Impact of pelvic floor muscle training in the postpartum period.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our study piloted a novel, two-tiered approach to delivering pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to postpartum women involving a standardized group workshop followed by the opportunity to self-select for individual PFMT sessions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes in women who self-selected for individual PFMT using validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12), as well as the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) for strength. Women's satisfaction with the program was also assessed. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective cohort study conducted between December 2013 and September 2014. Changes from baseline to postintervention QoL and MOS scores were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen women attended the workshop, 54 enrolled in PFMT sessions, and 50 completed follow-up. Significant improvements were seen in the PFDI-20 (mean change -41.8, p < 0.001) and PFIQ-7 (mean change -23.0, p < 0.001) questionnaires. Results for the PISQ-12 could not be tabulated, as there were too many missing responses. The MOS score was significantly improved from baseline (4; range {0-5} compared with 3; range {0-4}; p < 0.001). Forty-nine of 50 women's expectations for the program were met [9 of 10; standard deviation (SD) 1.4]. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a two-tiered, self-selection approach to administering PFMT in the postpartum period contributes to significant improvements in pelvic floor function, QoL, MOS strength, and to high satisfaction rates.

Survey of a pelvic health physiotherapy community of practice: a pilot study to gain member input to help sustain and advance the group.

PURPOSE: To gather input and perspectives from members of the Calgary Pelvic Health Physiotherapists' Community of Practice (PHPT CoP) to ensure common goals that help sustain and advance the group. METHOD: An online survey grounded in CoP theory was used to elicit feedback from 23 PHPTs. Descriptive statistics summarized survey results. RESULTS: The response rate was 96%; all respondents worked in women's pelvic health. Respondents expressed interest in continuing regular face-to-face meetings, a speaker series, case studies, and connecting with other PHPTs. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest continuation of regular meetings, with a focus on clinical skill development, and an annual Alberta PHPT conference. Members of this community of practice seek a strategy to promote PHPT to the public and develop referral sources.

Objet : Réunir des commentaires et des points de vue des membres du Collectif de pratique des physiothérapeutes en santé pelvienne de Calgary (CdP PTSP) afin d'assurer que des buts communs aident à appuyer et à faire progresser leur groupe. Méthode : On a utilisé un sondage en ligne reposant sur les théories du CdP afin de réunir des commentaires de 23 physiothérapeutes en santé pelvienne. Des statistiques descriptives ont résumé les résultats du sondage. Résultats : Le taux de réponse s'est établi à 96%. Tous les répondants travaillaient en santé pelvienne des femmes. Les répondants souhaitaient que l'on poursuive les réunions en personne périodiques, organise une série de conférences, réalise des études de cas et établisse des contacts avec d'autres physiothérapeutes en santé pelvienne. Conclusion : Les constatations indiquent qu'il vaudrait la peine de continuer à tenir des réunions périodiques axées sur le perfectionnement des techniques cliniques et de tenir un congrès annuel des PTSP de l'Alberta. Les membres de ce collectif de pratique cherchent une stratégie pour promouvoir les PTSP auprès de la population et créer des sources d'aiguillage.