E-Posters-Eletromyography Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women: A Systematic Review of Literature

Eletromyography Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women: A Systematic Review of Literature - Ana Paula Miranda-Gazzola, PT, MSc

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A systematic review of the literature was conducted to document the protocols used in electromyography (EMG) evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). EMG is commonly used by physiotherapists to assess and treat women with PFD. The review found that there is no standardized protocol for EMG evaluation of the PFM. <br /><br />The review included studies published between 1995 and 2017, and the search was performed in the PubMed database. The inclusion criteria were EMG of the PFM in adult women with and without PFD, while women with neurological disorders were excluded. A total of 303 full-text articles were reviewed, with 152 meeting the inclusion criteria.<br /><br />The review found that there is a wide variety of protocols used in EMG evaluation of the PFM. The brand of the electromyograph used was not commonly specified, with only a few studies mentioning the brand. The types of active electrodes used included intravaginal, anal, and surface electrodes over the perineum, with some studies not specifying the type. The location of the ground electrode varied, with the wrist, malleolus, and iliac spine being commonly used. The positioning of the women during the EMG evaluation varied, with the supine position being the most common.<br /><br />In terms of testing parameters, a majority of studies reported the duration of contraction, with 60 seconds being the most commonly used. However, other parameters such as rest between contractions and maximum voluntary contraction were less frequently reported. Overall, the review found that many studies did not clearly specify the EMG protocols used, making it difficult to compare and replicate the findings.<br /><br />In conclusion, there is a lack of standardized protocols for EMG evaluation of the PFM in women with and without PFD. It is important for future studies to clearly describe the EMG protocols used, which will enable better comparison and replication of findings. <br /><br />References:<br />1. Pereira LC, Botelho S, Marques J, et al. Electromyographic Pelvic Floor Activity: Is There Impact During The Female Life Cycle? Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2016;35:230-234.<br />2. Pedraza R, Nieto J, Ibarra S, et al. Pelvic muscle rehabilitation: A standardized protocol for pelvic floor dysfunction. Adv Urol. 2014;2014:487436.<br />3. Tahan N, Arab AM, Vaseghi B, et al. Electromyographic evaluation of abdominal-muscle function with and without concomitant pelvic-floor muscle contraction. J Sport Rehabil. 2013;22:108-14.<br />4. Hermie J, et al. Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000;10:361-374.

Keywords

systematic review

literature

electromyography

EMG evaluation

pelvic floor muscles

women

pelvic floor dysfunction

PFD

protocols

physiotherapists