All the studies observed improvement in PFM contraction using various methods, but none were superior over the others. The studies revealed no adverse effects of the interventions used. Patient preferences should be taken into account in clinical decision-making. More studies of high methodological quality on this topic are needed.

This study aims to evaluate the method of analysis of electromyographic data considering the functional assessment of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). We have included in our search strategy the following databases: Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro, and IBECS, considering articles published in the last ten years (2004-2014). The identified articles were independently examined by two evaluators, according to these inclusion criteria: (1) population: female adults; (2) PFM assessment by electromyography (EMG) with vaginal/anal probe; and (3) description of how electromyographic data analysis is performed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias. We identified 508 articles, of which 23 were included in the review. The data showed differences between the collection protocols, and a significant number of studies did not normalize the electromyographic data. Physiotherapists are among the clinicians who most frequently use EMG to evaluate the function and dysfunction of the neuromuscular system. Although some previous studies have provided an overview to guide the evaluator in the assessment, few succeeding studies followed their recommendations.

Introduction: Active learning methods have shown positive results, mainly in terms of content learning and the development of communication skills, critical thinking, and collaborative practice. However, they are still unknown by most professors teaching in Physical therapy courses. Objective: To present the report of an experiment based on the application of the Team-Based Learning (TBL) method, in the Physical therapy undergraduate course. Method: This is a report of an experiment comparing traditional teaching and TBL with 61 students in the Physical therapy course. A comparison was performed between means, medians, approval ratio and satisfaction of the students who experienced the active methodology. Results: The results showed that the final average of the summative evaluations of the TBL group (71.9 ± 10.5 points) was statistically different (p = 0.003) from that of the traditional teaching group (63.7 ± 9.92 points). The proportion of approved students was not statistically different between the groups, 92.0% and 88.6%, respectively (p = 0.478). Conclusion: The overall satisfaction was that the method, although tiresome, according to the students, favored a greater understanding of the content and motivation to study. The study presents innovative results regarding the application of the team-based teaching method to the Physical therapy course.

Background. Pelvic floor (PF) hypertonic disorders are a group of conditions that present with muscular hypertonia or spasticity, resulting in a diminished capacity to isolate, contract, and relax the PF. Their presentation includes voiding and sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain, and constipation. Various factors are associated, such as complicated vaginal birth, muscular injury, scar tissue formation, and neuropathies. Study Design. The case of a single patient will be presented, together with the management strategies employed. Case Description. A woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis and a history of muscle spasticity and urinary and fecal complaints since childhood. She presented to this institution seeking treatment for pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, and micturition problems. A physical therapy protocol was developed, with the trial of several treatment modalities. Outcome. After some failed attempts, perineal and pelvic floor stretching proved to be very efficacious therapies for this patient's complaint, leading to improved pain during intercourse, constipation, pelvic pain, and urinary stream. Discussion. PF spasticity can lead to severe disability and interfere with daily basic functions, such as micturition and evacuation. Physical therapy plays an essential role in the management of these patients and can lead to significant improvement in quality of life.