• D K Dayican, I Keser, O Yavuz, G Tosun, S Kurt, and O C Tosun.
• Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Biruni University, Faculty of Health Sciences; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Biruni University, Graduate Education Institute, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2023 Sep 1; 26 (9): 130913181309-1318.

BackgroundPelvic floor muscle (PFM) training varies according to the functional status of PFM. It is used to strengthen underactive PFM and relax overactive PFM.AimThis study aimed to determine the appropriate PFM training positions according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction.Materials And MethodsSeventy-six women diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction were included. After the digital palpation, participants were divided into four groups according to the functional status of PFM: normal, overactive, underactive, and nonfunctional. Participants' PFM and abdominal muscle functions were assessed with superficial electromyography in three positions (modified butterfly pose-P1, modified child pose-P2, and modified deep squat with block pose-P3). Friedman's analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess whether the function of the muscles differed according to the functional status of the PFM and training positions.ResultsNormal PFM maximally contracted and relaxed in P1, whereas nonfunctional PFM was in P3 (P > 0.05). Overactive and underactive PFM was most contracted in P2 (P > 0.05) and relaxed in P1 (P < 0.001). In each functional state of the PFM, all abdominal muscles were most relaxed in P1, while their most contracted positions varied (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study showed that the positions in which the PFM relaxes and contracts the most may vary according to the functional status of the PFM. Therefore, different PFM training positions may be preferred according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, more study needs to be done in this subject.

14 keywords...

hide…