Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractility Research Articles

The Effects of Pelvic Repositioning Exercise on Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractility in Continent Subjects with Asymmetric Pelvis: A blinded Randomized Control Study

The Effects of Pelvic Repositioning Exercise on Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractility in Continent Subjects with Asymmetric Pelvis: A blinded Randomized Control Study

Efekti vježbi za jačanje mišića poda karlice kod trudnica

The pelvic floor is a complex network formed by deep and superficial muscle structures, the vaginal wall and fascia that provides support to the pelvic organs and maintains continence. Changes in the urinary and muscular system during pregnancy cause pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). By strengthening these muscles, the symptoms of incontinence can be alleviated. The aim of this paper is to prove the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises in the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence in pregnant women through a systematic review of the available literature. Using the keywords "pelvic floor exercises", "urinary incontinence", "pregnancy", "prevention", "prenatal period" and "postnatal period", three independent authors searched database search engines (PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library) for relevant articles from October 2021 to April 2022 using the predetermined criteria, and selected potential papers. The search resulted in 75 works. The papers older than five years, not available in full text, or not written in English were excluded. Ten works that met the criteria were included in the research. The selection was made by using the Jovell and Navarro-Rubio classification of study designs. The classified papers have provided evidence of the importance of prenatal exercises in improving pelvic floor muscle contractility. Structured, supervised training increases the strength of these muscles, reduces urinary symptoms and incontinence. The exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor prevent incontinence, reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve the quality of life during pregnancy and postpartum. Health experts have a significant contribution in the education of pregnant women. It is a priority to develop standardized educational programs through which these exercises will be effectively applied.

Is pelvic floor muscle contractility an important factor in anal incontinence?

Pelvic floor muscle contractility (PFMC) may contribute to anal continence. The aim of this study was to assess the association between clinical and sonographic measures of PFMC and anal incontinence (AI) symptoms, after controlling for anal sphincter and levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma. This was a retrospective study of 1383 women assessed at a tertiary center between 2013 and 2016. All patients underwent an interview, including the StMark's incontinence score (SMIS) in those who reported AI symptoms, a clinical examination, including assessment of PFMC using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Sonographic measures of PFMC, i.e. cranioventral shift of the bladder neck (BN) and reduction of anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the levator hiatus, were measured offline using ultrasound volumes obtained at rest and on maximum pelvic floor contraction. The reviewer was blinded to all clinical data. Of the 1383 patients assessed during the study period, seven were excluded due to missing imaging data, leaving 1376 for analysis. Mean age of the participating women was 55 years and mean body mass index was 29 kg/m2 . AI was reported by 221 (16.1%) women, with a mean SMIS of 11.8. Mean MOS grade was 2.3. On TLUS, mean BN cranioventral shift was 5.9 mm and mean AP diameter reduction was 8.1 mm. LAM avulsion and significant external anal sphincter (EAS) defect were diagnosed in 24.8% and 8.7% patients, respectively. On univariate analysis, sonographic measures of PFMC were not associated with AI. Lower MOS grade was associated with symptoms of AI; however, statistical significance was lost on multivariate analysis. Clinical and sonographic measures of PFMC were not significantly associated with AI symptoms after controlling for EAS and LAM trauma. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Efficacy of Pilates on Urinary Incontinence in Korean Women: A Metabolomics Approach

Pilates has been known as exercise intervention that improves the function of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) associated with impacting urinary incontinence (UI). This study investigated the effect of Pilates on UI in Korean women by determining the change in functional movement of PFM (FMP) and metabolic profiles. UI group with Pilates (UIP, n = 13) participated in 8-weeks Oov Pilates program, and 8 subjects were assigned to Control and UI group with no Pilates (UINP), respectively. Before and after 8 weeks, plasma samples were collected from all participants, and ultrasonography was used to measure the functional change of PFM for calculating FMP ratio. Plasma samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify the change of metabolic features. After 8-weeks intervention, FMP ratio was remarkably decreased in UIP (48.1% ↓, p < 0.001), but not in Control and UINP (p > 0.05). In metabolic features, L-Glutamine (m/z: 147.07 [M + H]+), L-Cystathionine (m/z: 240.09 [M + NH4]+), L-Arginine (m/z: 197.1 [M + Na]+), and L-1-Pyrroline-3-hydroxy-5-carboxylate (m/z: 147.07 [M + NH4]+) were significantly elevated solely in UIP (p < 0.001). Our study elucidated that Pilates can ameliorate the FMP and enhance the specific metabolic characteristics, which was potentially associated with invigorated PFM contractility to effectively control the bladder base and continence.

VP68.05: Observation of pelvic floor muscle contractility in the second natural parturition women by intelligent ultrasound

VP68.05: Observation of pelvic floor muscle contractility in the second natural parturition women by intelligent ultrasound

Observation of pelvic floor muscle contractility in the second natural parturition women by intelligent ultrasound

Objective To observe pelvic floor muscle′s contraction in women with the second and full term natural parturition by intelligent ultrasonic examination. Methods Ninety-five postpartum women who underwent natural parturition and post-partum check (6-9 weeks after delivery) in Henan Provincal People′s Hospital were recruited in this study from Jul to Dec 2018. Fifty-four puerpera were first parturition and 41 were second parturition. The morphology of urogenital hiatus was observed during both rest and contract maneuver by real-time 3D ultrasound. Several parameters were measured by intelligent ultrasound, such as hiatal area, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and the thickness of puborectalis muscles, and the D-values of all parameters were calculated in different maneuver. Meanwhile, the strength of pelvic muscle in two groups were measured and the ultrasonic diameters and muscle strength were compared. Results The hiatal area, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and the thickness of bilateral puborectalis muscles between first natural parturition and second natural parturition during rest maneuver were (15.92±2.76)cm2 vs (16.65±2.63)cm2, (40.93±5.63)mm vs (40.27±6.21)mm, (55.54±6.05)mm vs (57.92±5.27)mm, (7.03±1.51)mm vs (7.44±1.23)mm, (7.49±1.44)mm vs (7.44±1.44)mm, there was no statistical difference(P>0.05). During contract maneuver, these data were (11.76±2.62)cm2 vs (12.09±2.78)cm2, (37.57±5.46)mm vs (37.18±4.71)mm, (42.21±5.69)mm vs (43.03±7.13)mm, (8.92±1.54)mm vs (8.87±1.23)mm, (8.90±1.60)mm vs (9.30±2.71)mm, there was no statistical difference(P>0.05). The D-values of all diameters were (4.16±2.38)cm2 vs (4.43±2.70)cm2, 3(1.00, 5.00)mm vs 1(1.00, 5.25)mm, (13.33±6.07)mm vs (14.41±6.54)mm, (1.90±1.78)mm vs (1.68±1.31)mm, 1(0.48, 2.40)mm vs 1.25(0.20, 2.13)mm, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The non-eligibility rate of typeⅠmuscle fiber strength in two groups were 65% vs 68%(35 vs 28) and typeⅡmuscle fiber strength were 74% vs 79%(40 vs 32), there was no statistically difference between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions In comparison to the primary and full term natural parturition women, there is no significant reduction of the pelvic floor muscle′s contraction by intelligent ultrasund in second and full term natural parturition women without abnormal pregancy history and complications. This could provide theoretical basis for the choice of the mode of second parturition and the rahabilitation of postpartum. Key words: Ultrasonography; Pelvic floor; Pelvic floor muscle; Contraction; Postpartum female

Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacpuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion for postpartum pelvic organ prolapse

To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with penetrating moxibustion and biofeedback electrical stimulation on postpartum pelvic organ prolapsed (POP). A total of 60 patients with POP who had delivery 6 weeks ago were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, EA was applied at Zigong (EX-CA 1), Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35), etc. while penetrating moxibustion was performed at acupoints of abdomen and lumbosacral region alternately every other day. In the control group, biofeedback electrical stimulation was provided. The treatment for 6 weeks was given once every other day, 3 times a week in both groups. Before treatment, after treatment and 6 months after delivery, pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) evaluation and pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form-7 (PFIQ-7) were observed to assess the therapeutic effect. Compared before treatment, the sustained contraction and rapid contraction force of pelvic floor muscle after treatment and 6 months after delivery were increased in both of the two groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment and 6 months after delivery, the POP degree in the observation group was alleviated to the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the scores of PFIQ-7 after treatment and 6 months after delivery were reduced in the two groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). Electroacupuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion can strengthen the pelvic floor muscle contractility of patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse, and are superior to biofeedback electrical stimulation in improving the pelvic organ prolapse status and life quality.

Does estrogen deprivation affect pelvic floor muscle contractility?

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function plays a role in pelvic organ support, and estrogen deprivation is commonly seen as a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction. This study investigated the association between estrogen deprivation and PFM contractility. This was a retrospective study on women attending a tertiary urogynecological unit. The assessment included an interview, POPQ assessment, Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) score, and 4D translabial ultrasound (US) on PFM contraction (PMFC). Hormonal status and details on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were recorded. Corrected menopausal age was defined as the duration of systemic estrogen deprivation. Offline analysis of stored US volumes was performed to measure the reduction in anteroposterior hiatal diameter and bladder neck elevation on PFMC at a later date. Seven hundred thirty-nine women were seen during the study period. Fifty-three were excluded for missing data, leaving 686. Mean age was 56 (17-89, SD 13.3) years; average BMI was 29 (16-66, SD 6.6) kg/m²; 60.6% (n = 416) were menopausal at a mean duration of 16 (1-56, SD 10.2) years. Forty-nine (7.1%) were currently on systemic HRT, while 104 (15.2%) had used it previously. Mean corrected menopausal age (menopausal age - systemic HRT duration) was 7.4 (0-56, SD 10.0) years. Current local estrogen use ≥ 3months was reported by 31 (4.5%). Mean PFM contractility measured by MOS was 2 (0-5, SD 1.1,). On multivariate analysis there was no association between menopausal age and PFM contractility. Estrogen deprivation may not be an independent predictor of pelvic floor muscle contractility.

Evaluating pelvic floor muscle contractility using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography in patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

The hiatal anterior-posterior distance (APD), as measured by two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasonography, is an indicator of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractility. The function of the pelvic floor is independently related to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) severity. However, little evidence concerning the APD for patients with POP before and after PFM training (PFMT) has been published. Therefore, we analyzed 2D transperineal ultrasonography in women with POP. Twenty-eight women with POP completed a physiotherapist-led PFMT regimen that consisted of 4 months of one-on-one PFMT and lifestyle advice. The APD was measured using 2D transperineal ultrasonography immediately before and after the PFMT period and used to calculate ΔAPD (APD at rest-APD during contraction). Vaginal squeeze pressure during maximum voluntary contractions was also assessed using a manometer. We then analyzed the reliability and the correlation between ΔAPD as measured using 2D transperineal ultrasonography and vaginal squeeze pressure before and after PFMT. The APD at rest and during PFM contractions demonstrated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. The ICC of maximal vaginal squeeze pressure was 0.97 during PFM contractions. Both ΔAPD (P < 0.01) and PFM strength (P < 0.05) increased significantly after PFMT. PFM strength and ΔAPD were correlated before (R = 0.53) and after (R = 0.68) PFMT (P < 0.01). We demonstrated that dynamic 2D transperineal ultrasonography could be used for studying functional changes in patients with POP. The ΔAPD of the levator hiatus has potential as an anatomical surrogate marker for evaluating PFM function in hospitals.

EP22.01: Is pelvic floor muscle contractility an important factor in anal incontinence?

EP22.01: Is pelvic floor muscle contractility an important factor in anal incontinence?

Association of urinary and anal incontinence with measures of pelvic floor muscle contractility.

To assess the association between clinical and sonographic measures of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and symptoms of urinary and anal incontinence (AI). This was a retrospective study of women seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit. All women had undergone a standardized interview, clinical examination including Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) grading, urodynamic testing and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Cranioventral shift of the bladder neck (BN) and reduction in the hiatal anteroposterior (AP) diameter were measured using ultrasound volumes acquired on maximal PFM contraction, blinded against all clinical data. Data from 726 women with a mean age of 56 ± 13.7 (range, 18-88) years and a mean body mass index of 29 ± 6.1 (range, 17-55) kg/m(2) were analyzed. Stress (SI) and urge (UI) urinary incontinence were reported by 73% and 72%, respectively, and 13% had AI. Mean MOS grade was 2.4 ± 1.1 (range, 0-5). Mean cranioventral BN shift on TLUS was 7.1 ± 4.4 (range, 0.3-25.3) mm; mean reduction in AP hiatal diameter was 8.6 ± 4.8 (range, 0.3-31.3) mm. On univariate analysis, neither MOS nor TLUS measures were strongly associated with symptoms of urinary incontinence or AI; associations were non-significant except for BN displacement/SI (7.3 mm vs 6.5 mm; P = 0.028), BN displacement/UI (6.85 vs 7.75; P = 0.019), hiatal AP diameter/AI (9.6 mm vs 8.5 mm; P = 0.047) and MOS/SI (2.42 vs 2.19; P = 0.013). In this large retrospective study we did not find any strong associations between sonographic or palpatory measures of PFM function and symptoms of urinary incontinence or AI. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

OC09.08: Correlation between palpation, manometry and ultrasound measurements for assessment of pelvic floor muscle contractility

OC09.08: Correlation between palpation, manometry and ultrasound measurements for assessment of pelvic floor muscle contractility

P04.01: Pelvic floor muscle trauma are associated with reduced pelvic floor muscle contractility

P04.01: Pelvic floor muscle trauma are associated with reduced pelvic floor muscle contractility

A pelvic floor muscle training program in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate if a specific pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program effectively increases pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractility and decreases anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as well as urogynecological symptoms, in postmenopausal women. The mean outcome measure of this study was the pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) activity. Study designA clinical, randomized, blinded-assessor and controlled study was conducted with 46 postmenopausal women. Thirty women completed this study (mean age of 65.93 years), divided into two groups: Treatment Group – TG (n=18) and Control Group – CG (n=12). The evaluation was carried out using digital palpation, sEMG, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) as well as validated questionnaires by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires to investigate urogynecological symptoms. The treatment protocol consisted of 12 group sessions, twice a week, with 30min of duration each. These data were then submitted to statistical analyses by the Statistical Analysis System for Windows software, with a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe pelvic floor muscle contractility increased after PFMT, evaluated by sEMG (p=0.003) and digital palpation (p=0.001), accompanied by a decrease in urinary symptoms (p<0.001 for ICIQ-OAB scores e 0.036 for ICIQ UI-SF) as well as anterior pelvic organ prolapse (p=0.03). ConclusionThis preliminary study suggests that the applied PFMT program could be an effective way to increase PFM contractility, as well as to decrease both anterior pelvic organ prolapse and urinary symptoms, in postmenopausal women.

Pelvic floor muscle contractility: digital assessment vs transperineal ultrasound.

A significant reduction in hiatal area and anteroposterior diameter can be induced by pelvic floor muscle contraction, and this has been demonstrated using three-dimensional/four-dimensional (3D/4D) transperineal ultrasound (TPS) in a small group of women. Our objective was to correlate pelvic floor muscle contractility using digital assessment with the change in TPS hiatus measurements during maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction. Nulliparous pregnant women were recruited from the antenatal clinic. Pelvic floor muscle contractility was assessed by digital palpation using the validated Modified Oxford Scale (MOS). Subsequently, women underwent 3D/4D TPS. Measurements of the hiatal area and anteroposterior diameter were taken from the rendered ultrasound images at rest and at maximum contraction, and differences in measurements were expressed as percentages. Spearman's rank (ρ) was used to assess the correlation. Four hundred and fifty-nine assessments were performed, of which 268 were from women at around 36 weeks' gestation, and 191 were from women following delivery at 3 months postpartum. The overall correlation between MOS and TPS was found to be ρ = 0.47 for hiatal area (P < 0.001) and ρ = 0.51 for hiatal anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.001). Digital palpation using MOS and TPS can both be used as tools to assess pelvic floor muscle contractility. Although MOS is a simple clinical tool without the need for any equipment, TPS can provide good visual biofeedback when training patients in pelvic floor muscle exercises. As TPS is non-intrusive, it may be the method of choice for some women.

OC09.09: The association of urinary and fecal incontinence with pelvic floor muscle contractility

<scp>OC</scp>09.09: The association of urinary and fecal incontinence with pelvic floor muscle contractility

Impact of levator trauma on pelvic floor muscle function

Levator trauma is common after vaginal delivery, either as macrotrauma, i.e., levator avulsion, or microtrauma, i.e., irreversible overdistension of the levator hiatus. The effect of microtrauma on muscle function is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that levator trauma is associated with reduced contractile function of the levator ani. Pregnant nulliparous women were recruited and seen before and after childbirth. All underwent an interview, a clinical examination including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) assessment using the Modified Oxford scale (MOS) [as an optional component] and translabial ultrasound. Sonographic and clinical parameters of PFM function were assessed before and after childbirth. Out of 560 women, 446 returned at a median of 5months after childbirth and 433 were suitable for analysis. There was a significant reduction in all measures of PFM function except for MOS. Change in MOS was associated with delivery mode [analysis of variance (ANOVA) P = 0.006). Forty-seven (15%) vaginally parous women were diagnosed with levator avulsion, which was associated with a reduction in PFM contractility on sonographic parameters and MOS. However, only clinical assessment reached statistical significance. Sixty-five of 312 (21%) women were diagnosed with microtrauma. We found no evidence of impairment in PFM contractility on ultrasound, but there was a statistically significant reduction in MOS. Both levator avulsion (macrotrauma) and irreversible overdistension (microtrauma) are associated with reduced contractile function. This effect is more easily detected by palpation than by sonographic indices of levator function.

Pelvic floor muscle training program increases muscular contractility during first pregnancy and postpartum: Electromyographic study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a training program over both pelvic floor muscles contractility and urinary symptoms in primigravid pregnant and postpartum primiparous women. A clinical, prospective and blinded trial was conducted with 33 women divided into three groups: (G1) 13 primigravid pregnant women; (G2) 10 postpartum primiparous women (49.3 ± 5.84 days), after vaginal delivery with right mediolateral episiotomy; (G3) 10 postpartum primiparous women (46.3 ± 3.6 days), after cesarean section delivery. The evaluation was carried out using digital palpation (Modified Oxford Grading Scale), pelvic floor electromyography and, for the investigation of urinary symptoms, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-short form-ICIQ-UI SF and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder-ICIQ-OAB). The protocol consisted of 10 individual sessions carried out by the physiotherapist through home visits, three times a week, with 60 min duration each. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The pelvic floor muscle contractility increased after the training program (P = 0.0001) for all groups. Decreases in the scores of both ICIQ-UI SF (P = 0.009) and ICIQ-OAB (P = 0.0003) were also observed after training. Pelvic floor muscle training is an effective means for the increase in its own contractility in both primigravid pregnant and primiparous postpartum women, accompanied with a concomitant decrease in urinary symptoms.

Is there correlation between electromyography and digital palpation as means of measuring pelvic floor muscle contractility in nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum women?

The continence mechanisms depend on the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles. It is therefore important to find simple, reliable, and safe methods to assess its contractility in a clinical setting. This study aims to investigate if digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscles presents correlation with its electromyographic activity. The sample consisted of 307 women with mean age of 23.93 years, including 39 nulliparous, 117 primigravid pregnant, 64 primiparous, in post-vaginal delivery, and 87 primiparous women, in post-cesarean section delivery. The assessment consisted of both digital palpation and surface electromyography. One, and the same, highly skilled and experienced physiotherapist, who was able to classify the different grades of contractility accurately, performed digital palpation using the Modified Oxford Grading Scale. Surface electromyography was performed using an intravaginal probe. For electromyography evaluation, three contractions of 5 sec each were recorded, and an average of three Root Mean squares was considered for analysis. Spearman's Coefficient, Jonckheere-Terpstra Test, Kruskal-Wallis as well as Dunn Test were used for statistical analysis. The strong correlation found between the two methods (P < 0.001) indicates that both digital palpation and electromyography can be used in everyday practice, both for clinical use and scientific research, although both have their specific limitations and requirements to avoid the risk of biases. There was a correlation between pelvic floor muscle contractility measured by surface electromyography and by digital palpation. Both methods can be used to validate data in research and clinical setting.

Validation of new ultrasound parameters for quantifying pelvic floor muscle contraction

To determine the reliability and validity of new ultrasound parameters, measured in the polar coordinate system, for quantifying pelvic floor muscle action. This was a prospective study, from January 2005 to December 2007, in 209 women with urodynamic stress incontinence, to validate new ultrasound parameters for quantifying pelvic floor muscle contraction. The examination of each patient included intravaginal digital palpation of voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractility and an ultrasound assessment of the positions of the bladder neck and anorectal junction at rest and during pelvic floor muscle contraction. The position of the bladder neck was expressed by bladder neck angle and bladder neck distance from the lower border of the pubic symphysis, and the position of the anorectal junction was expressed by the levator hiatal angle and sagittal hiatal diameter. The vector lengths of the motion of the bladder neck and anorectal junction during pelvic floor muscle contraction were calculated from the positions at rest and during pelvic floor muscle contraction by mathematical formulae. There was good inter- and intraobserver reliability of measurement of ultrasound parameters on stored volumes. During pelvic floor muscle contraction, elevated bladder neck distance and shortened sagittal hiatal diameter were valid parameters representing stronger pelvic floor muscle contractility, with shortened sagittal hiatal diameter having the best correlation (r = - 0.348, P < 0.001). The methods used in this study appear to be reliable for quantifying pelvic floor muscle action. The bladder neck distance with respect to the lower border of the pubic symphysis and the sagittal hiatal diameter were both valid parameters reflecting PFM contractility.