Application of a new method in the study of pelvic floor muscle passive properties in continent women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present a new methodology for evaluating the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) passive properties. The properties were assessed in 13 continent women using an intra-vaginal dynamometric speculum and EMG (to ensure the subjects were relaxed) in four different conditions: (1) forces recorded at minimal aperture (initial passive resistance); (2) passive resistance at maximal aperture; (interquartile range 13.33). This original approach to evaluating the PFM passive properties is very promising for providing better insight into the patho-physiology of stress urinary incontinence and pinpointing conservative treatment mechanisms.

Reliability of dynamometric passive properties of the pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence

“…[14][15][16] Extensive details about the modifications to the dynamometric speculum as well as the new methodology for investigating PFM passive properties have been presented elsewhere. 12 The modified dynamometric speculum comprises an upper and a lower branch. The latter, equipped with strain gauges, can be moved downward using a crank.…”

“…The comprehensive approach used to study the extremity muscle has already been borrowed for the PFM. 12 This dynamometric methodology for assessing the PFM resting function is of clinical importance as the PFM passive properties might play a role in SUI pathophysiology. It was therefore employed in this study aimed at evaluating the between-days and between-trials reliability of the PFM passive properties.…”

Randomized clinical trial of multimodal physiotherapy treatment compared to overnight lidocaine ointment in women with provoked vestibulodynia: Design and methods

“…Pain intensity (NRS) a [34] Average pain intensity reported during sexual intercourse Dynamometry [47], [48], [49], [50], [51], [52], [53] and [54] PFM function Several secondary outcomes are assessed in this study, in line with the IMMPACT consensus recommending a multi-facetted evaluation of pain, and also an evaluation of the impact of pain on function [34]. For each outcome we have selected measure instruments that have excellent validity, reliability and responsiveness to change.…”

“…Using this validated and reliable methodology [44], [45] and [46], several parameters are evaluated at rest and during PFM contraction: levator hiatus area and diameter, bladder neck positioning and displacement as well as levator plate and anorectal angles. An intravaginal dynamometric speculum, developed by our team to evaluate PFM function [47], [48], [49] and [50], is also used in this trial. This instrument has been widely assessed for its psychometric properties including its reliability, validity and responsiveness [49], [50], [51], [52], [53] and [54].…”

Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle anatomy and function in women: modern techniques

“…Niektóre wersje oferują możliwość mierzenia wielokierunkowych sił wywieranych przez mięśnie dna miednicy [59,60]. Niektóre dynamometry mogą być dostosowywane do mierzenia funkcji PFM, z uwzględnieniem różnych szerokości pochwy [57,58,62]. Powtarzalność pomiarów wykonanych za pomocą dynamometru okazała się dobra (ICC zawarte w przedziale 0,83-0,89) [58,61,63,64].…”