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International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022To determine the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with or without biofeedback or electrostimulation in reducing urinary incontinence and pelvic floor... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
To determine the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with or without biofeedback or electrostimulation in reducing urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle con-traction in non-pregnant women with urinary incontinence.
METHODS
The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, and sources from NICE, FDA, EMA, and SMC (articles only in English, 2000-2021). Search terms were: urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training or exercises, biofeedback, electrostimulation. We used the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) for this systematic review. Relevant articles were selected, data were extracted, and quality was assessed. Data were extracted in predesigned form, followed by narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Following the search, 15 RCTs were retrieved using the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessing 2441 non-pregnant women with urinary incontinence. Of the 15 studies, 7 were low risk, 5 were medium risk, and 3 were high-risk studies. Of the 2441 patients, 970 were in PFMT, 69 were in extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMi) or with PFMT + BF, 30 were in electrostimulation (ES), 21 were in whole body vibration training (WBVT), 23 were in pelvic floor muscle + abdominal muscle therapy (PFM + AMT), 326 were in PFMT + biofeedback, 93 were in vaginal cones (VC), 362 were in PFMT + education, 318 were in education, and 229 were in control groups. The most often measures employed were pad tests, bladder diary, and questionnaire on the quality of life. Stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence were studied. In all RCT, PFMT significantly reduced urinary incontinence, essentially SIU and MUI, when compared with the control group before and after treatment. Overall, out of 997 PFMT or PFMT + education patients, 504 patients (50.5%) showed improvement in urinary incontinence, and 218 became continent (21.8%) (negative pad test). In total, 62% of patients significantly reduced their urinary incontinence or cured it and improved their pelvic floor muscle contraction. All other physiotherapist techniques also significantly reduced urinary leakages, e.g., vaginal cones, biofeedback, ExMI, and WBVT when compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between these methods in reducing the severity of urinary incontinence.
CONCLUSION
PFMT alone or with bio-feedback or electrostimulation was effective in reducing urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle contraction. PFMT when compared with other interventions such as bio-feedback, VC, and WBVT did not show significant differences but was superior to the control group. RCT studies with similar parameters used for measuring the outcomes need to be included.
Topics: Biofeedback, Psychology; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 35270480
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052789 -
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2021Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) affects a significant number of women in the postpartum period. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) affects a significant number of women in the postpartum period.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review whether abdominal and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise programs are effective in the treatment of DRA postpartum.
METHODS
Electronic search was conducted from inception to March 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) or pilot RCTs that compared abdominal training, PFM training, or a combination of both in at least one arm of the trial were included. The primary outcome was presence of DRA (numbers/percentage) or inter-recti distance (IRD) change. GRADE was used to rate the overall quality of evidence. Pooled effect sizes were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Seven RCTs totaling 381 women were included. Two studies comparing transversus abdominis (TrA) training with minimal intervention provided data to be included in a meta-analysis. The results provided very low level quality evidence that TrA training reduced IRD (MD = -0.63 cm, 95% confidence interval: -1.25, -0.01, I = 0%). Two studies included curl-up exercises as part of their intervention. Level of evidence based on single trials of high risk of bias show very low evidence that curl-up training is more effective than minimal intervention for treating DRA. Similarly, analyses based on single trials provided low to very low quality evidence that PFM training is not more effective than minimal intervention for treating DRA.
CONCLUSION
There is currently very low-quality scientific evidence to recommend specific exercise programs in the treatment of DRA postpartum.
Topics: Diastasis, Muscle; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Postpartum Period; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 34391661
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2021.06.006 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2020About one-third of women have urinary incontinence (UI) and up to one-tenth have faecal incontinence (FI) after childbirth. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
About one-third of women have urinary incontinence (UI) and up to one-tenth have faecal incontinence (FI) after childbirth. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended during pregnancy and after birth for both preventing and treating incontinence. This is an update of a Cochrane Review previously published in 2017.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of PFMT for preventing or treating urinary and faecal incontinence in pregnant or postnatal women, and summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.
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, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and handsearched journals and conference proceedings (searched 7 August 2019), and the reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials in which one arm included PFMT. Another arm was no PFMT, usual antenatal or postnatal care, another control condition, or an alternative PFMT intervention. Populations included women who, at randomisation, were continent (PFMT for prevention) or incontinent (PFMT for treatment), and a mixed population of women who were one or the other (PFMT for prevention or treatment).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias. We extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 46 trials involving 10,832 women from 21 countries. Overall, trials were small to moderately-sized. The PFMT programmes and control conditions varied considerably and were often poorly described. Many trials were at moderate to high risk of bias. Two participants in a study of 43 pregnant women performing PFMT for prevention of incontinence withdrew due to pelvic floor pain. No other trials reported any adverse effects of PFMT. Prevention of UI: compared with usual care, continent pregnant women performing antenatal PFMT probably have a lower risk of reporting UI in late pregnancy (62% less; risk ratio (RR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 0.72; 6 trials, 624 women; moderate-quality evidence). Antenatal PFMT slightly decreased the risk of UI in the mid-postnatal period (more than three to six months' postpartum) (29% less; RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.95; 5 trials, 673 women; high-quality evidence). There was insufficient information available for the late postnatal period (more than six to 12 months) to determine effects at this time point (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.21; 1 trial, 44 women; low-quality evidence). Treatment of UI: compared with usual care, there is no evidence that antenatal PFMT in incontinent women decreases incontinence in late pregnancy (very low-quality evidence), or in the mid-(RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.24; 1 trial, 187 women; low-quality evidence), or late postnatal periods (very low-quality evidence). Similarly, in postnatal women with persistent UI, there is no evidence that PFMT results in a difference in UI at more than six to 12 months postpartum (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.07; 3 trials; 696 women; low-quality evidence). Mixed prevention and treatment approach to UI: antenatal PFMT in women with or without UI probably decreases UI risk in late pregnancy (22% less; RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.94; 11 trials, 3307 women; moderate-quality evidence), and may reduce the risk slightly in the mid-postnatal period (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.97; 5 trials, 1921 women; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence that antenatal PFMT reduces the risk of UI at late postpartum (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.14; 2 trials, 244 women; moderate-quality evidence). For PFMT started after delivery, there was uncertainty about the effect on UI risk in the late postnatal period (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.09; 3 trials, 826 women; moderate-quality evidence). Faecal incontinence: eight trials reported FI outcomes. In postnatal women with persistent FI, it was uncertain whether PFMT reduced incontinence in the late postnatal period compared to usual care (very low-quality evidence). In women with or without FI, there was no evidence that antenatal PFMT led to a difference in the prevalence of FI in late pregnancy (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.14; 3 trials, 910 women; moderate-quality evidence). Similarly, for postnatal PFMT in a mixed population, there was no evidence that PFMT reduces the risk of FI in the late postnatal period (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.13 to 4.21; 1 trial, 107 women, low-quality evidence). There was little evidence about effects on UI or FI beyond 12 months' postpartum. There were few incontinence-specific quality of life data and little consensus on how to measure it.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review provides evidence that early, structured PFMT in early pregnancy for continent women may prevent the onset of UI in late pregnancy and postpartum. Population approaches (recruiting antenatal women regardless of continence status) may have a smaller effect on UI, although the reasons for this are unclear. A population-based approach for delivering postnatal PFMT is not likely to reduce UI. Uncertainty surrounds the effects of PFMT as a treatment for UI in antenatal and postnatal women, which contrasts with the more established effectiveness in mid-life women. It is possible that the effects of PFMT might be greater with targeted rather than mixed prevention and treatment approaches, and in certain groups of women. Hypothetically, for instance, women with a high body mass index (BMI) are at risk of UI. Such uncertainties require further testing and data on duration of effect are also needed. The physiological and behavioural aspects of exercise programmes must be described for both PFMT and control groups, and how much PFMT women in both groups do, to increase understanding of what works and for whom. Few data exist on FI and it is important that this is included in any future trials. It is essential that future trials use valid measures of incontinence-specific quality of life for both urinary and faecal incontinence. In addition to further clinical studies, economic evaluations assessing the cost-effectiveness of different management strategies for FI and UI are needed.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Postnatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care; Puerperal Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 32378735
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007471.pub4 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Apr 2022Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor (PFH) is a disabling condition with urological, gynecological and gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual problems and chronic pelvic pain,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor (PFH) is a disabling condition with urological, gynecological and gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual problems and chronic pelvic pain, impacting quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a first-line intervention, yet no systematic review on the efficacy of PFPT for the treatment of PFH has been conducted.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically appraise the current literature on efficacy of PFPT modalities related to PFH.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until February 2020. A manual search from reference lists of included articles was performed. Ongoing trials were reviewed using clinicaltrial.gov. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective - and retrospective cohorts and case-study analyses were included. Outcome measures were pelvic floor muscle tone and function, pain reports, sexual function, pelvic floor symptom scores, quality of life and patients' perceived effect.
RESULTS
The literature search resulted in 10 eligible studies including 4 RCTs, 5 prospective studies, and 1 case study published between 2000 and 2019. Most studies had a high risk of bias associated with the lack of a comparison group, insufficient sample sizes and non-standardized interventions. Six studies were of low and 4 of medium quality. All studies were narratively reviewed. Three of 4 RCTs found positive effects of PFPT compared to controls on five out of 6 outcome measures. The prospective studies found significant improvements in all outcome measures that were assessed. PFPT seems to be efficacious in patients with chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, vulvodynia, and dyspareunia. Smallest effects were seen in patients with interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this systematic review suggest that PFPT can be beneficial in patients with PFH. Further high-quality RCTs should be performed to confirm the effectiveness of PFPT in the treatment of PFH. van Reijn-Baggen DA, Han-Geurts IJM, Voorham-van der Zalm PJ, et al. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity: A Systematic Review of Treatment Efficacy. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:209-230.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34127429
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.03.002 -
The British Journal of Surgery Nov 2022Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal wall incision. Surgical technique is an important risk factor for the development of incisional hernia. The aim...
BACKGROUND
Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal wall incision. Surgical technique is an important risk factor for the development of incisional hernia. The aim of these updated guidelines was to provide recommendations to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed on 22 January 2022. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network instrument was used to evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses, RCTs, and cohort studies. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to appraise the certainty of the evidence. The guidelines group consisted of surgical specialists, a biomedical information specialist, certified guideline methodologist, and patient representative.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine papers were included covering seven key questions, and weak recommendations were made for all of these. Laparoscopic surgery and non-midline incisions are suggested to be preferred when safe and feasible. In laparoscopic surgery, suturing the fascial defect of trocar sites of 10 mm and larger is advised, especially after single-incision laparoscopic surgery and at the umbilicus. For closure of an elective midline laparotomy, a continuous small-bites suturing technique with a slowly absorbable suture is suggested. Prophylactic mesh augmentation after elective midline laparotomy can be considered to reduce the risk of incisional hernia; a permanent synthetic mesh in either the onlay or retromuscular position is advised.
CONCLUSION
These updated guidelines may help surgeons in selecting the optimal approach and location of abdominal wall incisions.
Topics: Humans; Abdominal Wall; Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; Incisional Hernia; Laparotomy; Suture Techniques; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 36026550
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac302 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2020The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of six core muscles (the rectus abdominis, the internal...
The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of six core muscles (the rectus abdominis, the internal and external oblique, the transversus abdominis, the lumbar multifidus, and the erector spinae) during core physical fitness exercises in healthy adults. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the Cochrane, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases for studies from January 2012 to March 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) the full text available in English; b) a cross-sectional or longitudinal (experimental or cohorts) study design; c) the reporting of electromyographic activity as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVIC), millivolts or microvolts; d) an analysis of the rectus abdominis (RA), transversus abdominis (TA), lumbar multifidus (MUL), erector spinae (ES), and the internal (IO) or external oblique (EO); e) an analysis of physical fitness exercises for core training; and f) healthy adult participants. The main findings indicate that the greatest activity of the RA, EO, and ES muscles was found in free-weight exercises. The greatest IO activity was observed in core stability exercises, while traditional exercises showed the greatest MUL activation. However, a lack of research regarding TA activation during core physical fitness exercises was revealed, in addition to a lack of consistency between the studies when applying methods to measure EMG activity.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Electromyography; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Fitness
PubMed: 32560185
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124306 -
The Journal of Pain Apr 2022Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common among older adults. This systematic review aimed to summarize: (1) the prevalence and incidence of CLBP in older adults, and (2)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Prevalence, Incidence, and Factors Associated With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common among older adults. This systematic review aimed to summarize: (1) the prevalence and incidence of CLBP in older adults, and (2) demographic, psychological, and clinical factors positively/negatively associated with prevalence/incidence of CLBP among older adults. Four databases were searched to identify relevant publications. Ten studies (31,080 older adults) were included after being screened by 5 independent reviewers using predetermined criteria. The methodological quality of these studies was evaluated by standardized tools. The quality of evidence for all factors were appraised by modified GRADE for cohort studies. Twenty-eight and 1 factors were associated with a higher prevalence and a lower 5-year cumulative incidence of CLBP, respectively. No prognostic factor was identified. There was very limited to limited evidence that females, obesity, anxiety, depression, mental disorders, self-expectation of recovery, self-perceived health status, lifestyle (smoking, daily fluoride consumption), previous falls or lower body injury, retirement/disability due to ill health, family history of body pain, comorbidity (knee osteoarthritis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with/without hypertension), weak abdominal muscles, leg pain, leg pain intensity, widespread pain, pain interference on functioning, use of pain medication, occupational exposure (driving for >20 years, or jobs involving bending/twisting for >10 years), disc space narrowing and severe facet osteoarthritis were significantly related to a higher prevalence of CLBP in older adults. However, very limited evidence suggested that intermediate level of leisure-time physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of CLBP in older adults. Given the aging population and limited information regarding risk factors for CLBP in older adults, future high-quality prospective studies should identify relevant risk factors to help develop proper preventive and treatment strategies. PERSPECTIVE: Despite the high prevalence of non-specific chronic low back pain among older adults, there is only very limited to limited evidence regarding factors associated with a higher prevalence of chronic low back pain in this population. Given the aging population, high-quality prospective studies are warranted to address this gap.
Topics: Aged; Chronic Pain; Female; Humans; Incidence; Independent Living; Low Back Pain; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 34450274
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.07.012 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2019Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly used for urine loss. However, research studies have not determined which training load is the most effective for women with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly used for urine loss. However, research studies have not determined which training load is the most effective for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Moreover, none of the previous reviews or studies have described the total effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with an objective test such as the pad test. The objectives were to analyze the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women with SUI and to determine which training load produces the greatest adaptations for decreasing urine loss. The search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane), for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PFMT. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: participants were women; were older than 18; had SUI; were treated with PFMT; and the assessments of the effects were measured with a pad test. Finally, 10 articles (293 women) analyzed the pad test in women with SUI who performed PFMT. The meta-analysis showed that PFMT, independent of the protocol used in the study, resulted in decreased urine loss in women suffering from SUI. However, for large effects, the program should last 6-12 weeks, with >3 sessions/week and a length of session <45 min.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 31717291
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224358 -
Aging and Disease Feb 2022Aging is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death around the world. Recently, cellular senescence has received potential... (Review)
Review
Aging is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death around the world. Recently, cellular senescence has received potential attention as a promising target in preventing cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cardiac aging, pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, heart regeneration, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying cellular senescence and describe the involvement of senescent cardiovascular cells (including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and T cells) in age-related cardiovascular diseases. Then, we highlight the targets (SIRT1 and mTOR) that regulating cellular senescence in cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, we review the evidence that senescent cells can exert both beneficial and detrimental implications in cardiovascular diseases on a context-dependent manner. Finally, we summarize the emerging pro-senescent or anti-senescent interventions and discuss their therapeutic potential in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
PubMed: 35111365
DOI: 10.14336/AD.2021.0927 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Feb 2023Urinary incontinence in the postpartum period is related to biomechanical and hormonal changes that occur during the obstetric period and also related to perineal trauma... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Urinary incontinence in the postpartum period is related to biomechanical and hormonal changes that occur during the obstetric period and also related to perineal trauma during childbirth. Physiotherapy is currently presented as one of the conservative options for the treatment of urinary incontinence at this stage, so this review aims to go over scientific literature to assess the effect of physiotherapy on postpartum urinary incontinence.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In February 2022, a bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Medline, PeDRO and Sport Discuss databases. Studies published within the last 10 years and randomized clinical trials that used physiotherapy techniques for the treatment of postpartum urinary incontinence were identified, but those articles that differ from the objective of the work and those that were duplicated in the databases were excluded.
RESULTS
Out of the 51 articles identified, 8 were finally included that fit the criteria and the subject of the study. Regarding the intervention, we have found that all the articles refer to pelvic floor muscle training. In addition to urinary incontinence, these studies evaluated other variables such as strength, resistance, quality of life and sexual function, obtaining significant results in 6 out of all the studies consulted.
CONCLUSIONS
Pelvic floor muscle training is beneficial for the treatment of urinary incontinence in the postpartum period, then supervised and controlled exercise combined with a home training routine is recommended. It is not clear whether the benefits are maintained over time.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Exercise Therapy; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence; Postpartum Period; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 36914417
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20237601.2