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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jul 2023Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor physiotherapy interventions for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in postmenopausal women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor physiotherapy interventions for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in postmenopausal women.
METHODS
Searches were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library Registry and LILACS databases until October 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which had physiotherapy interventions as primary outcome were included. There were no restrictions on the year of publication or language. Qualitative methodology was evaluated using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria and quality control, 6 randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Methodological quality of trials varied from 5 to 8 (out of 10 possible points in PEDro scale score). Sample consisted of 715 subjects; mean age was between 51.6 and 66.3 years; SUI severity scale ranged from small to severe. Interventions were pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT); vaginal cone (VC); biofeedback (BF); electrical muscle stimulation (EMS); radiofrequency (RF) and electroacupuncture (EA). Pelvic floor physiotherapy was effective in all studies, however, meta-analysis was considered irrelevant due to the heterogeneity of the reported interventions.
CONCLUSION
There is not a literature consensus about the most effective pelvic floor physiotherapy intervention applied to stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women. It seems appropriate to state that further randomized controlled clinical trials should be done, due to the limited number of studies and heterogeneity of physiotherapeutic interventions applied to date.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO in the trial registration CRD42021255062.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Pelvic Floor; Exercise Therapy; Postmenopause; Physical Therapy Modalities; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35831758
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06693-z -
International Journal of Sports Medicine Jun 2023Urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes can impair their quality-of-life (QoL) and reduce their participation in sports. This review aims to evaluate the effect of...
Urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes can impair their quality-of-life (QoL) and reduce their participation in sports. This review aims to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in treating UI in women participating in high-impact sports. Furthermore, to assess the influence of PFMT on pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function and the UI impact on their QoL. For this purpose, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs was performed. An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO, and Scopus. The quality of evidence was assessed using the PEDro and ROBINS-I scales. The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was used to assess the quality of PFMT protocols. All studies were available in full-text including incontinent female participants who are practitioners of high-impact sports, investigating PFMT vs control groups(inactive) or undergoing other treatments. Three RCTs and two non-RCTs (104 participants) were analyzed. PFMT provided a significant improvement in UI symptoms with a reduction in the frequency (n=3) and the amount of UI (n=5). PFM function was assessed in three studies, and two found improvement in maximal contraction and one in vaginal resting pressure in favor of PFMT. None of the two studies that assessed QoL found a difference after PFMT intervention.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Exercise Therapy; Urinary Incontinence; Sports; Exercise; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 36075371
DOI: 10.1055/a-1939-4798 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Jan 2022CrossFit is a popular sportamong women. It has numerous benefits, but it is unclearwhat effects it has on the pelvic floor, since physicalexercise may be a risk factor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
CrossFit is a popular sportamong women. It has numerous benefits, but it is unclearwhat effects it has on the pelvic floor, since physicalexercise may be a risk factor for urinary incontinence.The aim of this study was to determine theoverall prevalence of urinary incontinence in femaleCrossFit practitioners. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysiswere conducted (PROSPERO, 2020: CRD42020199479).We searched cross-sectional studies in databases (Pub-Med, CINAHL, WOS, Scopus, ProQuest) and search engines,from inception to 17 June, 2020. The AdaptedNewcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cross-Sectional Studies wasused to assess the risk of bias. Pooled prevalence wascalculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneitywas investigated by meta-regression and subgroupanalysis.
RESULTS
A total of 282 records were identified, ofwhich 13 were included in the qualitative and quantitativesynthesises. The prevalence of urinary incontinenceamong female CrossFit practitioners was 32.1%(95% CI = 22.2-43.8%, n = 2187) and of stress urinaryincontinence was 35.8% (95% CI = 19.4-56.4%, n =1323). The prevalence of urinary incontinence was higher among women over 35 years old, with previouspregnancies and vaginal deliveries (P = 0.004). TheCrossFit exercises associated with higher stress urinaryincontinence were rope jumping, double under,weightlifting, and box jumps. Some preventive strategieswere pelvic floor training, using pads, emptyingthe bladder before workouts, and wearing dark pants. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the prevalenceof urinary incontinence in female CrossFit practitionerswas similar to that found among women whopractice sport.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Prevalence; Urinary Incontinence; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 35173077
DOI: No ID Found -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Nov 2018Myofascial pain is characterized by the presence of trigger points, tenderness to palpation, and local or referred pain, and commonly involves the pelvic floor muscles...
BACKGROUND
Myofascial pain is characterized by the presence of trigger points, tenderness to palpation, and local or referred pain, and commonly involves the pelvic floor muscles in men and women. Pelvic floor myofascial pain in the absence of local or referred pain has also been observed in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, and we have found that many patients report an improvement in these symptoms after receiving myofascial-targeted pelvic floor physical therapy.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to systematically review the literature for examination techniques used to assess pelvic floor myofascial pain in women.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a systematic literature search using strategies for the concepts of pelvic floor disorders, myofascial pain, and diagnosis in Ovid MEDLINE 1946-, Embase 1947-, Scopus 1960-, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Articles were screened by 3 authors and included if they contained a description of a pelvic myofascial physical examination.
RESULTS
In all, 55 studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, examination components varied significantly among the included studies and were frequently undefined. A consensus examination guideline was developed based on the available data and includes use of a single digit (62%, 34/55) to perform transvaginal palpation (75%, 41/55) of the levator ani (87%, 48/55) and obturator internus (45%, 25/55) muscles with a patient-reported scale to assess the level of pain to palpation (51%, 28/55).
CONCLUSION
Physical examination methods to evaluate pelvic musculature for presence of myofascial pain varied significantly and were often undefined. Given the known role of pelvic floor myofascial pain in chronic pelvic pain and link between pelvic floor myofascial pain and lower urinary tract symptoms, physicians should be trained to evaluate for pelvic floor myofascial pain as part of their physical examination in patients presenting with these symptoms. Therefore, the development and standardization of a reliable and reproducible examination is needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; MEDLINE; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Pain Measurement; Palpation; Pelvic Floor; Physical Examination; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 29959930
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.06.014 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jan 2019Many conditions of pelvic and sexual dysfunction can be addressed successfully through pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) through various manual therapy techniques,...
INTRODUCTION
Many conditions of pelvic and sexual dysfunction can be addressed successfully through pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) through various manual therapy techniques, neuromuscular reeducation, and behavioral modifications. The field of pelvic rehabilitation, including sexual health, continues to advance to modify these techniques according to a biopsychosocial model.
AIM
To provide an update on peer-reviewed literature on the role of PFPT in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic and sexual dysfunctions in men and women owing to the overactive and the underactive pelvic floor.
METHODS
A literature review to provide an update on the advances of a neuromusculoskeletal approach to PFPT evaluation and treatment.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The use and advancement of PFPT methods can help in successfully treating pelvic and sexual disorders.
RESULTS
PFPT for pelvic muscle overactivity and underactivity has been proven to be a successful option for pelvic and sexual dysfunction. Understanding the role of the organs, nerves, fascia, and musculoskeletal system in the abdomino-pelvic and lumbo-sacro-hip region and how pelvic floor physical therapists can effectively evaluate and treat pelvic and sexual health. It is important for the treating practitioner to know when to refer to PFPT.
CONCLUSION
Neuromusculoskeletal causes of pelvic floor disorders affect a substantial proportion of men, women, and children and PFPT is a successful and non-invasive option. Pelvic floor examination by healthcare practitioners is essential in identifying when to refer to PFPT. Use of a biopsychosocial model is important for the overall well-being of each patient. Further research is needed. Stein A, Sauder SK, Reale J. The role of physical therapy in sexual health in men and women: Evaluation and treatment. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:46-56.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Pain Management; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Health; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30503726
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.003 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2017Low back pain (LBP) is an increasingly common condition worldwide with significant costs associated with its management. Identification of musculoskeletal risk factors... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies.
BACKGROUND
Low back pain (LBP) is an increasingly common condition worldwide with significant costs associated with its management. Identification of musculoskeletal risk factors that can be treated clinically before the development of LBP could reduce costs and improve the quality of life of individuals. Therefore the aim was to systematically review prospective cohort studies investigating lower back and / or lower limb musculoskeletal risk factors in the development of LBP.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2016. No age, gender or occupational restrictions of participants were applied. Articles had to be published in English and have a 12 month follow-up period. Musculoskeletal risk factors were defined as any osseous, ligamentous, or muscular structure that was quantifiably measured at baseline. Studies were excluded if participants were pregnant, diagnosed with cancer, or had previous low back surgery. Two authors independently reviewed and selected relevant articles. Methodological quality was evaluated independently by two reviewers using a generic tool for observational studies.
RESULTS
Twelve articles which evaluated musculoskeletal risk factors for the development of low back pain in 5459 participants were included. Individual meta-analyses were conducted based on risk factors common between studies. Meta-analysis revealed that reduced lateral flexion range of motion (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.73, p = 0.002), limited lumbar lordosis (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.98, p = 0.034), and restricted hamstring range of motion (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of low back pain. Meta-analyses on lumbar extension range of motion, quadriceps flexibility, fingertip to floor distance, lumbar flexion range of motion, back muscle strength, back muscle endurance, abdominal strength, erector spinae cross sectional area, and quadratus lumborum cross sectional area showed non-significant results.
CONCLUSION
In summary, we found that a restriction in lateral flexion and hamstring range of motion as well as limited lumbar lordosis were associated with an increased risk of developing LBP. Future research should aim to measure additional lower limb musculoskeletal risk factors, have follow up periods of 6-12 months, adopt a standardised definition of LBP, and only include participants who have no history of LBP.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Lordosis; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Paraspinal Muscles; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Range of Motion, Articular; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28476110
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2020Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem in women. About 40% of women will experience prolapse in their lifetime, with the proportion expected to rise in line with an...
BACKGROUND
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem in women. About 40% of women will experience prolapse in their lifetime, with the proportion expected to rise in line with an ageing population. Women experience a variety of troublesome symptoms as a consequence of prolapse, including a feeling of 'something coming down' into the vagina, pain, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms and sexual difficulties. Treatment for prolapse includes surgery, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and vaginal pessaries. Vaginal pessaries are passive mechanical devices designed to support the vagina and hold the prolapsed organs back in the anatomically correct position. The most commonly used pessaries are made from polyvinyl-chloride, polythene, silicone or latex. Pessaries are frequently used by clinicians with high numbers of clinicians offering a pessary as first-line treatment for prolapse. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2003 and last published in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of pessaries (mechanical devices) for managing pelvic organ prolapse in women; and summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations of this intervention.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 28 January 2020). We searched the reference lists of relevant articles and contacted the authors of included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials which included a pessary for pelvic organ prolapse in at least one arm of the study.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed abstracts, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and carried out GRADE assessments with arbitration from a third review author if necessary.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies involving a total of 478 women with various stages of prolapse, all of which took place in high-income countries. In one trial, only six of the 113 recruited women consented to random assignment to an intervention and no data are available for those six women. We could not perform any meta-analysis because each of the trials addressed a different comparison. None of the trials reported data about perceived resolution of prolapse symptoms or about psychological outcome measures. All studies reported data about perceived improvement of prolapse symptoms. Generally, the trials were at high risk of performance bias, due to lack of blinding, and low risk of selection bias. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for imprecision resulting from the low numbers of women participating in the trials. Pessary versus no treatment: at 12 months' follow-up, we are uncertain about the effect of pessaries compared with no treatment on perceived improvement of prolapse symptoms (mean difference (MD) in questionnaire scores -0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.61 to 0.55; 27 women; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence), and cure or improvement of sexual problems (MD -0.29, 95% CI -1.67 to 1.09; 27 women; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). In this comparison we did not find any evidence relating to prolapse-specific quality of life or to the number of women experiencing adverse events (abnormal vaginal bleeding or de novo voiding difficulty). Pessary versus pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT): at 12 months' follow-up, we are uncertain if there is a difference between pessaries and PFMT in terms of women's perceived improvement in prolapse symptoms (MD -9.60, 95% CI -22.53 to 3.33; 137 women; low-certainty evidence), prolapse-specific quality of life (MD -3.30, 95% CI -8.70 to 15.30; 1 study; 116 women; low-certainty evidence), or cure or improvement of sexual problems (MD -2.30, 95% -5.20 to 0.60; 1 study; 48 women; low-certainty evidence). Pessaries may result in a large increase in risk of adverse events compared with PFMT (RR 75.25, 95% CI 4.70 to 1205.45; 1 study; 97 women; low-certainty evidence). Adverse events included increased vaginal discharge, and/or increased urinary incontinence and/or erosion or irritation of the vaginal walls. Pessary plus PFMT versus PFMT alone: at 12 months' follow-up, pessary plus PFMT probably leads to more women perceiving improvement in their prolapse symptoms compared with PFMT alone (RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.94; 1 study; 260 women; moderate-certainty evidence). At 12 months' follow-up, pessary plus PFMT probably improves women's prolapse-specific quality of life compared with PFMT alone (median (interquartile range (IQR)) POPIQ score: pessary plus PFMT 0.3 (0 to 22.2); 132 women; PFMT only 8.9 (0 to 64.9); 128 women; P = 0.02; moderate-certainty evidence). Pessary plus PFMT may slightly increase the risk of abnormal vaginal bleeding compared with PFMT alone (RR 2.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 6.91; 1 study; 260 women; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is uncertain if pessary plus PFMT has any effect on the risk of de novo voiding difficulty compared with PFMT alone (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.19; 1 study; 189 women; low-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We are uncertain if pessaries improve pelvic organ prolapse symptoms for women compared with no treatment or PFMT but pessaries in addition to PFMT probably improve women's pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and prolapse-specific quality of life. However, there may be an increased risk of adverse events with pessaries compared to PFMT. Future trials should recruit adequate numbers of women and measure clinically important outcomes such as prolapse specific quality of life and resolution of prolapse symptoms. The review found two relevant economic evaluations. Of these, one assessed the cost-effectiveness of pessary treatment, expectant management and surgical procedures, and the other compared pessary treatment to PFMT.
Topics: Bias; Female; Humans; Muscle Strength; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Prolapse; Urethral Diseases; Urinary Bladder Diseases; Uterine Prolapse
PubMed: 33207004
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004010.pub4 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Aug 2014Although ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair in patients is often evaluated in terms of hernia recurrence rate and health-related quality of life, there is no clear... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Although ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair in patients is often evaluated in terms of hernia recurrence rate and health-related quality of life, there is no clear consensus regarding optimal operative treatment based on these parameters. It was proposed that health-related quality of life depends largely on abdominal muscle function (AMF), and the present review thus evaluates to what extent AMF is influenced by VIH and surgical repair.
METHODS
The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for articles following a systematic strategy for inclusion.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies described AMF in relation to VIH. Five studies examined AMF using objective isokinetic dynamometers to determine muscle strength, and two studies examined AMF by clinical examination-based muscle tests.
CONCLUSION
Both equipment-related and functional muscle tests exist for use in patients with VIH, but very few studies have evaluated AMF in VIH. There are no randomized controlled studies to describe the impact of VIH repair on AMF, and no optimal surgical treatment in relation to AMF after VIH repair can be advocated for at this time.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 24728836
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-014-1242-8 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2019The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in men after radical...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in men after radical prostatectomy (RP).
METHODS
PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published in years 2000-2019. We included randomized controlled trials in English which compare clinic-based vs home-based PFMT, preoperative and postoperative PFMT, supervised vs unsupervised PFMT, and PFMT alone vs no treatment at all.
RESULTS
Eight articles were included in the final review. There was a total of 1078 patients aged 45-75 in all study groups. The study participants received radical retropubic prostatectomy or radical prostatectomy. Included studies assessed the following interventions: preoperative and postoperative PFMT, supervised vs home-based PFMT, unsupervised PFMT vs no treatment at all, and PFMT combined with resistance and flexibility exercises vs PFMT alone.
CONCLUSION
PFMT is an effective treatment for urinary incontinence in men after radical prostatectomy. PFMT improves not only physical parameters but also the quality of life of men after RP.
Topics: Aged; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pelvic Floor; Postoperative Period; Prostatectomy; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 31814714
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S228222 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2021What is the most cost-effective way of providing pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to prevent or treat postpartum incontinence? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Group-based pelvic floor muscle training for all women during pregnancy is more cost-effective than postnatal training for women with urinary incontinence: cost-effectiveness analysis of a systematic review.
QUESTION
What is the most cost-effective way of providing pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to prevent or treat postpartum incontinence?
DESIGN
Meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis of models of care included in a recent Cochrane systematic review.
PARTICIPANTS
Pregnant and postnatal women.
INTERVENTION
Supervised PFMT for preventing or treating urinary and/or faecal incontinence.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Postpartum urinary or faecal incontinence.
ANALYSIS
We examined the comparative incremental cost effectiveness of different approaches to successfully prevent or cure one case of incontinence. Costs were valued in Australian dollars using publicly available market rates and enterprise agreements as of 2019. Comparisons involving group-based treatment approaches were subject to sensitivity analyses where the numbers of patients attending each group were varied to identify thresholds where recommendations change.
RESULTS
Seventeen trials were included for meta-analysis. Three models of care were clinically effective: individually supervised PFMT during pregnancy to prevent urinary incontinence (Model 1), group-based PFMT during pregnancy to prevent or treat urinary incontinence (Model 2) and individually supervised postnatal PFMT to treat urinary incontinence and prevent or treat faecal incontinence (Model 3). The health service costs per urinary incontinence case prevented or cured were $768 for Model 1, and $1,970 for Model 3. However, Model 2 generated a cost saving of $14 if there were eight participants per session, with greater savings if more participants attend. The health service cost per faecal incontinence case prevented or cured was $2,784 (Model 3).
CONCLUSION
Providing group-based PFMT for all women during pregnancy is likely more efficient than individual PFMT for incontinent women postnatally; however, providing PFMT for postnatal women with urinary incontinence should not be discounted because of the added known benefit for preventing and treating faecal incontinence.
Topics: Australia; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 33771484
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2021.03.001