Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Principles

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Questions and Answers

When designing a pelvic floor muscle training program, which principle emphasizes tailoring the program to account for differences in age, past injuries, and hormonal status?

  • Reversibility
  • Overload
  • Individuality (correct)
  • Specificity

A client has been performing pelvic floor muscle exercises for 6 weeks and reports no improvement. According to muscle training principles, what adjustment should be considered FIRST?

  • Switch to a completely different type of exercise.
  • Reduce the intensity of the exercises to prevent fatigue.
  • Discontinue the exercises as they are ineffective.
  • Increase the training volume to promote strength gain. (correct)

A patient is assessed using transabdominal ultrasound, and the physiotherapist observes minimal bladder base movement during a pelvic floor muscle contraction. What is the MOST likely limitation of this finding?

  • Transabdominal ultrasound accurately measures resting muscle tone.
  • Transabdominal ultrasound precisely quantifies the effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure.
  • Transabdominal ultrasound provides a direct measure of levator ani muscle function.
  • Transabdominal ultrasound cannot assess pelvic floor muscle strength. (correct)

Which of the following statements BEST describes the role of real-time ultrasound in pelvic floor muscle assessment?

<p>It provides visual feedback to assist patients in correctly contracting their pelvic floor muscles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physiotherapist is using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) to rate pelvic floor muscle strength. Which score indicates a 'moderate' contraction with lift?

<p>3 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the PRIMARY recommendation for the initial management of urinary incontinence?

<p>Pelvic floor muscle training (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When instructing a male patient on how to perform a pelvic floor muscle squeeze to improve urinary control, which cue should be emphasized?

<p>Squeezing around the front passage and lifting the scrotum. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cues is MOST important to give a patient during pelvic floor muscle exercises to ensure correct technique?

<p>Relax your thighs and buttocks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When progressing a patient's pelvic floor muscle training program, what factor should be considered FIRST?

<p>The change in the patient's signs and symptoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge to long-term adherence to pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>Patients perceive minimal benefit from the therapy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST crucial element of informed consent before performing any pelvic floor assessment or treatment?

<p>Explaining the procedure, its effects, risks, and alternatives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an internal digital examination of the pelvic floor muscles, what aspect CANNOT be assessed?

<p>Resting bladder volume. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports difficulty relaxing their pelvic floor muscles after contractions. Which of the following instructions would be MOST appropriate?

<p>Focus on consciously releasing the muscles and ensuring complete relaxation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When initiating pelvic floor muscle training, which position is typically considered the EASIEST for a patient?

<p>Lying (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physiotherapist is explaining the importance of incorporating functional activities into a pelvic floor muscle training program. Which statement BEST describes the rationale?

<p>Pelvic floor muscles need to be exercised in a variety of contexts specific to the individual's problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is MOST important for a client to understand to maintain long-term adherence to pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>The benefits of the therapy and its relevance to their specific condition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the BEST strategy for improving a client’s adherence to a pelvic floor muscle training program if they report a lack of time?

<p>Integrating pelvic floor exercises into existing daily routines. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient expresses concern about the invasiveness of an internal digital examination. What is the MOST appropriate response from the physiotherapist?

<p>Explain the benefits of the examination while respecting their concerns and offering alternative assessment methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of goal setting for pelvic floor muscle training, what is the MOST effective approach?

<p>Breaking the task down into smaller, achievable steps and revisiting goals as needed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a transabdominal ultrasound assessment, a full bladder is required. What is the PRIMARY reason for this requirement?

<p>To improve visualization of the pelvic floor muscles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should physiotherapists address potential barriers to long-term adherence in their patients?

<p>By providing tangible evidence, regular follow-ups, and an individualized approach. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'value-driven' goals in pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>They are more motivating than objective goals because they align with the patient's personal values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are assessing a male patient with urinary incontinence post-prostatectomy. Which of the following internal assessment techniques is described in the text?

<p>Transperineal ultrasound (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a Modified Oxford Scale score of 2/5 is likely to demonstrate?

<p>A weak contraction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physiotherapist uses transabdominal ultrasound to assess the pelvic floor muscles of a male client who has urinary stress incontinence. During contraction, the bladder base moves superiorly by 0.5 cm. The MOST appropriate action is to:

<p>recognise that this measurement does not provide information on pelvic floor muscle strength (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient asks about the difference between transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound. You tell her:

<p>Transperineal ultrasound is more highly invasive than transabdominal ultrasound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are treating a female patient with stress urinary incontinence. On internal examination, you note the pelvic floor muscles can initiate a contraction only when lightly palpated. The Oxford Grading you would most likely give is?

<p>1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A post-partum client who has stress incontinence has plateaued in her pelvic floor muscle training. She can contract and hold her pelvic floor muscles for 8 seconds, and perform 10 fast repetitions. Her goal is to return to running. The MOST appropriate progression is to:

<p>incorporate pelvic floor exercises during functional activities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client returns for a follow-up appointment after two weeks of pelvic floor muscle training. Which of the following subjective reports suggests the need to modify the training program?

<p>Persistent lower abdominal pain after performing the exercises (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What level of evidence supports pelvic floor muscle training as a first line of treatment for incontinence?

<p>Level 1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors has the MOST influence on positive outcomes in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation?

<p>Motivation and adherence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When explaining the concept of 'overload' in pelvic floor muscle training, you should highlight:

<p>Training with a stimulus that is greater than what the body is accustomed to. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the principle of overload, what statement BEST explains the concept of progression?

<p>A slow, consistent increase in the training stimulus to facilitate adaptation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can physiotherapists promote positive client perception of PFMT benefits?

<p>by demonstrating tangible evidence or feedback to patients on PFMT benefits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is unable to make their own decisions regarding medical treatment. According to this content, what should happen?

<p>Consent will, when practical, be sought from their next-of-kin or enduring guardian (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client describes what ‘minimal benefit’ will look like to them as part of their pelvic floor physio treatment. According to the content, this should be seen as?

<p>a barrier to success if the client perceives the benefit as minimal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What instruction should be emphasized when training men with urinary control issues?

<p>Tighten around the base of your penis as if you are stopping the flow of urine while drawing your scrotum up towards your body. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client demonstrates correct pelvic floor muscle contraction technique but reports difficulty feeling the 'lift' described during the contraction. What is the MOST appropriate initial strategy?

<p>Provide real-time ultrasound biofeedback to improve awareness of muscle movement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physiotherapist is designing a pelvic floor muscle training program, and considering the principle of 'specificity'. Which exercise would BEST target the muscles needed for preventing urine leakage during high-impact activities like running?

<p>Fast, short duration pelvic floor muscle contractions performed in a standing position. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient has been performing pelvic floor muscle training consistently for 3 months and has plateaued in their progress. They can perform 10 repetitions of a 5-second hold with good technique. Which modification to the program BEST applies the 'overload' principle?

<p>Increase the hold time to 8 seconds while maintaining the same number of repetitions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client returns for a follow-up appointment and reports inconsistent adherence to their pelvic floor muscle training program due to a busy work schedule. What is the MOST effective strategy to improve their adherence?

<p>Suggest integrating pelvic floor muscle exercises into existing daily activities, such as while driving or brushing teeth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physiotherapist is preparing to perform an internal digital examination of a patient's pelvic floor muscles. After explaining the procedure, its benefits, and risks, the patient expresses hesitancy and requests more information about alternative assessment methods. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?

<p>Acknowledge the patient's concerns, provide information on alternative assessment methods like real-time ultrasound, and respect their decision if they decline the internal examination. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle training principle emphasizes the importance of adjusting a pelvic floor muscle training program based on individual differences such as age and hormonal status?

<p>Individuality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to muscle training principles, what should be considered if a client performing pelvic floor muscle exercises for 6 weeks reports no improvement?

<p>Increase the intensity of the exercises (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY purpose of using transabdominal ultrasound in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle function?

<p>To assess the lifting aspect of pelvic floor muscle contraction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of transabdominal ultrasound in pelvic floor muscle assessment?

<p>It is unable to assess the starting position of the pelvic floor muscles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During pelvic floor muscle training, which principle is MOST relevant to increasing muscle strength, not just intensity?

<p>Volume (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might result from overloading a pelvic floor muscle training program too quickly?

<p>Poor technique and fatigue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST likely outcome if a pelvic floor muscle training stimulus is removed over an extended period?

<p>Loss of training effects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is objective assessment of pelvic floor muscle function considered the 'gold standard' for treatment?

<p>It allows for the formulation of a targeted training program. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step in a pelvic floor muscle assessment?

<p>External visual observation of the perineum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using real-time ultrasound for pelvic floor muscle assessment?

<p>It provides visual feedback for the patient (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of transperineal ultrasound compared to transabdominal ultrasound for evaluating pelvic floor muscle function?

<p>It can simultaneously investigate all striated muscles contributing to continence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect can an internal digital examination assess that ultrasound cannot?

<p>Painful areas in muscles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), what term describes a contraction where there is no muscle activation?

<p>Absent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential drawback of incorporating 'half-grades' into the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS)?

<p>Reduced intra-therapist reliability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is included in the International Continence Society's new, simpler grading scale?

<p>Tightening, lifting, and squeezing action (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to progress a patient to functional pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>To improve the muscles' ability to perform under real-life conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when determining the rate of progression in pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>The client's objective improvement, and adherence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the MOST crucial factor for both short-term and long-term success in pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>Motivation and adherence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common long-term adherence rate to pelvic floor muscle training programs?

<p>50% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should physiotherapists recognize about pelvic floor muscle training beyond its physical aspects?

<p>It is also a cognitive behavioral therapy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What client-related factor is cited as a significant barrier to long-term adherence to pelvic floor muscle training?

<p>Patient's perception of minimal benefit of the therapy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy helps improve patient adherence?

<p>Reassessment of factors impeding progress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the GREATEST barrier to success?

<p>A client's perception of minimal benefit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if it is obvious that clients don't think that PFMT will make any difference?

<p>Explain to the client that there is evidence for the treatment you are asking them to do; this will work! (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When setting goals for pelvic floor muscle training, what type of goal is considered more powerful?

<p>A value driven goal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is essential for performing any assessment or treatment?

<p>Informed consent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In non-urgent situations, who should consent be sought from if a patient is unable to make their own decisions?

<p>Their next-of-kin or enduring guardian (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What right does a client ALWAYS have, while they are able to make their own decisions?

<p>To choose from the assessments and treatments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a Grade A recommendation for pelvic floor muscle training for treating incontinence and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) indicate?

<p>It works and should be our first choice of treatment for these issues! (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When instructing a patient on how to perform a pelvic floor muscle squeeze, what image should they focus on?

<p>Tightening muscles to stop passing wind. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should one feel with correct technique?

<p>feel your pelvic floor muscles ‘lift up’ inside you (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a pelvic floor muscle contraction, what movement should a woman focus on feeling?

<p>A 'lift up' inside (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do with their thighs and buttocks while performing pelvic floor muscle exercises?

<p>Relax them (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do if they experience muscle fatigue during pelvic floor muscle exercises?

<p>Stop exercising (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what order should positions be when progressively training?

<p>lying ➟ sitting ➟ standing ➟ movement and function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the easiest position to perform a pelvic floor muscle squeeze?

<p>Lying down (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the hardest position to perform a pelvic floor squeeze?

<p>During movement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should pelvic floor muscles be exercised?

<p>They need to be exercised in a variety of contexts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to commencing any treatment, according to this content, what must you find out?

<p>find out what they can do now, and what they can't do now (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is important to break any goal down?

<p>Because the larger goal is too big to tackle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to this content, what is VERY important to do with goals?

<p>Revisit goals and modify as required. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Effective training of these muscles promotes stability, support, and overall well-being.

Principles of Muscle Training

Training should consider individuality, specificity, overload, progression, and reversibility.

Overload Principle

Adaptation requires a greater stimulus than the body is accustomed to.

Reversibility Principle

The effects of training will be lost if the stimulus is removed over time.

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Gold Standard for Treatment

Objective assessment of pelvic floor muscle function to create a training program.

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Transabdominal Ultrasound

Uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of abdominal structures, including pelvic floor muscles.

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Transperineal Ultrasound

Involves placing the ultrasound transducer on the perineum for a midline view of the pelvis.

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Internal Digital Examination

Involves inserting a finger into the vagina or rectum to assess muscle strength, tone, and painful areas.

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Modified Oxford Scale (MOS)

A 6-point scale used to rate pelvic floor muscle strength, ranging from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (strong contraction).

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Grading scale- International Continence Society

Absent, weak, normal and strong that reflects the total of the tightening, lifting and squeezing action.

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Key Elements of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Strength, endurance, power, agility/speed, timing, coordination, range of motion, contraction quality, and ability to relax.

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Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

First-line treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence, and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

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Performing a Pelvic Floor Squeeze

Tightening muscles as if to stop passing wind or urine, lifting inward and upward.

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Do's and Don'ts of Pelvic Floor Exercises

Feel a lifting sensation rather than a downward movement, relax thighs and buttocks, breathe normally, and stop if muscles fatigue.

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Progression of Exercise Positions

Lying → sitting → standing → movement and function.

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Progression of Training

Essential to continue improving pelvic floor muscle function; determined by client progress and motivation.

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Adherence to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

It is considered crucial to short- and long-term success with motivation and adherence being the most important predictors of positive outcomes.

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Barriers to Long-Term Adherence

Patient's perception of minimal benefit, reduced self-efficacy, poor identification with pelvic anatomy, and low motivation.

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Physiotherapist Role in Improving Adherence

Providing tangible evidence or feedback to patients, regular follow-ups, individualized approach, and supervised programs.

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Informed Consent

Always ask a client for their consent; provide information about the procedure, effects, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

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Specificity in training

Adaptation to training requires specific consideration of the muscle group, intensity, postures, movements, and activities involved.

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Individuality in training

Training should be tailored to the individual's unique characteristics, such as age, injuries, and hormonal status.

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Progression Principle

Increasing training stimulus gradually to avoid fatigue, poor technique, or lack of improvement.

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External Visual Observation

Initial step in assessing pelvic floor muscle function

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Transabdominal Ultrasound for PF

Non-invasive technique providing visual feedback using sound waves to assess the lifting action via movement of bladder base.

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PFM Relaxation

Pelvic floor muscle relaxation can be described as: absent, partial, or complete.

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Instructions for women

Tighten front, vagina and back passage strongly, hold for 3-5 seconds, feel muscles 'lift up' and relax.

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Instructions for men…

Tighten front passage and back passage, and lift your scrotum, as strongly as possible and hold for three to five seconds.

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Key to Informed Consent

Explanation includes procedure, effects, success, risks, benefits and alternatives.

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Most important barriers to success

Explain there is evidence the treatment will work, ask about their beleifs and opinions.

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Physiotherapists need to

Follow appointments, reassess factors impeding progress, individualise treatment.

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Barriers to long term PFMT adherence

Client perception of minimal benefit is the greatest barrier to success.

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Study Notes

  • Effective training of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) promotes stability, support, and overall well-being.
  • PFM are skeletal muscles and should be trained with similar principles applied to other skeletal muscles.

Muscle Training Principles

  • Individuality: People respond uniquely to training due to factors like age, injuries, and hormones; training needs to be individualized.
  • Specificity: Physiological adaptations are specific to the muscle group, intensity, postures, movements, and activities.
  • Volume: Volume is critical for strength gain, not just intensity
  • Overload: Adaptation requires a greater stimulus than the body is accustomed to.
  • Load
  • Variation/periodisation
  • Rest
  • Progression: Overloading too quickly can cause poor technique and fatigue, while overloading too slowly may result in minimal improvement
  • Reversibility: Training effects are lost if the stimulus is removed for an extended period

Individuality

  • People have unique responses to the same training stimulus due to factors like age, past injuries, and hormonal status, thus training needs to be individualized.

Specificity

  • Physiological adaptations to training are specific to factors such as the muscle group trained, the intensity of the training, and specific postures, movements, and activities.

Overload

  • Adaptation requires training with a greater stimulus than the body is accustomed to.

Progression

  • Overloading too quickly may result in poor technique, fatigue and an increase in symptoms, while overloading too slowly may result in no or small improvement only and a very disheartened client.

Reversibility

  • The effects of training will be lost if the training stimulus is removed over an extended period.

Assessing Pelvic Floor Muscle Function

  • Assessment should be done individually and objectively before starting PFM training.
  • Examination depends on individual needs, comfort, and informed consent.
  • Objective assessment is the gold standard, but some clients may not consent, leading to less effective treatment.
  • Real-time ultrasound will be used in tutorial sessions.
  • Invasive and internal techniques for assessment require further training in pelvic health.

Assessment Techniques

  • External visual observation: Assesses superficial PFM but is not accurate for deeper levator ani muscles and is the initial step in assessing PFM function.
  • Real-time ultrasound: Provides visual feedback for correct PFM contraction, performed transabdominally or transperineally.

Transabdominal Ultrasound

  • Non-invasive, uses sound waves to image abdominal structures.
  • Assesses the lifting aspect of PFM contraction by observing bladder base movement.
  • Can assess bladder base movement during maneuvers that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as the Valsalva maneuver, an abdominal curl-up, and lower extremity lifting tasks.
  • Can be performed on women and men
  • Has good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for measuring bladder base displacement.
  • Limitations: Cannot measure PFM strength, the effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure, or resting muscle tone.
  • To perform, the probe is covered with ultrasound gel and placed suprapubically.
  • A full bladder is required for successful scanning

Transperineal Ultrasound

  • More invasive, involves ultrasounding the perineal region.
  • Has proven reliability and validity.
  • Is a powerful form of visual biofeedback.
  • Allows simultaneous investigation of all striated muscles contributing to continence.
  • Requires sterile technique and informed consent.
  • Major advantage for male pelvic floor assessment.
  • Requires further pelvic health training.
  • Performed by placing the ultrasound transducer on the perineum enabling a midline view of the pelvis.

Internal Digital Examination

  • Invasive assessment performed vaginally or rectally.
  • Requires a sterile procedure, comprehensive explanation, and informed consent.
  • Good intra-rater reliability but only fair inter-rater reliability.
  • Assesses muscle strength, anatomical changes, symmetry, muscle tone, and painful areas.
  • Performed by inserting a finger into the vagina or rectum and feeling the squeeze and lift of a PFM contraction.
  • Requires further pelvic health training.

Rating Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength

  • Modified Oxford Scale (MOS): A 6-point scale (0-5) used by physiotherapists.
    • 0: No contraction
    • 1: Flicker
    • 2: Weak
    • 3: Moderate (with lift)
    • 4: Good (with lift)
    • 5: Strong (with lift)
  • Clinicians may use ‘half-grades’ to increase sensitivity, resulting in a 15-point scale, but this reduces intra-therapist reliability.
  • International Continence Society recommends a simpler 4-point scale: absent, weak, normal (moderate), and strong.
  • Relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles can be described as absent, partial, or complete.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

  • Focuses on strength, endurance, power, agility, speed, timing, coordination, range of motion, contraction quality, and ability to relax
  • Level 1 evidence and Grade A recommendation for PFM training as the first-line treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence, and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Performing a Pelvic Floor Muscle Squeeze

  • Instructions (women): Tighten the muscles as if stopping wind or urine, around the front passage, vagina, and back passage as strongly as possible, and hold for three to five seconds.
  • Instructions (men): Tighten the muscles as if stopping wind or urine, around the front passage and back passage, and lift your scrotum, as strongly as possible and hold for three to five seconds.
  • Feel the pelvic floor muscles lift up inside and then relax.
  • Rest for a few seconds between each squeeze.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times or until fatigue.
  • Do not try to hold on to the contraction, just squeeze and let go.
  • For training men to improve urinary control issues, the emphasis should be more on the penis and scrotum, with instructions to "Tighten around the base of your penis as if you are stopping the flow of urine while drawing your scrotum up towards your body."

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do feel your pelvic floor muscles ‘lift up’ inside you.
  • Do relax your thighs and buttocks.
  • Do keep breathing normally.
  • Stop exercising if your muscles fatigue.

Position Progression for Training

  • Easiest to hardest: Lying ➟ sitting ➟ standing ➟ movement and function.
  • Difficulty increases with the load on the pelvic floor muscles.

Starting Point for Training

  • Determined by objective assessment results.

Progression of Training

  • Essential for continued improvement and determined by changes in signs, symptoms, objective improvement, motivation, and adherence.
  • Progress to functional PFM training as soon as the client can correctly contract and relax in static positions.
  • PFMs need to be exercised in a variety of contexts specific to the individual's problems.

Adherence

  • Crucial for short- and long-term success
  • Motivation and adherence are the most important predictors of positive outcomes in PFM rehabilitation.
  • Long-term adherence to PFMX is poor; only 50% at 12 months.
  • PFMT is a cognitive behavioral therapy as well as a physical therapy.
  • Perception of minimal benefit
  • Reduced self-efficacy
  • Poor identification with pelvic anatomy
  • Understanding of the condition
  • Readiness for change implementation

Physiotherapist Actions to Improve Adherence

  • Provide tangible evidence or feedback on PFMT benefits.
  • Follow-up appointments and reassessment of factors impeding progress.
  • Individualized, client-centered approach.
  • Physio-taught and supervised programs are better than self-directed.

Factors Important for Adherence

  • Knowledge
  • Physical skill
  • Feelings about PFMT
  • Cognitive analysis, planning, and attention
  • Prioritization
  • Service provision

Most Important Barriers to Success

  • Client’s perception of minimal benefit.
  • Explain the evidence for the treatment.
  • Understand the client's belief system and opinion.

Key Factors in Goal Setting

  • Break the task down.
  • Identify what the client can and cannot do now.
  • Break the goal down into smaller parts.
  • Values driven goals are more powerful.
  • Revisit and modify goals as required.
  • Informed consent is required before any assessment or treatment.
  • Provide information about the procedure, effects, likely success, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  • The client has the right to choose and can withdraw consent at any time.
  • In non-urgent situations, consent is sought from next-of-kin if the client cannot make their own decisions.

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