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The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2024Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far.
AIM
In this study, we sought to summarize the best available evidence about the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating VL, whether conservative or surgical.
METHODS
A comprehensive search strategy was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for reports of clinical trials published from database inception to September 2022. Studies selected for inclusion were in the English language and were performed to investigate any type of treatment for VL, with or without a comparator, whether nonrandomized studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case reports and studies without a clear definition of VL were excluded.
OUTCOMES
The outcomes were interventions (laser, radiofrequency, surgery, and topical treatment), adverse effects, sexual function, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and improvement of VL by the VL questionnaire (VLQ).
RESULTS
From 816 records, 38 studies remained in the final analysis. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) were the energy-based treatment devices most frequently studied. Pooled data from eight observational studies have shown improved sexual function assessed by a Female Sexual Function Index score mean difference (MD) of 6.51 (95% CI, 5.61-7.42; i2 = 85%, P < .01) before and after intervention, whether by RF (MD, 6.00; 95% CI, 4.26-7.73; i2 = 80%; P < .001) or laser (MD, 6.83; 95% CI, 5.01-8.65; i2 = 92%; P < .01). However, this finding was not shown when only 3 RCTs were included, even when separated by type of intervention (RF or laser). When RF treatment was compared to sham controls, VLQ scores did not improve (MD, 1.01; 95% CI, -0.38 to 2.40; i2 = 94%; P < .001). Patient PFM strength improved after interventions were performed (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.02-7.42; i2 = 77%; P < .001). The ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool classified all non-RCTs at serious risk of bias, except for 1 study, and the risk of bias-1 analysis found a low and unclear risk of bias for all RCTs. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of the evidence was moderate for sexual function and the VLQ questionnaire and low for PFM strength.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Sexual function in women with VL who underwent RF and laser treatment improved in observational studies but not in RCTs. Improvement in PFM strength was observed in women with VL after the intervention.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
Crucial issues were raised for the understanding of VL, such as lack of standardization of the definition and for the development of future prospective studies. A limitation of the study was that the heterogeneity of the interventions and different follow-up periods did not make it possible to pool all available data.
CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal tightening did not improve sensation in women with VL after intervention, whereas RF and laser improved sexual function in women with VL according to data from observational studies, but not from RCTs. PFM strength was improved after intervention in women with VL.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vagina; Laser Therapy; Pelvic Floor; Radiofrequency Therapy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 38508858
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae028 -
Ginekologia Polska Mar 2024Urinary incontinence is pelvic floor muscles dysfunction, most often caused by a weakening of their strength. There are no guidelines on how to evaluate pelvic floor...
OBJECTIVES
Urinary incontinence is pelvic floor muscles dysfunction, most often caused by a weakening of their strength. There are no guidelines on how to evaluate pelvic floor muscle function. Palpation is the most popular method of assessing pelvic floor muscle function, but it is subjective. The aim of the study was to review the objective methods used in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle function in women with urinary incontinence.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic literature review of the PubMed database was performed using the following keywords: ["Pelvic Floor" (mh)] AND [("Pelvic Floor Disorders" (mh)] OR ["Urinary Incontinence" (mh)]. The search was limited to English-language works published from 2011 to 2021. The inclusion criteria were interventional studies in which the pelvic floor muscle function of women with urinary incontinence was assessed using quantitative tools. Methods that cannot be used in the clinic were excluded from the analysis.
RESULTS
Fifty-two articles were included in the analysis and five methods assessing the function of pelvic floor muscle were distinguished: manometry, electromyography (EMG), ultrasonography (USG), dynamometry, accelerometry.
CONCLUSIONS
Manometry, EMG and USG are the most common objective methods of assessing pelvic floor muscle function. When taking measurements, it is important to choose the right position of the patient. The use of objective tools to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscle and obtaining quantitative and/or qualitative data allows us to precisely diagnose and monitor the treatment and rehabilitation progress.
PubMed: 38506479
DOI: 10.5603/gpl.90873 -
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Mar 2024Understanding the status of pelvic floor disorder (PFD) disparities research will allow the opportunity to advance future pelvic floor equity efforts.
IMPORTANCE
Understanding the status of pelvic floor disorder (PFD) disparities research will allow the opportunity to advance future pelvic floor equity efforts.
OBJECTIVES
The aims of the study were to (1) characterize the landscape of PFD disparities literature using the 3 phases of disparities research framework, (2) describe the characteristics of PFD disparities studies, and (3) identify critical knowledge gaps.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications addressing disparities in PFDs among U.S. populations from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, or the Cochrane Database indexed between 1997 and 2022. Using the triphasic framework for advancing health disparities research by Kilbourne et al (Am J Public Health. 2006;96(12):2113-21), we categorized the included studies into the detecting phase (identifies and measures disparities in historically marginalized populations), understanding phase (establishes disparity determinants), or reducing phase (conducts interventions to alleviate inequities). All screening, coding, and quality reviews were independently performed by at least 2 authors. We used descriptive analysis and the χ2 test for comparisons.
RESULTS
The initial search identified 10,178 studies, of which 123 were included. Of the included studies, 98 (79.7%), 22 (17.9%), and 3 (2.4%) studies were detecting, understanding, and reducing phase research, respectively. The most common disparity category investigated was race and ethnicity (104 studies), and one third of these studies attributed drivers of racial and ethnic differences to structural influences. Publications of detecting phase studies outpaced the growth of understanding and reducing phase research.
CONCLUSIONS
Most PFD disparities research focused on identifying historically marginalized populations with inadequate progression to understanding and reducing phases. We recommend progressing PFD disparities research beyond the detecting phase to advance health equity in PFD care.
PubMed: 38465998
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001469 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Mar 2024Mobile health interventions delivered through mobile apps are increasingly used in physiotherapy care. This may be because of the potential of apps to facilitate changes...
BACKGROUND
Mobile health interventions delivered through mobile apps are increasingly used in physiotherapy care. This may be because of the potential of apps to facilitate changes in behavior, which is central to the aims of care delivered by physiotherapists. A benefit of using apps is their ability to incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) that can optimize the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions. Research continues to suggest that despite their importance, behavior change strategies are often missing in patient management. Evaluating mobile apps that physiotherapists can use to drive behavior change may inform clinical practice and potentially improve patient outcomes. Examining the quality of apps and exploring their key features that can support behavior change and physiotherapy care are important aspects of such an evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of this study was to describe the range of mobile apps in app stores that are intended for use by patients to support physiotherapy care. The secondary aims were to assess app quality, BCTs, and their behavior change potential.
METHODS
A systematic review of mobile apps in app stores was undertaken. The Apple App Store and Google Play were searched using a 2-step search strategy, using terms relevant to the physiotherapy discipline. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied: apps had to be intended for use by patients and be self-contained (or stand-alone) without the requirement to be used in conjunction with a partner wearable device or another plugin. Included apps were coded for BCTs using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1. App quality was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale, and the App Behavior Change Scale was used to assess the app's potential to change behavior.
RESULTS
In total, 1240 apps were screened, and 35 were included. Of these 35 apps, 22 (63%) were available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play platforms. In total, 24 (69%) were general in their focus (eg, not condition-specific), with the remaining 11 (31%) being more specific (eg, knee rehabilitation and pelvic floor training). The mean app quality score (Mobile App Rating Scale) was 3.7 (SD 0.4) of 5 (range 2.8-4.5). The mean number of BCTs identified per app was 8.5 (SD 3.6). BCTs most frequently included in the apps were instruction on how to perform a behavior (n=32), action planning (n=30), and self-monitoring of behavior (n=28). The mean behavior change potential score (App Behavior Change Scale) was 8.5 (SD 3.1) of 21 (range 3-15).
CONCLUSIONS
Mobile apps available to support patient care received from a physiotherapist are of variable quality. Although they contain some BCTs, the potential for behavior change varied widely across apps.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR2-10.2196/29047.
Topics: Humans; Behavior Therapy; Mobile Applications; Patients; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38437018
DOI: 10.2196/55003 -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jan 2024Hypopressive exercises (HE) are postural and breathing exercises that activate deep muscles in the abdomen and pelvic floor. Despite this, there is still no consensus in... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hypopressive exercises (HE) are postural and breathing exercises that activate deep muscles in the abdomen and pelvic floor. Despite this, there is still no consensus in the literature on its real effectiveness. The objective was to analyze the effects of HE on the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles in women with or without dysfunctions in these regions.
METHODS
This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials found in the PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, and Embase databases. We include studies that evaluate the effects of HE (with or without other techniques) on the pelvic floor and abdominal region for 8 weeks or more, in women over 18 years old, with or without dysfunction in these regions, with the presence of a control group (active or passive).
RESULTS
HE were effective in improving strength, tone, and reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctions, in magnitude less than (in two studies) or equal (in one study) to the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). When HE were performed with PFMT in the same group, no additional benefits were found. Only one study evaluated abdominal muscles activation, where HE were effective in improving postural control and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle.
CONCLUSIONS
The HE presented positive results to the evaluated parameters. However, the information is still preliminary and scarce. There are methodological divergences regarding the execution, follow-up and standardization of the method, which could affect the results. According to the existing information, HE cannot yet be reliably indicated for the treatment of the pelvic floor, despite pointing out relevant results in some studies. More randomized clinical trials and long-term studies are needed to analyze the effects of HE not only for pelvic floor, but also for other regions, such as abdominal muscles and related dysfunctions.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Pelvic Floor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Exercise Therapy; Exercise; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38432833
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.03.003 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... May 2024Women have a 11% lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for vaginal prolapse. Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion is one etiological factor associated with primary and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Women have a 11% lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for vaginal prolapse. Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion is one etiological factor associated with primary and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse has been shown to greatly affect the quality of life and well-being of women. Conduct a meta-analysis identifying risk factors associated with LAM avulsion recognised on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in primiparous women after vaginal birth.
STUDY DESIGN
OVID Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 2021 were searched. Review Manager 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration) was used to analyse data. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. The heterogeneity among studies was calculated using the Istatistic.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were eligible for inclusion (n = 9333 women). Major LAM avulsion was diagnosed in an average of 22 % (range 12.7-39.5 %) of cases. Twenty-two studies used TPUS and three used MRI to diagnose avulsion. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors were identified. Significant predictors identified were forceps (OR 6.25 [4.33 - 9.0]), obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OR 3.93 [2.85-5.42]), vacuum (OR 2.41 [1.40-4.16]), and maternal age (OR 1.06 [1.02-1.10]).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first meta-analysis of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with LAM avulsion. This information could be used to develop a clinically applicable risk prediction model to target postnatal women at risk of LAM avulsion with a view to prevent the onset of pelvic floor organ prolapse.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Delivery, Obstetric; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Ultrasonography; Anal Canal; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pelvic Floor
PubMed: 38422805
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.044 -
The French Journal of Urology Feb 2024Current literature highlights the difficulty in identifying which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions are correlated with urinary incontinence (UI).
BACKGROUND
Current literature highlights the difficulty in identifying which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions are correlated with urinary incontinence (UI).
AIM
In this study, we compared parameters of PFM function (strength, endurance, tone, control, reaction, and/or coordination) according to continence status in women (presence or absence, type and/or severity of urinary incontinence).
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Three databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, and LiSSa) were searched from inception to December 31, 2021. Assessment of risk of bias was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The initial research yielded 4733 studies. Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, including 4015 participants. No statistical association was found between PFM function and the presence or absence of UI, the different type of UI or the different levels of severity of UI. The heterogeneity in methodologies and analyzes of the results only with the P-value are important limitations of this review.
CONCLUSION
It appears that muscle function is not always associated with presence or absence of UI. No association is found between PFM function and type or severity of UI. These results reinforce the need to carry out a bio-psycho-social evaluation of UI that does not only focus on PFM functions. As such, the results reported herein can be considered a resource for more specific research.
PubMed: 38377645
DOI: 10.1016/j.fjurol.2024.102592 -
International Journal of Reproductive... Dec 2023Management for pelvic floor disorders needs to be improved. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers an innovative treatment in general medical care to promote cell... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Management for pelvic floor disorders needs to be improved. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers an innovative treatment in general medical care to promote cell regeneration.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to investigate the role of PRP in pelvic floor disorders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
6 international databases were accessed using several keywords namely PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were articles written in English, published in 10-yr period from 2012 until 2022, and investigated the relevant topic. This systematic review followed PRISMA guideline.
RESULTS
644 articles were found in several databases and 15 articles met the criteria. Management for pelvic floor disorders needs to be improved, but there are still many challenges, such as less effective treatments, risk of recurrence, and postoperative wound healing. PRP offers an innovative treatment in general medical care to promote cell regeneration. A total of 644 articles from the database were found, but 15 studies met the criteria. A total of 600 women with various pelvic floor disorders treated with PRP were analyzed. PRP positively impacts female sexual dysfunction, perineal trauma, vulvovaginal atrophy, stress urinary incontinence, vesicovaginal fistula, perineal rupture, and pelvic organ prolapse. Dosages, preparation techniques, injection techniques, and additive materials are varied. Most studies do not report side effects from the therapy, but the urinary disorder complaints must be paid attention to.
CONCLUSION
PRP can be used to manage pelvic floor disorders. Future studies should clarify and standardize the dose in each case and how to make PRP produce the best results.
PubMed: 38370486
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i12.15034 -
Journal of Reproductive and Infant... Feb 2024Postpartum mental health conditions are common and can have devastating effects for both mother and infant. Adverse birth outcomes increase the risk of postnatal mental...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum mental health conditions are common and can have devastating effects for both mother and infant. Adverse birth outcomes increase the risk of postnatal mental health conditions. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common adverse pregnancy outcome that may be a risk factor for postnatal mental health conditions. There are many studies reporting associations between PFD and postnatal mental health conditions, but no reports have synthesised the current literature as it relates to pregnancy and the postpartum period.
METHODS
A research librarian conducted systematic literature searches using terms concerning PFD, postnatal mental health conditions, and pregnancy. Searches were conducted within PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus. Two reviewers independently rated each study for inclusion and study quality. No studies were excluded based on quality.
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies were included for review. Articles addressed sexual dysfunction ( = 11), incontinence ( = 21), perineal laceration ( = 13), pelvic organ prolapse ( = 2), and general pelvic floor symptoms ( = 2) and associations with postnatal mental health conditions. Two articles addressed more than one type of PFD. The majority (44 studies) reported associations between PFD and adverse postnatal mental health conditions.
DISCUSSION
Most studies included for review found consistent associations between PFD and adverse mental health conditions. Healthcare providers should screen for PFD and postnatal mental health conditions early in the postpartum period. Future research should investigate whether the treatment of PFD can modify the associations between PFD and postnatal mental health conditions.
PubMed: 38357811
DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2314720 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2023Botulinum toxin (BoNT) administration has been proposed in the gynecologic field for pelvic, vulvar and vaginal disorders. On this regard, we aimed assessing the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Botulinum toxin (BoNT) administration has been proposed in the gynecologic field for pelvic, vulvar and vaginal disorders. On this regard, we aimed assessing the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of BoNT usage in the treatment of vaginal, vulvar and pelvic pain disorders.
METHODS
We searched for all the original articles without date restriction until 31.12.2021. We included all the original articles which administered botulinum toxin in the vulva or vagina of women suffering from vaginismus, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain. Only English language studies and those performed in humans were eligible. We excluded all case reports and pilot study from the qualitative analysis, although we accurately evaluated them. 22 original studies were finally included in the systematic review.
RESULTS
Botulinum toxin injection was found to be effective in improving vulvar and vaginal dyspareunia, vaginismus, and chronic pelvic pain. No irreversible side effects were detected. Major side effects reported were transient urinary or fecal incontinence, constipation and rectal pain. The risk of bias assessment proved original articles to be of medium quality. No metanalysis could have been performed since lack of congruency in the definition of pathology and methods of botulinum toxin administration.
CONCLUSION
Data extraction pointed out different endpoints and different methods of analysis. Studies focus on different types of participants and use various techniques and timing. According to the best evidence available, different techniques provide evidence about positive outcomes, with the need for a standardized protocol.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dyspareunia; Vaginismus; Pilot Projects; Botulinum Toxins; Vulva; Pelvic Pain; Chronic Pain; Pelvic Floor; Vagina; Botulinum Toxins, Type A
PubMed: 38353087
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.028