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Introduction and hypothesis: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and low back pain (LBP) in women with and without non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) with similar demographic and physical characteristics. Methods: The study included 40 women (35.73±6.74 years) with NSLBP (with LBP group) and 32 women (34.59±5.93) without LBP (without LBP group). PFM strength with a perineometer, pain intensity with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and perceptions of LBP and related disability with the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were evaluated. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, BMI, number of births (0, 1, and 2 births) and mode of delivery (vaginal/cesarean section) (p>0.05). There was a statistical difference between the groups in all parameters except SF-36 Emotional Role Limitation subscale (p<0.05). We found PFM strength an independent predictor of the RMDQ score, and RMDQ and VAS scores as independent predictors of SF-36 physical and mental components (p<0.05). Conclusions: Decreased PFM strength in women causes non-specific mechanical low back pain and disability independent of age, BMI, and the number and type of delivery. Decreased PFM strength is a predictor of disability. Disability and pain are also independent predictors of decreased quality of life. PFM measurement should be prioritized when evaluating women with NSLBP. PFM strength may be a determinant of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There had been various methods employed for the evaluation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength. The aim of the study was to do a systemic review of these methods for a better understanding of these techniques and to find the best appropriate method. A systemic review of the literature was done using three databases that included: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using the keywords "pelvic floor anatomy" and "functional anatomy of pelvic floor muscles" from 1985 to 2022. All the studies involved were analyzed for the methodologies used by the researcher, advantages, disadvantages, and the conclusion of the study. A total of 1,876 studies were found, out of which only 64 met the criteria of inclusion. In these studies, seven methods were used for the determination of PFM strength. These methods included: clinical palpation, perineometer, electromyography, dynamometer, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and vaginal cones. The PFM cannot be calculated accurately using any one measuring technique. There is therefore no "gold standard" approach to PFM assessment. However, combining these methods will result in the best outcomes. According to the literature review, the most often employed procedures were digital palpation, perineometry, and Ultrasonography (USG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There had been various methods employed for the evaluation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength. The aim of the study was to do a systemic review of these methods for a better understanding of these techniques and to find the best appropriate method. A systemic review of the literature was done using three databases that included: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using the keywords “pelvic floor anatomy” and “functional anatomy of pelvic floor muscles” from 1985 to 2022. All the studies involved were analyzed for the methodologies used by the researcher, advantages, disadvantages, and the conclusion of the study. A total of 1,876 studies were found, out of which only 64 met the criteria of inclusion. In these studies, seven methods were used for the determination of PFM strength. These methods included: clinical palpation, perineometer, electromyography, dynamometer, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and vaginal cones. The PFM cannot be calculated accurately using any one measuring technique. There is therefore no “gold standard” approach to PFM assessment. However, combining these methods will result in the best outcomes. According to the literature review, the most often employed procedures were digital palpation, perineometry, and Ultrasonography (USG).

Aim:The existing data on vaginal laser treatment in pelvic floor dysfunction is encouraging and shows improvement in urinary incontinence (UI) and genital prolapsus symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of subablative Erb:Yag laser applications for incontinence and vaginal laxity (VL) in terms of changes in vaginal resting and contraction pressures.Methods:This observational, assessor-blind study was conducted in the Women’s Health Clinic of the American Hospital from 2015 to 2017. Data from 176 patients, aged 18 to 55, were analyzed. Each patient received a total of two laser applications, performed six weeks apart. The indications were UI or VL. The pre- and post-treatment vaginal pressures during resting and contraction were measured with a perineometer (Peritron 9300 Perineometer Laborie). All the laser procedures were performed by the same physician, and measurements were carried out by another physician. Laser applications were performed with an Er:YAG laser SMOOTH, Fotona SP Dynamis (Fotona, Slovenia).Results:The age of patients showed a high correlation with the pre-treatment resting and contraction vaginal pressure values (r=-0.23, p=0.002, and r=-024, p=0.002, respectively). After evaluation of all cases, vaginal pressure values measured during rest and contraction showed a significant increase. The correlation coefficient was 0.67 for resting pressure values and 0.72 for contraction pressure values before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the VL and UI groups in terms of the increase in pre- and posttreatment resting and contraction pressures (p=0.957 and p=0.743, respectively). After analyzing the effect of age, no difference was observed between the VL and UI groups in terms of pressure increase (p=0.515 and p=0.568, respectively). A total of 115 patients, or 61.8% of the cases, stated that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatment.Conclusion:We observed significant improvements in intravaginal resting and contraction pressure values, which we interpreted as an objective strengthening effect of laser treatments on the pelvic floor.

Background and aims: Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a non-invasive therapy crucial element of conservative treatment for uterine prolapse. Electrical stimulation is a novel type of pelvic rehabilitation that can enhance the results of pelvic floor exercises. Researchers have well documented its effectiveness in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Aims and objective - The objective of the study was to see if combining perineal electrical stimulation with pelvic floor exercises provided additional advantages for uterine prolapse. Material and Methods-A total of twenty patients with uterine prolapse of grade one or two were randomly split into two equal groups. Group 1 received pelvic floor exercises and perineal stimulation for twelve weeks, whereas group 2 received pelvic floor exercises alone. Result -Perineal strength was evaluated using a perineometer, and the severity of prolapse symptoms and quality of life (QOL) using the pelvic organ prolapse symptom score questionnaire (POP-SS) on the 12th week following treatment completion. Perineal strength of group 1 was significantly higher to the group 2 [ 95% CI (0.04 to 12·15), p=0·04], indicating a relevant difference between groups, but there was no significant difference in POPSS score at 12 weeks in group 1 relative to group 2 [mean difference <1·01, 95% CI (-5.09 to 4.69), p=0·93]. Conclusion - Electrical stimulation in combination with pelvic exercises gave better results in terms of perineal strength. Moreover, both the groups improved their POP-SS scores with no significant difference between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the downward displacement of pelvic organs. The condition is very common in women and negatively affects their quality of life. The aging process reflects in the form of structural and functional weakness of the pelvic floor which leads to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The strength and endurance of the Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) decrease significantly by these dysfunctions. In the present study, Pelvic floor strength (PFS) and endurance were assessed with the help of a perineometer. The patient was diagnosed with cystocele, uterine prolapse and weak PFS was assessed with the Perineometer. Patient was treated with Ayurvedic sthanika chikitsa (local treatment)- Yoni abhyanga (vaginal massage) and improvement in PFS was assessed after treatment. The present article aims to assess the pre and post-outcome results of PFM by using the objective tool perineometer. Seven days of yoni abhyanga along with oral medication were given and on follow-up after three months, the patient showed increased strength and endurance on the perineometer. Early diagnosis and management of the PFD will help to improve the QoL (Quality of Life) and prevent further deterioration of PFS.

Background: Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a non-invasive therapy crucial element of conservative treatment for uterine prolapse. Electrical stimulation is a novel type of pelvic rehabilitation that can enhance the results of pelvic floor exercises. Researchers have well documented its effectiveness in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Aims and Objective: The objective of the study was to see if combining perineal electrical stimulation with pelvic floor exercises provided additional advantages for uterine prolapse. Material and Methods: A total of twenty patients with uterine prolapse of grade one or two were randomly split into two equal groups. Group 1 received pelvic floor exercises and perineal stimulation for twelve weeks, whereas group 2 received pelvic floor exercises alone. Result: Perineal strength was evaluated using a perineometer, and the severity of prolapse symptoms and quality of life (QOL) using the pelvic organ prolapse symptom score questionnaire (POP-SS) on the 12th week following treatment completion. Perineal strength of group 1 was significantly higher to the group 2 [95% CI (0.04 to 12·15), p=0·04], indicating a relevant difference between groups, but there was no significant difference in POPSS score at 12 weeks in group 1 relative to group 2 [mean difference

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of 448 kHz monopolar capacitive resistive radiofrequency (MCRR) in the treatment of females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and methods: Forty females with SUI complaints were separated randomly into two equal groups. Group A with 20 females received the MCRR therapy for 20 min and performed pelvic floor exercises for 20 min. Group B with 20 females received placebo treatment by applying the same application as in Group A without emitting any waves for 20 min, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The patients in both groups were instructed to pause the treatment during their menstruation; the patients were instructed to maintain home pelvic floor exercises. Both groups were assessed by a perineometer that was used to assess the strength of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Incontinence Symptom Severity Index to assess the frequency of urinary incontinence symptoms as described by each patient before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in VAS and the Incontinence Symptom Severity Index and a significant increase in the strength of the PFM in both groups post-treatment compared with the pre-treatment. Regarding between-subject effects, there was a significant difference in VAS, the Incontinence Symptom Severity Index, and the perineometer between both groups (p < 0.05), and this significant improvement favored Group A. Conclusion: MCRR and pelvic floor exercises are more effective methods for the treatment of SUI than just pelvic floor exercises of females with SUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The existing data on vaginal laser treatment in pelvic floor dysfunction is encouraging and shows improvement in urinary incontinence (UI) and genital prolapsus symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of subablative Erb:Yag laser applications for incontinence and vaginal laxity (VL) in terms of changes in vaginal resting and contraction pressures. Methods: This observational, assessor-blind study was conducted in the Women's Health Clinic of the American Hospital from 2015 to 2017. Data from 176 patients, aged 18 to 55, were analyzed. Each patient received a total of two laser applications, performed six weeks apart. The indications were UI or VL. The pre- and post-treatment vaginal pressures during resting and contraction were measured with a perineometer (Peritron 9300 Perineometer Laborie). All the laser procedures were performed by the same physician, and measurements were carried out by another physician. Laser applications were performed with an Er:YAG laser SMOOTH, Fotona SP Dynamis (Fotona, Slovenia). Results: The age of patients showed a high correlation with the pre-treatment resting and contraction vaginal pressure values (r=-0.23, p=0.002, and r=-024, p=0.002, respectively). After evaluation of all cases, vaginal pressure values measured during rest and contraction showed a significant increase. The correlation coefficient was 0.67 for resting pressure values and 0.72 for contraction pressure values before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the VL and UI groups in terms of the increase in pre- and post-treatment resting and contraction pressures (p=0.957 and p=0.743, respectively). After analyzing the effect of age, no difference was observed between the VL and UI groups in terms of pressure increase (p=0.515 and p=0.568, respectively). A total of 115 patients, or 61.8% of the cases, stated that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the treatment. Conclusion: We observed significant improvements in intravaginal resting and contraction pressure values, which we interpreted as an objective strengthening effect of laser treatments on the pelvic floor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pelvic floor is important in bladder and bowel control, supporting pelvic and abdominal organs, and also plays role in sexual response. Pelvic floor is made up of muscle bundles which cover the pelvic nethermost surface, acting as the base of the pelvic bowl. Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength can be decreased by several factors, such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and advanced age, yet there are still conflicting results regarding their correlation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether age and BMI are correlated with the strength of PFM and to describe the percentage of PFM strength classification of healthy women in Yogyakarta, Indonesia according to the Angelo scale. Methods This is a cross-sectional prospective observational study of 38 healthy women aged between 21 and 47 years-old. The pelvic floor muscles strength measurement was performed using perineometer. The measured PFM value was obtained from 3 maximal isometric contractions for 4 seconds period and were assessed using scale of manometry by Angelo. Body mass index were classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) and age was assessed by the demographic data of the subjects. Statistical analysis was completed with statistical software. Results This study included 32 subjects in total. Median age was 39.50 years old. The mean BMI was 25.45 (±4.74, CI 23.75-27.16) kg/m2, the median of sexual intercourse frequency was 2 (±2, CI 1.57-2.61), and the mean perineometry score was 22.80 (±9.76; CI 18.76-25.0) cmH2O. According to Angelo scale, majority subjects had a weak PFM strength. There was no correlation found between PFM strength and age or BMI (p>0.05). Conclusion Majority subjects of this study had a weak PFM strength according to Angelo scale. There was no significant correlation found between PFM strength in women and age or BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of 448 kHz monopolar capacitive resistive radiofrequency (MCRR) in the treatment of females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Materials and methodsForty females with SUI complaints were separated randomly into two equal groups. Group A with 20 females received the MCRR therapy for 20 min and performed pelvic floor exercises for 20 min. Group B with 20 females received placebo treatment by applying the same application as in Group A without emitting any waves for 20 min, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The patients in both groups were instructed to pause the treatment during their menstruation; the patients were instructed to maintain home pelvic floor exercises. Both groups were assessed by a perineometer that was used to assess the strength of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Incontinence Symptom Severity Index to assess the frequency of urinary incontinence symptoms as described by each patient before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsThere was a significant reduction (p

Ballooning of the levator hiatus is a unique phenomenon of hyperdistention seen during the Valsalva maneuver in Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) patients. Although it is related to the weakness of pelvic floor muscles, there is only limited evidence of its effect on Levator Ani Muscle (LAM) strength, especially in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of levator hiatal ballooning in POP patients and its effect on LAM strength. A cross-sectional study was done on POP patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 2019 to June 2021. Subjects who could not perform the Valsalva maneuver or perineometer and those having a history of perineal rupture were excluded. Subjects were grouped into hiatal ballooning and non-ballooning group based on the maximum hiatal genital length measured using ultrasound examination. Clinical characteristics, hiatal ballooning status, and LAM strength were compared between groups. A total of 99 subjects (47 ballooning and 52 non-ballooning) were recruited during the study. The prevalence of hiatal ballooning in POP patients was 47.5%. There was significantly lower LAM strength in the ballooning group measured by perineometer (p = 0.018). There was a significant relationship between the perineometer result and Modified Oxford Grading Scale result in both groups (p < 0.001). Lower LAM strength was observed in POP patients with hiatal ballooning.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to clarify the reliability and validity of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength assessment using the MizCure perineometer in healthy women. Methods Twenty healthy women (age 20–45 years) participated in this study. The vaginal pressure measured using the MizCure and validated Peritron perineometers were repeated during PFM contraction in the supine and standing positions. All women were evaluated twice by examiners 1 and 2. Following the measurements in the first session (Test 1), they were repeated after an interval of between 2 and 6 weeks (Test 2). Within- and between-session intra- and inter-rater reliabilities in vaginal pressure were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (1, 1) and (2, 1), respectively. Validity was assessed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Results Within-session intra-rater reliabilities for both examiners 1 and 2 for all vaginal pressures in Tests 1 and 2 were 0.90–0.96 for both perineometers. Between-session intra-rater reliability for the MizCure was 0.72–0.79 for both positions for examiner 1, and 0.63 in the supine position and 0.80 in the standing position for examiner 2. Inter-rater reliability for Test 1 was 0.91 in the supine position and 0.87 in the standing position for the MizCure. The vaginal pressures using the MizCure and Peritron were significantly associated with the supine position (r = 0.68, P

Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of low level laser applied for 3 months, 2 sessions per week, on pelvic floor muscles and fascia compared with a pelvic floor exercise program in patients with stress urinary incontinence. Methods. The randomized controlled trial involved 30 patients with stress urinary incontinence and with pelvic floor muscle strength not less than grade 1 on the Oxford scale. They were assigned to 2 equal groups. The experimental group received low level laser for 15 minutes and a pelvic floor muscle exercise program for 30 minutes, 2 sessions per week, for 12 weeks; the control group only received the pelvic floor muscle exercise program for 30 minutes, 2 sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The pelvic floor muscles were evaluated before and after treatment with a Neen Peritone perineometer and the Modified Oxford Grading Scale. The Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale served to assess incontinence severity before and after treatment. Results. The statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle strength (p < 0.05), a significant improvement of the grade muscle test of pelvic floor muscles (p < 0.05), and a significant reduction of Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale score (p < 0.05) after treatment compared with pre-treatment status in both groups. Also, there was a significant improvement in all dependent variables in favour of the experimental group. Conclusions. Low level laser may be an effective intervention in treating stress urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle strength and fascia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a debilitating condition affecting about half of all women aged of more than 60 years globally. Reduced levator ani muscle strength in POP is associated with worse symptoms and prognosis. Measurement of levator ani muscle strength can be done with several tools such as perineometer and digital palpation. However, there is currently no study regarding conformity between tests. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between tests in POP patients. An analytic observational study using cross sectional design was done to determine conformity between perineometer and digital examination using Modified Oxford Grading Scale (MOS) in Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Indonesia during the period of July, 2018 to June, 2020. Correlation between tests was determined using Spearman test. Cut-off of perineometer reading for each MOS score was also determined. A total of 110 subjects examined with both perineometer and digital palpation were recruited to the study. Positive correlation was observed between perineometer reading and Modified Oxford Grading Scale (r = 0.790, p < 0.001). According to the result, values between 0.01 – 9.64 cmH2O correspond to very weak pressure (MOS 1); 9.65 – 22.49 cmH2O represent weak pressure (MOS 2); 22.5 – 35.24 cmH2O represent moderate pressure (MOS 3); ≥ 35.25 cmH2O represent good pressure (MOS 4). There was a strong correlation between MOS and perineometer result for measuring levator ani strength in POP patients.

Aim: To investigate the relationship between handgrip strength with types of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women. Methods: Ninety‐two women, who presented to the geriatric and urology outpatient clinics complaining of UI between July 2019 and February 2020 and had indicated to undergo urodynamic assessment after basic neurourological evaluation, were included in this cross‐sectional study. The presence and types of UI were identified by clinical examination and urodynamic studies. Demographic parameters, anthropometric data, comorbidities and medications were recorded. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form was applied. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by a hand dynamometer. The PFMS was subjectively assessed via vaginal digital palpation and measured quantitatively by the vaginal probe of the perineometer. Results: Thirty‐eight urodynamic stress, 28 detrusor overactivity, 26 urodynamic mixed UI patients were reported. Perineometer measurements were significantly lower in the urodynamic stress UI group compared to the other two groups (p = 0.020). There was no relationship between the types of urinary incontinence and HGS. However, a positive correlation was found between PFMS and HGS (p = 0.045, r = 0.298). Conclusion: The positive correlation between HGS and PFMS indicates that low HGS may be a marker for PFMS weakness. Furthermore, the association between sarcopenia and UI may be explained by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness is a common presentation among older adults, assessment of which is complicated by privacy issues, availability of perineometer, and lack of trained therapists. Several factors seem to influence PFM strength. Hence, this study developed an alternate method using a regression model to determine PFM strength among institutionalized older women using 27 independent variables. A total of 102 participants were assessed for their PFM strength using peritron perineometer. Age, years of menopause, pelvic surgical procedures, strength of hip muscles, and degenerative disc disorders were found to have a significant odds ratio and were included in the regression model (r2 = 0.484). It may be used as a simple and easy-toadminister method for the evaluation of PFM weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to determine the impact of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on mixed incontinence. This condition can have a significant impact on women’s quality of life and social relationships. Methods: Parous females (n = 40) with mixed incontinence were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A received PEMF and pelvic floor muscle training in addition to general advice for 12 sessions. Group B received the same program but without PEMF. Pelvic floor muscle strength and the severity of urinary incontinence were assessed using a perineometer and the incontinence symptom severity index (ISSI), respectively. Results: Within groups comparison show statistically significant improvement in priniomter and severity index after treatment in comparison to pre treatment values. Between groups comparison after treatment showed better improvement in group A (p < 0.05) in pelvic floor muscle strength and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the severity of urinary incontinence compared to group B. Conclusions: PEMF combined with pelvic floor muscle training is an effective, convenient, and acceptable way to manage mixed incontinence.

Background: Many predictors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during pregnancy have been investigated. However, no studies have specifically identified a cutoff for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and associated factors that could predict SUI during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify the cutoff between PFM strength and SUI, late in the third trimester of pregnancy and associated factors in Indonesian women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 142 women with a pregnancy of 36–40 weeks of gestational age at the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic of Tebet Subdistrict Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. The data were collected through a medical interview, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis, physical examination, perineometer, and cough test. Results: SUI was identified in 54.2% of the 142 women. PFM strength 25.5 cmH 2O and estimated fetal weight (EFW) ³3,100 g were the factors with the greatest influence on SUI (odds ratio (OR) = 2.52, p = 0.021, and OR = 3.34, p = 0.001, respectively). For women with PFM strength £25.5 cmH 2O and EFW ³3,100 g, the prediction for SUI was ~75.39%. Conclusion: Weakening of the PFMs and EFW influence SUI. The cutoff values identified for both variables may be helpful for predicting SUI late in pregnancy.

Introduction and hypothesis: The incidence of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction increases rapidly with menopause and aging. Despite the raised magnitude and prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women, the risk factors underlying PFM dysfunction still remain to be identified. PFM function can be clinically measured as the maximum strength and endurance using manometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate PFM function in terms of strength and endurance by perineometer and to assess the risk factors that decrease PFM strength and endurance in middle-aged women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Overall, 125 parous women (age 40–60 years) completed the study. A questionnaire was used to collect information on several demographic and obstetric variables. The Peritron perineometer measured PFM strength and endurance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic variables on PFM function. Results: Both average strength of PFMs and maximum muscle strength significantly reduced as the number of parity increased. Average and maximum strength of PFMs showed a significant difference between women with parities of two and one (β = −0.435, p <.001; β = −0.441, p < 0.001, respectively). Both were even more influenced in women with parity of three (β = −0.503, p <.001; β = −0.500, p <.001). However, PFM endurance did not decrease with increasing parity number until the parity of two; however, it decreased in women with parity of three (β = −0.302, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Parity appeared to have a dominant influence on weakness of PFM, and strength was more significantly associated with parity than endurance in middle-aged women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a debilitating condition affecting about half of all women aged of more than 60 years globally. Reduced levator ani muscle strength in POP is associated with worse symptoms and prognosis. Measurement of levator ani muscle strength can be done with several tools such as perineometer and digital palpation. However, there is currently no study regarding conformity between tests. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between tests in POP patients. An analytic observational study using cross sectional design was done to determine conformity between perineometer and digital examination using Modified Oxford Grading Scale (MOS) in Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Indonesia during the period of July, 2018 to June, 2020. Correlation between tests was determined using Spearman test. Cut-off of perineometer reading for each MOS score was also determined. A total of 110 subjects examined with both perineometer and digital palpation were recruited to the study. Positive correlation was observed between perineometer reading and Modified Oxford Grading Scale (r = 0.790, p < 0.001). According to the result, values between 0.01 - 9.64 cmH2O correspond to very weak pressure (MOS 1); 9.65 - 22.49 cmH2O represent weak pressure (MOS 2); 22.5 - 35.24 cmH2O represent moderate pressure (MOS 3); = 35.25 cmH2O represent good pressure (MOS 4). There was a strong correlation between MOS and perineometer result for measuring levator ani strength in POP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There remains no gold standard for quantification of voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, despite international guidelines that recommend PFM assessment in females with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods currently reported for quantification of skeletal muscle strength across disciplines are systematically reviewed and their relevance for clinical and academic use related to the pelvic floor are described. Methods: A systematic review via Medline, PubMed, CINHAL, and the Cochrane database using key terms for pelvic floor anatomy and function were cross referenced with skeletal muscle strength quantification from 1946 to 2016. Full text peer‐reviewed articles in English having female subjects with incontinence were identified. Each study was analyzed for use of controls, type of methodology as direct or indirect measures, benefits, and limitations of the technique. Results: A total of 1586 articles were identified of which 50 met the inclusion criteria. Nine methodologies of determining PFM strength were described including: digital palpation, perineometer, dynamometry, EMG, vaginal cones, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, urine stream interruption test, and the Colpexin pull test. Thirty‐two percent lacked a control group. Conclusion: Technical refinements in both direct and indirect instrumentation for PFM strength measurement are allowing for sensitivity. However, the most common methods of quantification remain digital palpation and perineometry; techniques that pose limitations and yield subjective or indirect measures of muscular strength. Dynamometry has potential as an accurate and sensitive tool, but is limited by inability to assess PFM strength during dynamic movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The Pilates method is a form of physical exercise that improves the control of the core muscles, improving the conditioning of all the muscle groups that comprise the core, including the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Thus, this study had the goal of verifying the existence of differences in the functioning of the PFM in women who practice the Pilates method and sedentary women. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional pilot study. A sample size calculation was performed using preliminary data and it determined that the sample should have at least 24 individuals in each group. The participants were 60 women aged 20 to 40 years; 30 women practiced the Pilates method (PMG) and 30 were sedentary (SG). An anamnesis file was used to collect personal data and assess the knowledge and perception of the PFM. The Perina® perineometer and vaginal palpation were used to determine the functionality of the PFM. Results: There was no significant difference between the PMG and the SG in any of the variables analyzed. Conclusions: We concluded that the functionality of the PFM in younger women who practice the Pilates method is not different from that of sedentary women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: The device used in this study is a perineometer. This study comprises 100 children (50 boys and 50 girls) in the age group of 6-12 years. Children with any musculoskeletal and neurological disorder were excluded from the study. AIMS: The aim of this study is to measure hand grip strength in children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The observational study was conducted in Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil's CBSE School, Ahmednagar. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The children were asked to sit on a chair with an armrest. The cuff was inflated till 100 mmHg. The children were told to press the transducer of the perineometer up to their maximum strength and release it. This process was repeated for three times, and the maximum strength was noted for both the right and left hand. Armrest chair, perineometer were used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The mean grip strength in boys is 72.6 mmHg on the right side and 67.18 mmHg on the left and 6.92 mmHg on the right and 58 mmHg on the left in girls. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided the normative values of grip strength which can be used as a reference measure for detecting the abnormality in handgrip strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]