E-Posters-Does Educational Program of Pelvic Floor Muscle with Vaginal Palpation Improve the Motor Control of the Pelvic Floor Muscle of Women with Urinary Incontinence? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Does Educational Program of Pelvic Floor Muscle with Vaginal Palpation Improve the Motor Control of the Pelvic Floor Muscle of Women with Urinary Incontinence? A Randomized Controlled Trial - Maria Bortolini

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This study aimed to investigate whether an educational program, which included vaginal palpation, could improve the motor control of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A total of 73 women with SUI participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (educational program with vaginal palpation) or the control group (educational program with verbal instructions). Both groups attended four 60-minute sessions at an outpatient clinic.<br /><br />The primary outcome measure was the number of fast-twitch contractions, while secondary measures included voluntary contraction of the PFM, contraction of other muscles in addition to PFM, muscular endurance, and self-perception of the effectiveness of perineal exercises. The researchers involved in data acquisition and analysis were blind to group allocation.<br /><br />Results showed that the educational program with anatomy, function of the PFM, body awareness, and vaginal palpation did not improve motor control of the PFM when compared to the verbal program. Both groups demonstrated a reduction in the association of gluteus, abdominal, and adductor muscles after the intervention.<br /><br />In terms of demographics and clinical characteristics, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. The average age of participants was around 55 years, with an average body mass index of 30. The duration of symptoms ranged from around 2 to 3 months. <br /><br />In conclusion, the educational program with vaginal palpation did not lead to improved motor control of the PFM compared to the verbal program. This study was funded by the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES) Research Foundation.

Keywords

educational program

vaginal palpation

motor control

pelvic floor muscles

stress urinary incontinence

SUI

experimental group

control group

fast-twitch contractions

perineal exercises