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International Urogynecology Journal
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 12/2019

01-12-2019 | Ultrasound | Original Article

Reliability and validity of pelvic floor muscle displacement measurements during voluntary contractions

Authors: Helene Moser, Helena Luginbuehl, Jean-Pierre Baeyens, Lorenz Radlinger

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 12/2019

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Understanding the functioning of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) is crucial in female PFM rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine the intra-session retest reliability and validity to evaluate the quantity of PFM displacement.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study examined the PFM displacement of 17 young healthy nulliparous women in the midsagittal plane. Three maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and five fast voluntary contractions (FVCs) were simultaneously examined with an electromagnetic tracking system (ETS) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) and expressed in millimeters (mean, SD). To evaluate reliability and validity, the analysis of variance, intraclass coefficient (2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable difference (MDD) were calculated.

Results

Maximal voluntary contractions and FVCs in supine position measured by an ETS (TAUS) showed a displacement of MVC: 3.5 ± 1.9 mm (7.8 ± 4.5 mm), FVC: 3.5 ± 2.4 mm (7.6 ± 5.3 mm), and during standing of MVC: 5.2 ± 1.6 mm (9.4 ± 3.8 mm) and FVC: 4.8 ± 2.5 mm (9.7 ± 4.1 mm). Intraclass correlation for the ETS (TAUS) measurement varied between 0.79 and 0.89 (0.61 and 0.74), SEM 0.52 and 1.03 mm (1.54 and 3.2 mm), and MDD 1.54 and 3.2 mm (6.64 and 7.53 mm). The correlation between an ETS and TAUS varied between 0.53 and 0.67.

Conclusions

For MVC and FVC, ETS measurements are highly reliable and TAUS measurements are moderately reliable for both contraction types. The correlation between the TAUS and ETS measurements is moderate. An ETS seems to be a reliable and valid measurement tool for evaluating PFM displacement during voluntary contractions. In future studies, the reproducibility and validity of ETS measurements need to be investigated in impact activities.
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Metadata
Title
Reliability and validity of pelvic floor muscle displacement measurements during voluntary contractions
Authors
Helene Moser
Helena Luginbuehl
Jean-Pierre Baeyens
Lorenz Radlinger
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 12/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03932-x

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