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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-12-2021 | Original Article

Is there agreement between the preference of examiner and women for unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation? A qualitative study

Authors: Jordana Barbosa da Silva, Ana Paula Rodrigues Rocha, Tatiana de Oliveira Sato, Patricia Driusso

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The International Continence Society recommends vaginal palpation as a method for assessing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. Our aim was to analyze the agreement between preferences of examiner and participants according to unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation during PFM assessment. The second aim was to investigate qualitatively women’s perception of vaginal palpation.

Methods

Maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) were requested during both types of vaginal palpation and were classified by the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS). Examiner and participants answered if they had preferences regarding vaginal palpation. Women answered qualitatively what they felt during the assessment. Cohen’s linear kappa (κ) evaluated the agreement after allocation of the women with a weaker and stronger MVC and qualitative analysis was performed by transcription considering age range (18–35; 36–59; ≥60 years).

Results

Agreement was almost zero for women with weaker and stronger MVC at unidigital (κ = 0.06 and κ = −0.12) and bidigital vaginal palpation (κ = 0.008 and κ = 0.005). Participants associated bidigital palpation with more perception and an easier way of contracting the PFMs. Women between 36 and 59 years associated unidigital palpation with a harder but comfortable way of contracting the PFMs. Subjects aged ≥60 years associated bidigital palpation with an uncomfortable, harder way of contracting PFM, with less space into the vagina.

Conclusions

Agreement between preferences was almost zero neither between women with a weaker and stronger PFM contraction, nor between the types of vaginal palpation. Bidigital palpation increased women’s perception, made the contraction easier, and was associated with less space in the vaginal canal and less comfort.

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Title: Is there agreement between the preference of examiner and women for unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation? A qualitative study
Authors: Jordana Barbosa da Silva
Ana Paula Rodrigues Rocha
Tatiana de Oliveira Sato
Patricia Driusso
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04935-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Is there agreement between the preference of examiner and women for unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation? A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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