Correlation between maximum voluntary contraction and endurance measured by digital palpation and manometry: An observational study

Abstract

Correlation between maximum voluntary ContraCtion and enduranCe measured by digital palpation and manometry: an observational study rev assoC med bras 2016; 62 (7) Introduction: Digital palpation and manometry are methods that can provide information regarding maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), and a strong correlation between these variables can be expected. Objective: To investigate the correlation between MVC and endurance, measured by digital palpation and manometry. Method: Forty-two women, with mean age of 58.1 years (±10.2), and predominant symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), were included. Examination was firstly conducted by digital palpation and subsequently using a Peritron manometer. MVC was measured using a 0-5 score, based on the Oxford Grading Scale. Endurance was assessed based on the PERFECT scheme. Results:We found a significant positive correlation between the MVC measured by digital palpation and the peak manometric pressure (r=0.579, p<0.001), and between the measurements of the endurance by Peritron manometer and the PERFECT assessment scheme (r=0.559, p<0.001). Conclusion:Our results revealed a positive and significant correlation between the capacity and maintenance of PFM contraction using digital and manometer evaluations in women with predominant symptoms of SUI.

The effectiveness of post-partum interventions to prevent urinary incontinence: a systematic review

“…In this review, the assessment of the strength of the PFMs performed by digital palpation and the perineometer showed a good correlation (20) . Other authors also found similar results when comparing the methods cited in the evaluation of maximum voluntary contraction and muscle strength (27)(28) . Thus, we believe that digital vaginal palpation can be used in clinical practice to measure the strength of the PFMs, since a significant correlation with the perineometer has been evidenced (27)(28) .…”

Physiotherapy for Prevention and Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Women—Systematic Review of Methods

“…The examination includes voluntary (will-dependent) contraction, used during PFM training, and involuntary (will-independent) contraction, occurring during increased intra-abdominal pressure [ 30 , 31 ]. The physiotherapist may also use EMG, perineometer, and palpation to evaluate the PFM function [ 32 , 33 ]. The perineometer is used to assesses vaginal pressure, while the EMG records the electrical activity of muscle fibers [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…The physiotherapist may also use EMG, perineometer, and palpation to evaluate the PFM function [ 32 , 33 ]. The perineometer is used to assesses vaginal pressure, while the EMG records the electrical activity of muscle fibers [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. PFM palpation is a common, fast, and inexpensive examination which should be performed by an experienced therapist.…”

Does size matter? Perineometer and digital examination of a model levator hiatus

“…7 Digital examination and perineometry are often, therefore, carried out together with examination findings using the modified Oxford scale considered to be in concordance with perineometer measurements. 7,9 Variables that can affect baseline vaginal manometry pressures include pelvic floor muscle thickness and the levator hiatus (LH) area. 10 The LH is described as the space between the inferior pubic rami and the puborectalis component of the levator ani muscle, measured at rest as the minimal hiatal dimensions in the midsagittal plane using three-dimensional (3D) translabial ultrasound.…”