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01-11-2020 | Stress Incontinence | Original Article

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

Authors: Fátima Faní Fitz, Letícia Missen Paladini, Letícia de Azevedo Ferreira, Márcia Maria Gimenez, Maria Augusta Tezelli Bortolini, Rodrigo Aquino Castro

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

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.

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Title: Ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles and association with muscle function in incontinent women
Authors: Fátima Faní Fitz
Letícia Missen Paladini
Letícia de Azevedo Ferreira
Márcia Maria Gimenez
Maria Augusta Tezelli Bortolini
Rodrigo Aquino Castro
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stress Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04469-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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