Sexual Function, Physical Activity, Mean Amplitudes and Maximal Voluntary Contraction of Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Related to Handgrip Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Pelvic floor musculature assessment methods are generally invasive, subjective, and technologically expensive. Therefore, there is a need to identify other methods that can predict changes in the function of these muscles. This study aimed to verify whether the levels of strength and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be related to handgrip strength (HGS), to ensure faster and earlier identification of possible dysfunctions of this musculature. Furthermore, we verified whether these variables vary across different age groups. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 44 healthy women. The women were divided into two groups: the young (18–35 years) and middle-aged (36–55 years) adult groups. Social, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected from the participants, and a functional assessment of their PFM was performed by bidigital palpation, electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG), and HGS (using a dynamometer). The levels of physical and sexual activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Sexual Quotient–Female version (SQ-F) questionnaire. There were no differences in HGS, power/pressure, sEMG, SQ-F score, or IPAQ score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moderate correlation (r = 0.601; p = 0.019) was observed during multivariate analysis. HGS is related to mean amplitudes (p = 0.123), MVC (p = 0.043), sexual function (p = 0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.004). We therefore conclude that there were no differences between HGS and PFM strength in young adult and middle-aged women. Furthermore, HGS is related to the PFM functionality, sexual function, and physical activity.

Association between low handgrip strength and incontinence among Chinese middle‐aged and older people: A cross‐sectional study

“…The measurement of handgrip strength has been reported to be a good indicator of overall muscle strength 10 and can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for PFM disorders. 11 Previous studies have shown an association between handgrip strength weakness and incontinence in older adults. 12 Our study aims to find new cutoff points of handgrip strength as early indicators of incontinence and analyze the association between low handgrip strength and incontinence among Chinese middle‐aged and older people.…”

“…We aimed to find a simpler, more convenient, and objective indicator to determine the functional level of the PFM. The measurement of handgrip strength has been reported to be a good indicator of overall muscle strength 10 and can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for PFM disorders 11 . Previous studies have shown an association between handgrip strength weakness and incontinence in older adults 12 .…”