Almost all floors are hyperactive: the inversion of the oldest paradigm of Pelvic Physiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Maybe the oldest paradigm of Pelvic Physiotherapy says that most patients have a hypoactive pelvic floor, but current clinical evidence suggests otherwise. Aims: to describe the most common kinesiological-functional diagnosis (KFD) in patients seeking Pelvic Physiotherapy. Method: Multicenter, exploratory cross-sectional study. Age, sex, complaint and KFD of levator ani activity (hyperactive or hypoactive) were statistically described. Correlation between age, complaints and functional diagnosis were studied using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Of the 350 patients from 17 cities in the 5 Brazilian regions with a mean age of 42.5± 1 years, 91.7% were women, 95.1% from the private system and 297 patients (85%) had a hyperactive pelvic floor. There was no correlation between age, complaints and KFD. Conclusion: Most of the patients who seek the Pelvic Physiotherapy service have a hyperactive pelvic floor, requiring primarily myofascial release and not necessarily pelvic floor muscle training. There is no correlation between the complaint and KFD or sex and age and KFD.