Vaginal Resting Pressure Research Articles

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Interventions in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Athletes are almost 3 times more at risk of experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) than sedentary women, with prevalence rates varying from 10.9% in low-impact sports such as cycling to 80% when engaging in high-impact sports such as trampoline gymnastics. To treat UI, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) is recommended as a first line of treatment. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the available literature on the efficacy of PFMT interventions in young, nulliparous female athletes. A literature research was conducted using PubMed, Sport Discus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were studies with PFMT intervention in female athletes or recreationally active women. Interventions could be carried out for treatment or prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level 5. A descriptive analysis of the articles included in the systematic review was carried out. Meta-analyses could be performed on 6 of the included articles, evaluating the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, the amount of urinary leakage (AUL), and the vaginal resting pressure (VRP). Random-effects model and standardized mean differences (SMD) ± 95% CI were reported. The meta-analysis showed that PFMT produced a significant increase in MVC (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.08; P = 0.02) and a significant reduction of AUL (SMD, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.84 to -0.41; P < 0.01) in female athletes. No effects were shown in VRP (SMD, -0.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to 1.17; P = 0.93). PFMT is shown to be effective in increasing PFM strength and reducing urine leakage in female athletes, being a powerful tool to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in this population.

The influence of the menstrual cup on female pelvic floor muscles variables: a prospective case series

ABSTRACT The aim was to assess and report the effects of menstrual cup on pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function and tone, as well as check the acceptability after a period of three menstrual cycles in healthy young women. The data collected in assessments and reassessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire, evaluation of PFM function through PERFECT Scheme, PFM muscle tone, and PFM manometry (Peritron 9300®). A diary regarding the overall colletor acceptability and satisfaction was collected. Ten healthy young women completed the study. There was an improvement in the mean values of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (p = 0.032), a decrease in the vaginal resting pressure (VRP) (p = 0.05), and an increase in the number of repetitions of sustained muscle contractions (p = 0.042). Seven women reported some discomfort while using the vaginal cup only in the first cycle while three revealed discomfort during the whole experiment. This study provides preliminary case-based evidence that the use of the vaginal cup for a period of three menstrual cycles changes the VRP, MVC, and PFM tone, as well as improves the repetitions of PFM assessed by digital palpation. Moreover, the women reported the use of vaginal cup as a positive experience.

Recovery of pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance 6 and 12 months postpartum in primiparous women—a prospective cohort study

Introduction and hypothesisTo date there has been scant knowledge on the natural recovery of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) after childbirth. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether PFM variables at 6 and 12 months postpartum had returned to mid-pregnancy levels and assess risk factors for reduced recovery at 12 months postpartum.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study following 235 nulliparous pregnant women from mid-pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength and endurance were assessed by manometry at 22 weeks, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression was used to address factors influencing PFM variables beyond birth mode.ResultsCesarean section was protective for change in PFM variables. From mid-pregnancy to 12 months postpartum there was a 20% reduction in VRP (p<0.001) and a 7.5 % reduction in PFM strength (p=0.007), and an increase of 9% in PFM endurance (p=0.002) in the normal vaginal birth. The instrumental vaginal group had a decline in VRP of 21% (p<0.001) and PFM strength of 15% (p=0.011), but no significant change in PFM endurance. Higher BMI at 12 months postpartum, longer second stage of labor, and major tears of the levator ani muscle had a negative influence on the PFM recovery beyond delivery mode.ConclusionsAt 12 months postpartum following vaginal delivery, the PFMs are not fully recovered compared with mid-pregnancy values. More follow-up physical therapy may be warranted in the postpartum period, especially for women with complicated vaginal births and higher BMI.

Association Between Physical Activity Level and Pelvic Floor Muscle Variables in Women.

In order to investigate the potential impact of physical activity (PA) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, a cross-sectional study was made to analyse the association between PA level and vaginal resting pressure (VRP) and PFM strength and endurance. Thirty-eight continent women and 20 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) aged 19 to 49 years were enrolled in the study. PFM variables were assessed by manometry. The PA level was assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence - Short Form was applied to identify SUI. Pearson's correlation coefficients were applied to estimate the association between PA and PFM variables. Incontinent women were classified as having a high PA level compared to the continent ones (65.0% vs 34.2%, respectively; p=0.030). There was a positive weak association between PA and VRP in continent (r=0.377) and an inverse association in incontinent women (r=-0.458). No associations were found between PA and PFM strength and endurance. Further studies are needed in order to identify a causal association between PA and SUI.

Can maximal voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction reduce vaginal resting pressure and resting EMG activity?

The purpose of the present study was to assess whether attempts at a maximal voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction can reduce vaginal resting pressure (VRP) and surface EMG activity in women with and without provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). An assessor blinded comparison study included 35 women with and 35 women without PVD. VRP and PFM strength were measured with a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon (Camtech AS, Sandvika Norway). PFM activity was measured before and after three MVCs with surface EMG (NeuroTrac ETS™; Verity Medical, Romsey, UK). Paired sample t test was used to analyze differences within groups and independent sample t test to analyze differences between groups. p value was set at <0.05. Mean age of the participants was 24.3years (SD 4.7) and mean BMI was 22.0kg/m2 (SD 2.6). There were no significant differences between the groups in any background variables. PFM contraction led to a statistically significant reduction of VRP in both the PVD (p = 0.001) and the control group (p = 0.027). Surface EMG activity was significantly reduced in the PVD group only (p = 0.001). Young, nulliparous women with PVD had significantly lower vaginal resting pressure and sEMG activity after three maximum contractions of the PFM. The results indicate that attempts at voluntary maximal contractions may be investigated as a method of reducing PFM hypertonicity.

Does episiotomy influence vaginal resting pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance, and prevalence of urinary incontinence 6 weeks postpartum?

The aim of the present study was to compare vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) at 6 weeks postpartum, in women with and without lateral or mediolateral episiotomy. Two hundred and thirty-eight nulliparous pregnant women, mean age 28.5 years (SD 4.2) and pre-pregnancy BMI 23.8 (SD 4.0) participated in the study. Lateral or mediolateral episiotomy was only performed for indications such as fetal distress or imminent risk of severe perineal tear. At 6 weeks postpartum, a vaginal balloon connected to a high precision pressure transducer was used to measure VRP (cm H2 O), PFM strength (cm H2 O), and endurance (cm H2 O sec). All women completed the International Classification of Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) by means of an electronic questionnaire. No statistically significant differences were found in VRP (mean difference 0.0 cm H2 O, 95%CI: -2.1 to 2.1), PFM strength (mean difference 1.3 cm H2 O, 95%CI: -1.9 to 4.6), or PFM endurance (mean difference 12.1 cm H2 O sec, 95%CI: -11.0 to 35.1) between women with or without episiotomy. No significant differences were found in prevalence of UI (37.5% vs. 46.6%) or SUI (23.6% vs. 35.6%), between women with or without episiotomy, respectively. PFM function and/or prevalence of post-partum UI were not affected by a lateral or mediolateral episiotomy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:683-686, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis recti abdominis: Prospective cohort study.

Compare vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and endurance in women with and without diastasis recti abdominis at gestational week 21 and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Furthermore, to compare prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the two groups at the same assessment points. This is a prospective cohort study following 300 nulliparous pregnant women giving birth at a public university hospital. VRP, PFM strength, and endurance were measured with vaginal manometry. ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaire and POP-Q were used to assess UI and POP. Diastasis recti abdominis was diagnosed with palpation of ≥2 fingerbreadths 4.5 cm above, at, or 4.5 cm below the umbilicus. At gestational week 21 women with diastasis recti abdominis had statistically significant greater VRP (mean difference 3.06 cm H2 O [95%CI: 0.70; 5.42]), PFM strength (mean difference 5.09 cm H2 O [95%CI: 0.76; 9.42]) and PFM muscle endurance (mean difference 47.08 cm H2 O sec [95%CI: 15.18; 78.99]) than women with no diastasis. There were no statistically significant differences between women with and without diastasis in any PFM variables at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. No significant difference was found in prevalence of UI in women with and without diastasis at any assessment points. Six weeks postpartum 15.9% of women without diastasis had POP versus 4.1% in the group with diastasis (P = 0.001). Women with diastasis were not more likely to have weaker PFM or more UI or POP. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:716-721, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The impact of acute and chronic strenuous exercise on pelvic floor muscle strength and support in nulliparous healthy women

Strenuous physical activity, which is known to increase intraabdominal pressure and theoretically places stress on the pelvic floor, may affect pelvic support in nulliparous women. The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the differences in maximal vaginal descent (MVD), vaginal resting pressure (VRP), and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) between women who habitually perform strenuous exercise vs women who refrain from performing strenuous exercise; and (2) compare MVD, VRP, and PFMS before and immediately following physical activity in the strenuous and nonstrenuous groups separately. Participants were healthy nulliparous women ages 18-35 years who were habitual strenuous or nonstrenuous exercisers. Women in the strenuous group participated in CrossFit (CrossFit, Inc., Washington, DC) at least 3 days per week for at least 6 months. We assessed anthropometric and body composition values using standardized procedures. Participants completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination and pelvic muscle strength assessment before and again within 15 minutes of completing exercise (CrossFit for the strenuous group and self-paced walking for the nonstrenuous). A research nurse masked to study group assignment recorded MVD, defined as the greatest value of anterior, posterior, or apical support, and VRP and PFMS using a perineometer. Maximal PFMS was recorded as the highest pressure measured in 3 vaginal contraction trials. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests as appropriate. P < .05 was considered significant. Seventy nulliparous women participated in the study, 35 in each group. The mean age was 24.77 ± 4.3 years. Compared to the nonstrenuous group, strenuous participants were heavier (64.70 ± 7.78 kg vs 60.6 ± 8.99 kg, P= .027), had lower percent body fat (23.36 ± 5.88% vs 27.55 ± 7.07%, P= .003), and had higher handgrip strength (20.78 ± 5.97 kg vs 16.04 ± 11.04 kg, P= .001). Before exercise, there were no significant differences in VRP (P= .167), MVD (P= .49), or maximal PFMS (P= .773) between the strenuous and nonstrenuous groups. Immediately following exercise, we observed significant increases in MVD in both the strenuous (P= .008) and nonstrenuous (P= .025) groups, indicating marginal decreases in support. VRP significantly decreased in both groups after exercise. Maximal PFMS did not change significantly in either group after exercise. After an exercise bout typical for each group, vaginal support and VRP decreased slightly in both groups. Based on preexercise measures, chronic strenuous exercise demonstrated neither beneficial nor deleterious effects on pelvic floor strength or support. While strenuous women had greater grip strength than nonstrenuous women, PFMS was not significantly greater, suggesting that targeted pelvic floor muscle strengthening, rather than general muscle fitness, is needed to maximize PFMS.

Coital incontinence and vaginal symptoms and the relationship to pelvic floor muscle function in primiparous women at 12 months postpartum: a cross-sectional study.

Symptoms related to sexual dysfunction postpartum are scarcely addressed in the literature, and the relationship to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate primiparous women 12 months postpartum and study: (i) prevalence and bother of coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters; and (ii) whether coital incontinence and vaginal symptoms were associated with vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength, and endurance. International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) sexual matters module and ICIQ-Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire were used for questions on coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters, respectively. PFM function was assessed by manometer (Camtech AS, Sandvika, Norway). Coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and PFM function were the main outcome measures. One hundred seventy-seven primiparous women, mean age 28.7 (standard deviation [SD] 4.3) participated. Of the 94% of women having sexual intercourse, coital incontinence was found for 1.2% whereas 34.5% reported at least one vaginal symptom interfering with the sexual life of primiparous women. Of the symptoms investigated, "vagina feels dry," "vagina feels sore," and "vagina feels loose or lax" were most prevalent, but the overall impact on the woman's sexual life was minimally bothersome, mean 1.4 out of 10 (SD 2.5). Women reporting "vagina feels loose or lax" had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom. Twelve-month postpartum coital incontinence was rare, whereas the prevalence of vaginal symptoms interfering with sexual life was more common. The large majority of primiparous women in our study had sexual intercourse at 12 months postpartum and the reported overall bother on sexual life was low. Women reporting "vagina feels loose or lax" had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom.

Pelvic floor muscle function in women with provoked vestibulodynia and asymptomatic controls.

The purpose of the present study was to assess vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and surface EMG activity in women with and without provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). This was an assessor-masked comparison study including 70 women. Exclusion criteria were any previous pregnancy and presence of candida. Sensitivity of the vulvar vestibule was rated at three sites with Q-tip pressure measurement and a numerical rating scale for pain. VRP and PFM strength and endurance were measured with a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon. Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured with surface EMG. The independent samples t test was used to analyze differences between groups. The p value was set to <0.05 RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 24.3 years (SD 4.7) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.0 kg/m(2) (SD 2.6). Q-tip pressure measurement was significantly lower and pain more severe in the PVD group at all sites of the vulvar vestibule. The PVD group had significantly higher VRP: 20.6 cmH2O (SD 7.1) versus controls: 17.3 cmH2O (SD 4.4), p = 0.02. The PVD group had significantly lower muscle activity during a 10-s holding period; PVD: 465.2 μV (SD 218.4), controls: 591.1 μV (SD 277.7), p = 0.04. Young, nulliparous women with PVD had significantly higher VRP, but this finding was not confirmed by vaginal surface EMG.

Dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle function before and during pregnancy and after childbirth

There is limited knowledge on dyspareunia during pregnancy and postpartum and the role of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with dyspareunia. Aims of the study were to investigate the presence of dyspareunia before and during pregnancy and postpartum, and to compare vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength, and endurance between women with and those without dyspareunia. It was hypothesized that there is no difference in PFM variables between women with and those without dyspareunia. Three hundred nulliparous women participated in this prospective cohort and answered questions about dyspareunia and the level of bother at gestational weeks 22 and 37, 6 and 12months postpartum, and retrospectively prior to their pregnancies using ICIQ-FLUTSsex. PFM variables were assessed by manometer at gestational week 22, and 6 and 12months postpartum. Comparisons between groups were analyzed using independent samples t test. Twenty-eight and 30% of the women reported dyspareunia at pre-pregnancy and at gestational week 22 respectively. At gestational week 37, and 6 and 12months postpartum, the percentages were 40, 45, and 33 respectively. No difference in PFM variables was found between women with and those without dyspareunia. Level of bother was higher postpartum than before and during pregnancy. Symptoms of dyspareunia were common at all time points. No link could be made between PFM function and dyspareunia. Women suffering from dyspareunia postpartum reported it as being bothersome. Our findings suggest that women should be asked about symptoms of dyspareunia related to pregnancy, and that future research should aim for preventative and therapeutic strategies.

How well can pelvic floor muscles with major defects contract? A cross‐sectional comparative study 6 weeks after delivery using transperineal 3D/4D ultrasound and manometer

To investigate ability to contract, vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and PFM endurance 6 weeks after vaginal delivery in primiparous women, with and without major defects of the levator ani (LA) muscle. Cross-sectional comparative study. Akershus University Hospital, Norway. A cohort of 175 singleton primiparous women delivering vaginally after more than 32 weeks of gestation. Major LA defects were assessed by 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound at maximal PFM contraction, using tomographic imaging. VRP, PFM strength and PFM endurance were measured vaginally by manometer. Data were analysed by independent-samples Student's t test, chi-square test, and standard multiple and simple linear regression. VRP, PFM strength and PFM endurance. Of the women included in the study, 4% were not able to contract their PFM 6 weeks after delivery. Women with major LA defects (n = 55) had 47% lower PFM strength and 47% lower endurance when compared with women without major LA defects (n = 120). Mean differences were 7.5 cmH2O (95% CI 5.1-9.9, P < 0.001) and 51.2 cmH2O seconds (95% CI 32.8-69.6, P < 0.001), respectively. These estimates were unchanged by adjustment in multivariable linear regression for potentially confounding demographic and obstetric factors. No difference was found regarding VRP (P = 0.670). Women with major LA defects after vaginal delivery had pronounced lower PFM strength and endurance than women without such defects; however, most women with major LA defects were able to contract the PFM. This indicates a potential capacity by non-injured muscle fibres to compensate for loss in muscle strength, even at an early stage after delivery.

Impact of Childbirth and Mode of Delivery on Vaginal Resting Pressure and on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Endurance

Pelvic floor dysfunction and weakening of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) during vaginal delivery play a major role in postpartum incontinence. It is believed that vaginal childbirth may result in reduced vaginal resting pressure (VRP) and reduced PFM strength and endurance, whereas cesarean section (CS) may protect the PFM. Several studies have assessed change in PFM strength from pregnancy to shortly after childbirth in relation to mode of delivery; the results were conflicting. Moreover, most such studies were small, few were prospective, and none addressed change in VRP when comparing modes of delivery. This prospective cohort study was designed to investigate the impact of delivery mode on VRP and PFM strength and endurance and to determine whether measurements of VRP and PFM differed in women with and without urinary incontinence. A total of 277 nulliparous women were followed from midpregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum. Changes from midpregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum were analyzed using a manometer. Differences within groups were assessed by t test; differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance. Within the emergency cesarean group, the only significant change was found in VRP (10% reduction, P = 0.001). Compared with the CS group, VRP in the normal and instrumental vaginal delivery groups was reduced by 29% and 30%, respectively, whereas PFM strength was reduced by 54% and 66% and PFM endurance by 53% and 65%, respectively. When comparing CS with normal and instrumental vaginal delivery, significant differences were found for all PFM measures (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Compared with incontinent women, continent women at both midpregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum had significantly higher PFM strength and endurance (P < 0.05 for both). These findings show that vaginal delivery is associated with significant reductions in VRP and in PFM strength and endurance. The data indicate that continent women are stronger than their incontinent counterparts after vaginal delivery and can cope better with the substantial decline in PFM strength and endurance.

Are Pelvic Floor Muscle Thickness and Size of Levator Hiatus Associated With Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength, Endurance and Vaginal Resting Pressure in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages I–III? A Cross Sectional 3D Ultrasound Study

To investigate if pelvic floor muscle (PFM) thickness and area of levator hiatus (LH) are associated with manometry measured PFM function in 109 women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages I-III. In this cross-sectional study pubovisceral muscle thickness and LH area were assessed with three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound at rest and analyzed in the axial plane. PFM function was assessed with manometry and included strength, endurance, and vaginal resting pressure. Relationships were investigated using univariate linear logistic regressions models, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression. The mean age was 49 (SD 12). There was a significant positive moderate association between muscle thickness and PFM strength (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and endurance (r = .45, P < 0.001). A moderate negative association was found between LH area and vaginal resting pressure (r = -0.46, P < 0.001), strength (r = -0.41, P < 0.001) and endurance (r = -0.40, P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses included PFM strength, endurance, vaginal resting pressure, age, parity, BMI and socioeconomic status. Muscle thickness was best explained by PFM strength and LH area was best explained by vaginal resting pressure. However, PFM function explained only 20.0% and 26.4% of the variance in muscle thickness and LH area after controlling for age, parity, BMI, and socioeconomic status. There are moderate associations between measurements using ultrasound and manometry in POP women. Thicker muscles and smaller LH were associated with higher strength and endurance. Smaller LH was additionally associated with higher vaginal resting pressure. Ultrasound and manometry measure different aspects of the PFM and cannot be used interchangeably.

Impact of childbirth and mode of delivery on vaginal resting pressure and on pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance

We sought to study impact of delivery mode on vaginal resting pressure (VRP) and on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and whether these measurements differed in women with and without urinary incontinence. We conducted a cohort study following 277 nulliparous women from midpregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum. Manometer was used for PFM measurements; differences were analyzed by t test (within groups) and analysis of variance (between groups). Only VRP changed significantly (10% reduction, P = .001) after emergency cesarean section. After normal and instrumental vaginal delivery, VRP was reduced by 29% and 30%; PFM strength by 54% and 66%; and endurance by 53% and 65%, respectively. Significant differences for all PFM measures (P < .001) were found when comparing cesarean vs normal and instrumental vaginal delivery, respectively. Urinary continent women at both time points had significantly higher PFM strength and endurance than incontinent counterparts (P < .05). Pronounced reductions in VRP and in PFM strength and endurance were found after vaginal delivery. Continent women were stronger than incontinent counterparts.