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International Urogynecology Journal
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Original Article

Pelvic floor muscle tenderness in asymptomatic, nulliparous women: topographical distribution and reliability of a visual analogue scale

Authors: Tilemachos Kavvadias, Stefanie Pelikan, Petra Roth, Kaven Baessler, Bernhard Schuessler

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Aim of this study is to investigate pelvic floor muscle pain scores in a group of healthy, asymptomatic, nulliparous women using a simple visual analogue scale, and to examine the inter-rater and test–retest reliability of the digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscle.

Methods

Seventeen female volunteers were recruited. Different sites of their pelvic floor muscle were examined digitally according to the suggestions of the International Continence Society from two investigators blinded to the clinical data in two consecutive visits and pain scores were obtained. Level of agreement between investigators, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were assessed.

Results

Overall pain scores were low. There were statistically significant differences between scores at different pelvic sites, with the levator ani showing the lowest scores. Reliability was heterogeneous among pelvic sites, varying from poor to excellent.

Conclusions

Pain upon palpation of the pelvic floor muscle in asymptomatic, nulliparous women should be considered an uncommon finding.
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Metadata
Title
Pelvic floor muscle tenderness in asymptomatic, nulliparous women: topographical distribution and reliability of a visual analogue scale
Authors
Tilemachos Kavvadias
Stefanie Pelikan
Petra Roth
Kaven Baessler
Bernhard Schuessler
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1837-5

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