção dos linfonodos pélvicos, associada à quimioterapia e radioterapia nos estágios mais avançados da doença. Em consequência deste tratamento, podem aparecer as disfunções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, principalmente por lesão nervosa. Contudo, objetivou-se, nesta revisão, identificar as disfunções do assoalho pélvico após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de estudos publicados de 2000 a 2010 nas bases de dados Medline, PubMed, PEDro, SciELO e Lilacs. Observou-se que sintomas urinários, intestinais e sexuais estão presentes após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Dentre os sintomas urinários, estão presentes a incontinência urinária de esforço, a incontinência urinária mista, sintomas relacionados à hiperatividade da bexiga, ocorrendo a urgeincontinência, o aumento da frequência urinária, a noctúria e a urgência miccional. No que tange aos sintomas sexuais, pode-se observar que dispareunia, vaginismo, diminuição e/ou falta da lubrificação vaginal, excitação e orgasmo também ocorrem após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino. Como sintomas intestinais, ocorreram a diarreia, a constipação e a incontinência anal. A fisioterapia sabidamente trata essas disfunções, fora do contexto do câncer de colo uterino, com elevadas taxas de sucesso e, por isso, o fisioterapeuta poderia auxiliar na reabilitação após o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino, se fosse inserido na equipe. Assim, torna-se cada vez mais importante a inclusão deste profissional nas equipes multidisciplinares

The cervical cancer appears as the second most common neoplasm malignancy among women worldwide. Its treatment consists mainly on radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in advanced stages of the disease. As a result of this treatment, dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles, mainly for nerve injury, may appear. However, the purpose was to identify the pelvic floor dysfunctions after treatment of cervical cancer. We conducted a literature review of studies published from 2000 to 2010 in Medline, PubMed, PEDro, SciELO, and Lilacs. It was observed that urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms are present after treatment of the cervical cancer. Among the urinary symptoms, the following are present: stress urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, symptoms of overactive bladder, urge-incontinence, increased urinary frequency, nocturia, and urgency. With respect to sexual symptoms, dyspareunia, vaginismus, reduced and/or lack of vaginal lubrication, arousal and orgasm also occur after treatment of cervical cancer. As intestinal symptoms, there were diarrhea, constipation, and anal incontinence. Physical therapy successfully treats these disorders, outside the context of the cervical cancer, with high success rates, and, therefore, the therapist could help in the rehabilitation after treatment of the cervical cancer, if he/she was inserted in the team. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to include this professional in multidisciplinary teams