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Background Rehabilitation interventions are diverse - making decisions about pooling data in meta-analyses challenging. Intervention reporting templates such as the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) may help reviewers document intervention variability. Aim To assess inter-rater agreement and utility of CERT used to assess completeness of reporting of one rehabilitation exercise intervention: pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Design A non-experimental agreement study. Setting Update of the Cochrane systematic review comparing different approaches to PFMT for urinary incontinence in women. Population Two PFMT arms from 21 newly identified trials. Methods Five raters independently used CERT to assess sufficiency of reporting of each arm (experimental PFMT and control PFMT) of each trial. One rater, PFMT non-expert, rated all trials. Four raters, all PFMT experts, assessed a mutually exclusive subgroup of the trials. In addition to rating sufficiency - "Yes" compared to No" or "Uncertain" - raters also reported on CERT utility. Expert ratings were used to determine the proportion of CERT items rated as sufficiently reported. Rater agreement was estimated using coefficient kappa and McNemar's test. Results The range of CERT items rated as sufficiently reported was 0 to 15 of 19 items, and the mean for both trial arms was 5.5. For agreement, 11 of 19 items had sufficient data to estimate coefficient kappa and only 3 of 11 had a kappa >0.4 (moderate agreement). From the 12 of 19 items for which McNemar's test could be performed, five had evidence that PFMT experts more often rated the reporting as sufficient than the non-expert. Raters reported the CERT template was comprehensive but not complete and needed contextualizing for PFMT. Conclusions Completeness of reporting was poor for this example of a rehabilitation exercise intervention, and equally poor in both trial arms. Inter-rater agreement of completeness of reporting was also poor. Using a data extraction tool with poor rater-agreement may add unnecessary burden in a review. However, using a data extraction tool that enables assessment of intervention homogeneity has benefits in making decisions about which data to pool or not. Clinical rehabilitation impact Researchers reporting clinical trials must pay more attention to completeness of rehabilitation exercise reporting.

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women is high. Theoretically pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength could influence sexual function, but to date there is scant evidence on this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PFM strength and sexual function in postmenopausal women. The relationship between reported urinary incontinence (UI) and sexual dysfunction was also investigated. This was a cross-sectional study including 113 postmenopausal women. PFM strength was evaluated using vaginal manometry. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A score of ≤26.5 was considered to indicate sexual dysfunction. Urinary incontinence reports were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI) Short Form. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ), the Mann–Whitney test and 95 % confidence intervals. The median age of the women was 53 years (range 42 – 65 years) and their median body mass index was 27.9 kg/m2 (range 20 – 42 kg/m2). Women without sexual dysfunction showed significantly higher PFM strength (median 41.8, range 11.3 – 94.0 cmH2O) than women with sexual dysfunction (median 30.3, range 3 – 112 cmH2O; p = 0.02). A weak correlation was found between the total FSFI score and the total ICIQ-UI score (ρ = −0.21, p = 0.03). Postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction showed lower PFM strength than women without sexual dysfunction. There was a weak correlation between urinary incontinence severity and sexual function.

Introduction Women’s sense of attractiveness and body image, and the impact of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) over these constructs, are likely influenced by social and cultural background. Aim To evaluate sexual function and body image in women with POP, to compare the sense of attractiveness between women with and without POP, and to translate the Body Image in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (BIPOP) questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and validate it in this population. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 105 Brazilian women with POP, we administered the BIPOP (scored from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating worse body image), the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) (scored from 2 to 36, with higher scores indicating lower risk for sexual dysfunction), and the Attractiveness subscale of the Body Attitudes Scale questionnaire (BAQ) (scored from 5 to 35, with higher score indicating better body image). We also included 100 control women who completed the BAQ Attractiveness subscale questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure The main outcome measure included BIPOP, FSFI, and BAQ Attractiveness scores. Results Mean BIPOP scores were 3.09 ± 1.08 in women with any POP, 3.05 ± 1.00 in those with lesser-stage POP (1 or 2), and 3.13 ± 1.15 in those with advanced-stage POP (3 or 4). There were no significant differences in score according to prolapse staging (P = .71). FSFI scores were independently associated with BIPOP scores (β = –0.052; P = .02). The mean scores for the BAQ Attractiveness subscale was 17.01 ± 4.07 in women with POP and 16.97 ± 4.60 in those without POP (P = .93). Older age was the sole characteristic associated with being sexually inactive in women with POP; regarding sexual function, a better body image and higher attractiveness scores were independently associated with a higher FSFI score. As for the Portuguese validation of the BIPOP instrument, the adapted version maintained good internal consistency (α = 0.908), good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.94), and adequate construct validity. Clinical Implications Women with POP may not relate sexual function or attractiveness to POP extension. An impaired body image is associated with worse perception of attractiveness and increased risk for sexual dysfunction. Strength & Limitations As strengths, we used a specific genital body image scale, and this is first study of its kind among Brazilian women. As for weaknesses, we encountered low educational levels in the women with POP. Conclusion Among women with POP, the anatomic features of the prolapse do not seem to interfere with genital body image or with sexual function. In addition, the presence of POP was not associated with being sexually active or inactive.

Question: Are there differences in the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence symptoms in postmenopausal women who are and are not using hormone therapy? Design: Randomised, controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants: Ninety-nine postmenopausal women, 38 of whom were using daily systemic oestrogen/progestogen therapy. Intervention: The experimental group (n = 51) received an intensive supervised pelvic floor muscle training protocol, and the control group (n = 48) received no intervention. The randomisation was stratified by hormone therapy use. Outcome measures: Change in pelvic floor muscle strength assessed with manometry at 12 weeks. Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Results: Eighty-eight women provided data that could be included in the analysis. Pelvic floor muscle training increased pelvic floor muscle strength by 8.0 cmH2O (95% CI 3.4 to 12.6) in women not using hormone therapy and by –0.9 cmH20 (95% CI –6.5 to 4.8) in women using hormone therapy (interaction p = 0.018). A sensitivity analysis showed that the greater training effect in women who were not using hormone therapy was still apparent if the analysis was conducted on percentage change in strength rather than absolute change in strength. There was also a significantly greater effect of training in women not using hormone therapy on prevalence of urinary incontinence symptoms (ratio of odds ratios = 7.4; interaction p = 0.028). The difference in effects on severity of urinary incontinence symptoms was not statistically significant (interaction p = 0.37). Conclusion: Pelvic floor muscle training increases pelvic floor muscle strength more in women who are not using hormone therapy than in women using hormone therapy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02549729. [Ignácio Antônio F, Herbert RD, Bø K, Rosa-e-Silva ACJS, Lara LAS, Franco MdM, Ferreira CHJ (2018) Pelvic floor muscle training increases pelvic floor muscle strength more in post-menopausal women who are not using hormone therapy than in women who are using hormone therapy: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 64: 166–171] Key words: Menopause hormone therapy, Physical therapy, Pelvic floor muscle, Exercise, Urinary incontinence

Questions: In the active phase of the first stage of labour, does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) relieve pain or change its location? Does TENS delay the request for neuraxial analgesia during labour? Does TENS produce any harmful effects in the mother or the foetus? Are women in labour satisfied with the care provided? Design: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding for some outcomes, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants: Forty-six low-risk, primigravida parturients with a gestational age > 37 weeks, cervical dilation of 4cm, and without the use of any medications from hospital admission until randomisation. Intervention: The principal investigator applied TENS to the experimental group for 30minutes starting at the beginning of the active phase of labour. A second investigator assessed the outcomes in both the control and experimental groups. Both groups received routine perinatal care. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was pain severity after the intervention period, which was assessed using the 100-mm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included: pain location, duration of the active phase of labour, time to pharmacological labour analgesia, mode of birth, neonatal outcomes, and the participant's satisfaction with the care provided. Results: After the intervention, a significant mean difference in change in pain of 15mm was observed favouring the experimental group (95% CI 2 to 27). The application of TENS did not alter the location or distribution of the pain. The mean time to pharmacological analgesia after the intervention was 5.0hours (95% CI 4.1 to 5.9) longer in the experimental group. The intervention did not significantly impact the other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Participants in both groups were satisfied with the care provided during labour. Conclusion: TENS produces a significant decrease in pain during labour and postpones the need for pharmacological analgesia for pain relief. Trial registration: NCT01600495. [Santana LS, Gallo RBS, Ferreira CHJ, Duarte G, Quintana SM, Marcolin AC (2016) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces pain and postpones the need for pharmacological analgesia during labour: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 62: 29–34]

The objective was to assess foetal wellbeing in pregnant women subjected to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) by evaluating the acute and chronic effects of the procedure using the Doppler method. Ninety-six primigravidae with singleton pregnancies and at a low risk of pregnancy complications were randomised to either intervention with PFMT or no intervention. The final analysis included 26 women in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Women from the intervention group were subjected to a daily PFMT program. Evidence of possible foetal risk was assessed by Doppler and the control group received standard care. The protocol was conducted from 20 to 36 weeks’ gestation. The pulsatility indices (PI) of the uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries were determined at 28, 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation. The acute effects were determined by comparing the values obtained before and after exercise in the group subjected to PFMT and the chronic effects were determined by comparing the resting values of the trained group with those of the control group. The results obtained showed normal values for the three gestational ages in both groups, with no difference between groups. Comparison before and after exercise showed a significant decline in the PI of uterine artery at 36 weeks without changes in the flow of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries. Pelvic floor muscle training in low-risk primigravidae with singleton pregnancies was associated with a significant decline in PI of the uterine artery after exercise, while no significant changes in the flow of the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries were found. The PFMT may be recommended to women as a first-line measure to prevent of urinary incontinence during pregnancy.

In this systematic review we aimed to assess if the Epi-No birth trainer used during antepartum could prevent perineal trauma in nulliparous women. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo, and Conference abstracts, looking for randomized controlled studies (RCT). High heterogeneity (i2 > 50 %) was corrected with random models. All studies were analyzed according to their quality and risk of bias. Nulliparous women or women whose previous pregnancy ended before 21 weeks’ gestation were included and the main outcome measures were: episiotomy rates, perineal tears, severe (3rd/4th) perineal tears, and intact perineum. Five studies were included (1,369 participants) for systematic review and two of them (932 participants) were eligible for meta-analysis. Epi-No did not reduce episiotomy rates (RR 0.92 [95%CI 0.75–1.13], n = 710, p =0.44; two studies; fixed model) and second stage of labor (MD −12.50 [95%CI −29.62, –4.62], n = 162, p = 0.54; one study; fixed model), and did not increase intact perineum (RR 1.15 [95 % CI 0.81–1.64], n = 705, p = 0.43; two studies; random model). No influence of Epi-No on reducing all perineal tears (RR 0.99 [95%CI 0.84–1.17], n = 705, p = 0.93, two studies; fixed model) or severe (3rd/4th) perineal tears (RR 1.31 [95%CI 0.72–2.37], n = 705, p = 0.38, two studies; fixed model). Mean birthweight of the Epi-No group was higher than that of the control group in both studies, with no statistical significance. Epi-No birth trainer is a device that did not reduce episiotomy rates and had no influence on reducing perineal tears.

Question: Does an educational program with instructions for performing ‘the Knack’ improve voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, reduce reports of urinary incontinence, improve sexual function, and promote women’s knowledge of the pelvic floor muscles? Design: Randomised, controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessors. Participants: Ninety-nine women from the local community. Intervention: The experimental group (n = 50) received one lecture per week for 4 weeks, and instructions for performing ‘the Knack’. The control group (n = 49) received no intervention. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was maximum voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles measured using manometry. Secondary outcomes were: ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles measured using vaginal palpation; severity of urinary incontinence measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scored from 0 to 21; self-reported sexual function; and knowledge related to the pelvic floor. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: The intervention did not significantly improve: maximum voluntary contraction (MD 2.7 cmH2O higher in the experimental group, 95% CI –0.5 to 5.9); ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles (RR 2.18, 95% CI 0.49 to 9.65); or self-reported severity of urinary incontinence (MD 1 point greater reduction in the experimental group, 95% CI –3 to 1). Sexual function did not significantly differ between groups, but very few of the women engaged in sexual activity during the study period. The educational program did, however, significantly increase women’s knowledge related to the location, functions and dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles, and treatment options. Conclusion: Education and teaching women to perform ‘the Knack’ had no significant effect on voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, urinary incontinence or sexual function, but it promoted women’s knowledge about the pelvic floor. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-95sxqv. [de Andrade RL, Bø K, Antonio FI, Driusso P, Mateus-Vasconcelos ECL, Ramos S, Julio MP, Ferreira CHJ (2018) An education program about pelvic floor muscles improved women’s knowledge but not pelvic floor muscle function, urinary incontinence or sexual function: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 64: 91–96] Key words: Pelvic floor, Physical therapy, Knowledge, Health education

Aims to assess pelvic floor muscle maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods This was a prospective observational study with women scheduled for surgical correction of POP. Assessments occurred 15 days before and 40 days after surgery. The primary outcome was pelvic floor muscle (PFM) MVC measured using the manometer Peritron™. The average strength of PFM contraction was also measured. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score. The Student paired t-test was used for quantitative data. For the pre and postsurgery comparisons of PFM strength in relation to POP-Q value we used the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test for dependent variables. The level of significance adopted was P Results Sixty-seven women were recruited, 65 (97%) completed the study. The mean age of participants was 62 ± 10.2. There was no difference (1.9 cm H2 O ± 12.9; P = 0.22) between MVC before (27.1 cm H2 O ± 17.0) and after surgery (29 cm H2 O ± 17.8). The average contraction was higher after surgery (2.3 cmH2 O ± 8.6; P = 0.03). The higher the severity of pre and postsurgery POP, the worse the MVC. Conclusion There was no difference in MVC pre and postsurgery, however we found an improvement in PFM average contraction strength postsurgery.

BACKGROUND: Walking speed seems to be related to aerobic capacity, lower limb strength, and functional mobility, however it is not clear whether there is a direct relationship between improvement in muscle strength and gait performance in early postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of muscle strengthening exercises on the performance of the 6-minute walk test in women within 5 years of menopause. METHODS: The women were randomized into control group (n=31), which performed no exercise, and exercise group (n=27), which performed muscle strengthening exercises. The exercises were performed twice a week for 3 months. The exercise protocol consisted of warm-up, stretching, and strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstring, calf, tibialis anterior, gluteus maximus, and abdominal muscles, followed by relaxation. Muscular strength training started with 60% of 1MR (2 series of 10-15 repetitions), reaching 85% until the end of the 3-month period (4 series of 6 repetitions each). RESULTS: The between-group comparisons pre- and post-intervention did not show any difference in distance walked, heart rate or blood pressure (p>0.05), but showed differences in muscle strength post-intervention, with the exercise group showing greater strength (p CONCLUSION: The results suggest that muscle strengthening of the lower limbs did not improve performance in the 6-minute walk test in this population of postmenopausal women. CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A velocidade de marcha parece estar relacionada com a capacidade aeróbica, força dos músculos dos membros inferiores e mobilidade funcional. Entretanto, não está claro se existe uma relação direta entre a melhora da força muscular e o desempenho da marcha em mulheres pós-menopausais recentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de exercícios de fortalecimento muscular sobre o desempenho no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos em mulheres nos primeiros cinco anos após a menopausa. MÉTODOS: As mulheres foram randomizadas em grupo controle (n=31), que não realizou exercício, e grupo exercício (n=27), que realizou um programa de exercícios. O programa de exercícios foi realizado duas vezes por semana, durante três meses, e consistiu em aquecimento, alongamento, exercícios de fortalecimento muscular para quadríceps, isquiotibiais, tríceps sural, tibial anterior, glúteo máximo e abdominais, finalizando com relaxamento. O treinamento de força iniciou com 60% de 1RM (duas séries de 10-15 repetições) e atingiu 85% (quatro séries de seis repetições) no final dos três meses. RESULTADOS: As comparações entre os grupos pré e pós-três meses não mostraram diferenças para distância percorrida, frequência cardíaca (FC) e pressão arterial (p≥0,05), mas mostraram diferenças para força muscular após três meses, com o grupo exercício apresentando maior força (p≤0,05). Nas comparações antes e após três meses intragrupos, houve diferenças para FC, forças musculares de quadríceps e isquiotibiais para o grupo intervenção. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que o treinamento de força muscular dos membros inferiores não melhora o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos para essa população de mulheres avaliadas.

Aim: We evaluated the effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a pain relief resource for primiparous puerpere who had experienced natural childbirth with an episiotomy. Methods: A controlled, randomized clinical study was conducted in a Brazilian maternity ward. Forty puerpere were randomly divided into two groups: TENS high frequency and a no treatment control group. Post-episiotomy pain was assessed in the resting and sitting positions and during ambulation. An 11-point numeric rating scale was performed in three separate evaluations (at the beginning of the study, after 60 min and after 120 min). The McGill pain questionnaire was employed at the beginning and 60 min later. TENS with 100 Hz frequency and 75 µs pulse for 60 min was employed without causing any pain. Four electrodes ware placed in parallel near the episiotomy site, in the area of the pudendal and genitofemoral nerves. Results: An 11-point numeric rating scale and McGill pain questionnaire showed a significant statistical difference in pain reduction in the TENS group, while the control group showed no alteration in the level of discomfort. Hence, high-frequency TENS treatment significantly reduced pain intensity immediately after its use and 60 min later. Conclusion: TENS is a safe and viable non-pharmacological analgesic resource to be employed for pain relief post-episiotomy. The routine use of TENS post-episiotomy is recommended.

OBJECTIVES: The pelvic floor muscles are sensitive to androgens, and due to hyperandrogenism, women with polycystic ovary syndrome can have increased mass in these muscles compared to controls. The aim of this study is to compare reports of urine leakage and quality of life between women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: One hundred thirteen 18- to 40-year-old nulliparous women with polycystic ovary syndrome or without the disease (controls) were recruited at the University Hospital of School Medicine of São Paulo University at Ribeirão Preto City, Brazil. The subjects were not taking any hormonal medication, had not undergone previous pelvic surgery and did not exercise their pelvic floor muscles. The women were divided into the following four groups: I- polycystic ovary syndrome with normal body mass index (n = 18), II- polycystic ovary syndrome with body mass index ≥25 (n = 32), III- controls with normal body mass index (n = 29), and IV- controls with Body Mass Index ≥25 (n = 34). Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, and the subjects with urinary complaints also completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form to evaluate the severity of their urinary incontinence. RESULTS: The replies to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form revealed a significant difference in urinary function between groups, with 24% of the subjects in group IV reporting urinary incontinence. The mean scores for the SF-36 questionnaire revealed that group II had the lowest quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The control obese group (IV) reported a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence. There was no difference in the reported frequency of urine loss between the polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups with normal body mass index or between the polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups with body mass index ≥25.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining continence is among the functions of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and their dysfunction can cause urinary incontinence (UI), which is a common occurrence during pregnancy and the puerperal period. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), therefore, is important during pregnancy, although most women perform the muscle contractions unsatisfactorily. OBJECTIVES: This study is an exploratory analysis of the results of three electromyographic (EMG) activity biofeedback sessions in pregnant women. METHODS: The study sample included 19 nulliparous women with low risk pregnancies. The participants performed three sessions of EMG biofeedback consisting of slow and fast contractions. The average value of the normalized amplitudes of surface electromyography was used to evaluate the results. The linear regression model with mixed effects was used for statistical analysis, with the EMG data normalized by maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). RESULTS: A steady increase in EMG amplitude was observed during each contraction and by the end of the biofeedback sessions, although this difference was only significant when comparing the first tonic contraction of each session (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that three sessions of training with biofeedback improved PFM EMG activity during the second trimester in women with low-risk pregnancies. The effectiveness of this protocol should be further investigated in randomized controlled trials. CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Dentre as funções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (MAPs), pode-se citar a manutenção da continência, sendo que sua disfunção pode causar a incontinência urinária (IU), muito frequente no período gestacional e no puerpério. Diante disso, se faz importante o treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) durante o período gestacional, entretanto grande parte das mulheres realiza a contração dessa musculatura de maneira insatisfatória. OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma análise exploratória dos resultados de três sessões de biofeedback na atividade eletromiográfica em mulheres gestantes. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu 19 gestantes nulíparas com gravidez de baixo risco. Foram realizadas três sessões de biofeedback eletromiográfico compostas por contrações lentas e rápidas, utilizando-se como método de avaliação dos resultados as médias das amplitudes normalizadas da eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos, sendo que os dados da EMG foram normalizados pela contração voluntária máxima (CVM). RESULTADOS: Após as sessões de biofeedback, constatou-se um aumento crescente na amplitude eletromiográfica a cada contração realizada e a cada sessão, entretanto essa diferença só foi estatisticamente significante para a comparação entre a primeira contração tônica de cada sessão (p=0.03). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos indicam que três sessões de treinamento com biofeedback melhoraram a atividade eletromiográfica dos MAPs em gestantes de baixo risco no segundo trimestre. A efetividade do protocolo necessita ser futuramente investigada em estudo randomizado controlado.

Trata-se de um ensaio clínico prospectivo comparativo que objetivou comparar os efeitos do tratamento com eletroestimulação transvaginal (ET) e do nervo tibial (ENT) sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) e queixas de perda urinária em mulheres com bexiga hiperativa. Participaram 42 pacientes com bexiga hiperativa ou incontinência urinária (IU) mista e foram divididas para tratamento com ET ou ENT. A QV foi avaliada pelo questionário de QV genérico, o Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) e um questionário específico para IU, o Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL). Os relatos de perdas urinárias e incômodos ocasionados foram avaliados, respectivamente, por meio do diário miccional de 24 horas e Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). O tratamento foi realizado uma vez por semana, totalizando doze semanas. O grupo da ENT teve melhora significativa em três domínios do I-QOL, na EVA, que avaliou o grau de incômodo causado pela IU e em quatro aspectos do diário miccional. No grupo de ET houve melhora significativa de dois domínios do SF-36, três domínios do I-QOL, na EVA e em quatro aspectos do diário. Houve melhora da QV em ambos os grupos, assim como uma diminuição das queixas de perda urinária, entretanto, o grupo que recebeu ET obteve melhora nos escores em dois domínios do questionário de QV genérico após o tratamento, que teve limitação por aspectos físicos e limitação por aspectos emocionais. O que não ocorreu com o grupo de ENT.This is a prospective comparative clinical study. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravaginal electrical stimulation therapy (IS) and the tibial nerve (TNS) on quality of life (QOL) and complaints of urinary incontinence in women with overactive bladder. Participants 42 patients with overactive bladder or urinary incontinence (UI) mix and were divided for treatment with IS or TNS. To assess QOL we used a generic QOL questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) and a specific questionnaire for urinary incontinence, the Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL). The reports of urinary incontinence and discomfort caused were evaluated, respectively, through the 24-hour voiding diary and visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment was performed once a week, twelve weeks in total. The PTNS group had significant improvement in three areas of the I-QOL in VAS, which assessed the degree of discomfort caused by IU and four aspects of voiding diary. In the IS group significantly improved in two domains of the SF-36 domains of the three I-QOL in VAS and on four issues of the journal. There was improvement in QOL in both groups, as well as a decrease in complaints of urinary leakage, however, the group that received IS had been improved scores in two areas of the generic QOL questionnaire after treatment, which were limited by the physical limitation and by emotional aspects. What did not happen with the group of TNS.

Objetivo: Mensurar ecaracterizar a dor após cesárea e verificar sua relação com a limitação de atividades. Métodos: pesquisa descritiva com 60 puérperas após cesárea. Para avaliação da dor foram usadas a Escala Numérica e o Questionário de Dor McGill. As limitações de atividades foram avaliadas por instrumento elaborado pelas pesquisadoras. Resultados: a dor após a cesárea apresenta maiores escores no movimento de sentar e levantar. A dor é caracterizada como "incômoda", "que prende" e "que repuxa". Todas as participantes relataram que a dor limitava o movimento de sentar e levantar. Conclusão: foi possível observar que a dor após a cesárea é caracterizada como moderada. A dor promove limitação principalmente nas atividades de sentar e levantar e caminhar. Objectives: To measure and characterize post cesarean section pain and to verify its relationship with limitations of physical activities. Methods: Descriptive study with 60 women in the post-operative period of cesarean section. Pain was measured with both the Numeric Scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Limitations of physical activities were measured with a specific instrument developed for the study. Results: Sitting down and stranding up were the physical activities with the highest pain scores. All participants reported that the pain limited their movements for sitting down and standing up and characterized the pain as "annoying", "grasping" and "straining". Conclusion: Post cesarean section pain was rated as moderate. The pain led to limitations of physical activities for sitting down, standing up, and walking. Objetivo: Medir y caracterizar el dolor después de una cesárea y verificar su relación con la limitación de actividades cotidianas. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva con 60 puérperas después de una cesárea. Para evaluar el dolor fueron usadas la Escala Numérica y el Cuestionario del Dolor McGill. Las limitaciones de actividades fueron evaluadas por un instrumento elaborado por las investigadoras. Resultados: El dolor después de la cesárea presenta mayores puntajes en los movimientos de sentarse y levantarse. El dolor es caracterizado como "incomodo", "que sujeta" y "que se estira". Todas las participantes relataron que el dolor limitaba los movimientos de sentarse y levantarse. Conclusión: Fueposible observar que el dolor después de la cesárea es caracterizado como moderado. El dolor promueve limitaciones principalmente en las actividades de sentarse, levantarse y caminar.

OBJETIVO: Mensurar e caracterizar a percepção dolorosa das puérperas primíparas submetidas à episiotomia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 40 puérperas primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia. Para mensuração da dor foi utilizada a escala de categoria numérica e para caracterização a versão brasileira do questionário McGill - Br-MPQ. RESULTADOS: Os valores encontrados na avaliação da dor foram de média 4,2 e os descritores que melhor caracterizaram a dor foram: dolorida; que repuxa; incômoda; chata; ardida; pica como uma agulhada; latejante; em pressão. CONCLUSÃO: A intensidade da dor perineal foi considerada como moderada pelas puérperas. Na caracterização da queixa dolorosa os descritores mais citados foram da dimensão sensorial. Este estudo possibilitou observar a necessidade do reconhecimento dos aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da dor na prática clinica obstétrica.OBJETIVO: Medir y caracterizar la percepción dolorosa de las puérperas primíparas sometidas a la episiotomía. MÉTODOS: Se trata de una investigación descriptiva con abordaje cuantitativo, realizada con 40 puérperas primíparas sometidas al parto normal con episiotomía. Para la mensuración del dolor se utilizó la escala de categoría numérica y para la caracterización la versión brasileña del cuestionario McGill - Br-MPQ. RESULTADOS: Los valores encontrados en la evaluación del dolor tuvieron en promedio 4.2 y los descriptores que mejor caracterizaron el dolor fueron: adolorido; que empuja; incómoda; fastidio; que arde; pica como una aguja; palpita; presiona. CONCLUSIÓN: La intensidad del dolor perineal fue considerada como moderada por las puérperas. En la caracterización de la queja dolorosa los descriptores más citados fueron de la dimensión sensorial. Este estudio posibilitó observar la necesidad de reconocimiento de los aspectos cualitativos y cuantitativos del dolor en la práctica clínica obstétrica.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize and measure perineal pain in puerperal primiparous undergoing episiotomy. METHODS: A descriptive design was conducted in 40 puerperal primiparous who underwent normal childbirth with episiotomy. Pain was measured with the Brazilian version of the McGill questionnaire (Br-MPQ). RESULTS: Participants had a mean pain level of 4.2, and the words that better characterized perineal pain were: sore; hurting, discomfort, annoying, burning, stinging, throbbing, and pressing. CONCLUSION: The intensity of perineal pain was reported to be moderate. The pain characteristics most reported consisted of the sensorial dimension. The findings of this study suggest the need for identification of both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of pain in obstetric services.

High levels of androgens increase muscle mass. Due to the characteristics of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is plausible that women with PCOS may have increased pelvic floor muscle (PFM) thickness and neuromuscular activity levels compared with controls. The aim of this study was to assess PFM thickness and neuromuscular activity among hyperandrogenic women with PCOS and controls.This was an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study evaluating PFM by ultrasound (US) and surface electromyography (sEMG) in nonobese women with and without PCOS. Seventy-two women were divided into two groups: PCOS (n = 33) and controls (n = 39). PFM thickness during contraction was assessed by US (Vingmed CFM 800). Pelvic floor muscle activity was assessed by sEMG (MyoTrac Infinit) during contractions at different time lengths: quick, and 8 and 60 s. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Student's t test were used for statistical analyses.There were no significant differences in PFM sEMG activity between PCOS and controls in any of the contractions: quick contraction (73.23 mV/ 71.56 mV; p = 0.62), 8 s (55.77 mV/ 54.17 mV; p = 0.74), and 60 s (49.26 mV/ 47.32 mV; p = 0.68), respectively. There was no difference in PFM thickness during contractions evaluated by US between PCOS and controls (12.78 mm/ 13.43 mm; p = .48).This study did not find statistically significant differences in pelvic floor muscle thickness or in muscle activity between PCOS women and controls.

We performed a review of the literature reporting on the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on female sexual function (SF). Pubmed (from 1946 to December 2014), Ovid Medline (from 1946 to December 2014), CINAHL (from 1937 to December 2014), PsycINFO (from 1805 to December 2014), Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched by two independent reviewers. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of PFMT on women’s SF published in English were included. Methodological quality was scored using the PEDro scale. Data were analysed qualitatively and interpreted. A total of 1341 women were included in the eight RCTs covered by this review. The studies were published between 1997 and 2014. Methodological scores were between 4 and 7. The sample included derived from heterogeneous populations of women. In only one study was SF the primary outcome measure. Pelvic floor dysfunction was an inclusion criterion in the majority of studies. Most studies reported a significant improvement in SF score after PFMT between control and intervention groups. Although most studies indicated an improvement of at least one sexual variable in women with pelvic floor dysfunction, and one study demonstrated an improvement in SF in postpartum women selected independently of their continence status, the results need to be interpreted with caution. High-quality RCTs specifically designed to investigate the impact of PFMT on women’s SF are required.

Background: Previous studies suggested that the early identification of risk factors for the development of osteoporosis should reduce medical complications, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older women. Purpose: The present study had the objective to identify the relationship between Bone Mineral Density (BMD), anthropometric characteristics, years of post-menopause, strength, muscle mass and the performance on functional tests in up 10 years postmenopausal women. Methods: Participated of the study fifty-eight post menopause women who were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of femoral neck and whole-body to determine BMD and relative skeletal muscle index (RSMI). Also, the muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength test (HGS) and two functional tests were performed: Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS). Results: The results shown a positive correlation between BMD and weight (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), BMD and BMI (r = 0.56, p < 0.05), BMD and RSMI (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of the present study demonstrated a correlation between muscle mass and BMD and also shown that anthropometric characteristics, such as higher weight and BMI were correlated with higher BMD and muscle mass in up 10 years postmenopausal women.

Background. Pelvic floor (PF) hypertonic disorders are a group of conditions that present with muscular hypertonia or spasticity, resulting in a diminished capacity to isolate, contract, and relax the PF. Their presentation includes voiding and sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain, and constipation. Various factors are associated, such as complicated vaginal birth, muscular injury, scar tissue formation, and neuropathies.Study Design. The case of a single patient will be presented, together with the management strategies employed.Case Description. A woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis and a history of muscle spasticity and urinary and fecal complaints since childhood. She presented to this institution seeking treatment for pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, and micturition problems. A physical therapy protocol was developed, with the trial of several treatment modalities.Outcome. After some failed attempts, perineal and pelvic floor stretching proved to be very efficacious therapies for this patient’s complaint, leading to improved pain during intercourse, constipation, pelvic pain, and urinary stream.Discussion. PF spasticity can lead to severe disability and interfere with daily basic functions, such as micturition and evacuation. Physical therapy plays an essential role in the management of these patients and can lead to significant improvement in quality of life.

Low back pain is a problem that is faced by 50% of pregnant women and causes important social trouble. In spite of this, the problem is considered to be normal and is expected during pregnancy, which has contributed to the lack of prophylactic and relief measures. This work aims at under standing the historical and conceptual bases that have given rise to such naturalization as outlined by midwifery and by using world literature indexed on the topic from 1987 to 1997 as a theoretical framework. We have apprehended that a deterministic view related to this issue is supported by the biomedical model. Therefore, the adoption of effective solutions requires the incorporation of a new paradigm.

in relation to physical activity.We combined this information with the views of stakeholders via semi structured interviews and group discussions. Stakeholders were men with prostate cancer (recruited via the oncology department) and health care professionals (one oncologist, three physiotherapists, two cancer outreach nurses and two medical radiation therapists). Interviews and group discussions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim then analysed for themes. They were asked to give consideration to what point in the cancer treatment plan an exercise program would be best offered and also to suggest what the barriers, preferences and facilitators to exercise would be in the local environment. The exercise program was piloted with 3 prostate cancer survivors and the experiences were documented with field notes. Results: Medical radiation therapists are well suited to provide material on exercise benefits and to invite patients into the program because they see patients on a daily basis and develop good relationships. The program-pilot consisted offive, one hour exercise sessions focussing primarily on whole body resistance training, provided in a group setting while participants were undergoing six weeks of radiation therapy. All participants were assessed for suitability to exercise before commencing. Participants were very satisfied with the program itself, how it was provided and their access to professional advice and support while undertaking the program. They were clear that the group should consist of prostate cancer survivors only and not include partners because they valued the opportunity to talk with others who could identify with the issues they were dealing with. Conclusion(s):Through this initiative,we have developed the content and method of advertising for a well-received evidence based exercise program for survivors of prostate cancer that can be delivered whilst the patient is undergoing radiation therapy. Implications:This proof of concept will allow us to apply for funding from the local health board to enable us to provide prostate cancer survivors the opportunity to undertake exercise in a safe environment and test the effectiveness and efficacy of the program in an appropriate trial.

Objectives To assess whether maternal blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) change significantly in response to pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy. Design Longitudinal exploratory study with repeated measurements. Sample Twenty-seven nulliparous healthy women of mean age 23.3 years (range 18–36) and mean body mass index 23.4 (range 23.1–29.5). Methods Individual supervised pelvic floor muscle training from gestational week 20 till 36 with assessment of BP and HR at gestational weeks 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36. Main outcome measures Systolic and diastolic BP was measured before and after each training session and HR was monitored during each session. Results Pelvic floor muscle training did not change BP. 77% (n = 21) of participants exceeded 70% of estimated maximum HR during at least one session. The time for exceeding 70% of estimated maximum HR was between 2.2 and 3.2 % of the total exercise session. Increases in BP and HR from gestational weeks 20 till 36 were within normal limits for pregnant women. Conclusions Pelvic floor muscle training in nulliparous sedentary pregnant women does not increase BP. It significantly increases HR during the exercise sessions, but only for a limited period of time and with no negative long-term effect on BP or HR.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Dor, sensação individual e multifatorial associada ou não à lesão tecidual, pode se influenciar por fatores psicológicos, biológicos, socioculturais e econômicos. Existem escalas e questionários que tornam possível localizá-la e mensurá-la, durante o trabalho de parto. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a região mais frequente da dor nas mulheres no início da fase ativa do trabalho de parto. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico que analisou 87 primigestas com idade gestacional superior a 37 semanas, dilatação cervical entre 4 e 5 cm com dinâmica uterina adequada para esta fase do trabalho de parto. Foram incluídas gestantes com trabalho de parto de início espontâneo, que não utilizaram fármacos durante este período e sem fatores de risco associado; para avaliar a dor, utilizou-se o diagrama corporal de localização e distribuição espacial da dor durante uma fase do trabalho de parto. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que, no início da fase ativa do trabalho de parto, a maior parte das pacientes relatou dor na região infrapúbica e lombar (78%) e a menor parte, apenas na região infrapúbica (20%) ou na região lombar (2%). CONCLUSÃO: A incidência da dor na fase ativa do trabalho do parto com dilatação cervical de 4 a 5 cm foi maior nas regiões infrapúbica e lombar. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain, which is an individual and multifactorial sensation associated or not to tissue injury, may be influenced by psychological, biological, socio-cultural and economic factors. There are scales and questionnaires which enable its location and measurement during labor. This study aimed at identifying the most frequent pain location during early active labor stage. METHODS: Clinical trial assessing 87 primiparous women with gestational age above 37 weeks, cervical dilatation between 4 and 5 cm, with adequate uterine dynamics for this labor stage. Participated in this study pregnant woman with spontaneous labor, not using drugs during this period and without associated risk factors; pain was evaluated with the body diagram for location and spatial distribution of pain during one labor stage. RESULTS: It was observed during early active labor stage that most patients have reported pain in the infra-pubic and lumbar region (78%), followed by infra-pubic (20%) or lumbar (2%) region alone. CONCLUSION: Pain during active labor stage with cervical dilatation from 4 to 5 cm was predominant in infra-pubic and lumbar regions.

Introduction Female sexual dysfunction is a frequent problem that may be caused by several factors, such as pregnancy and diabetes, and that can affect the woman's quality of life. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the sexual function of pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Methods This is a cross‐sectional clinical study involving 88 women, among which 33 were pregnant with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 55 were with low‐risk pregnancy (LRP). Main Outcome Measures Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a self‐applicable questionnaire validated in Portuguese. All the pregnant women answered the questionnaire between the 20th and 25th week of gestation. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis by using the SAS version 9.2 procedure PROC MEANS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), whereas Student's t‐test was applied by using the procedure PROC TTEST (SAS Institute Inc.) at a significance level of ≤5% for all analyses. Results The percentage of women presenting sexual dysfunction in each group was the following: 66.7% in Group GDM and 38.9% in the Group LRP, with significant difference between the groups (P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the groups regarding sexual desire, excitement, lubrication, and pain. On the total score of FSFI, Group GDM had a score ≤26.55 (P = 0.03). Conclusion Diabetic pregnant women were found to have a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction as their scores were lower for all FSFI domains compared with LRP females.

Hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could increase muscle mass and thereby pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, reducing the risk of urinary incontinence (UI). The aim of the present study was to assess PFM strength and UI among hyperandrogenic women with PCOS and a control group for comparison.This is an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study. Seventy-nine women, aged 18 to 40 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.4 kg/cm(2) were recruited at the University Hospital: PCOS (n = 36) and control group for comparison (n = 43). All PCOS women had clinical and/or laboratory hyperandrogenism (80 ng/dL) and control women had regular menstrual cycles. PFM strength was assessed by vaginal manometry. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire of Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used to assess UI. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analyses.There was no statistically significant difference in mean PFM strength between the PCOS and the control group: 2.7 cm H₂O (95% CI -6.2-11.6) p = 0.55. The prevalence of UI was 18.6% in the control group compared with 0% in the PCOS group p0.01.Women with PCOS showed absence of UI, but PFM strength did not differ from the control group.

Background: Pelvic floor muscle training can be practiced in an individual format or in a group. The research question for this randomised, controlled trial will be: pelvic floor muscle training format including individualized and group training, would be more effective than an individualized training only or groups only? Additionally, it will be evaluated the adherence and follow up (results after 3 and 6 months of the end of training). Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. Data collection will be performed at the Women's Health Research Laboratory, allocated in the Department of Physical Therapy of Federal University of São Carlos, from January 2016 to December 2016. It will be included, women with stress urinary incontinence, older than 18 years old. The participants will be will be allocated into three groups. In Group 1 sessions will be only individualized and Group 2 will perform individualized treatment and then the volunteer will be referred to join the group training sessions. Group 3 only group treatment. Later, all volunteers will be reassessed after 12 sessions, three months and six months from the discharge date. The primary outcome is the severity measures of the King's Health Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes are miccional diary, PERFECT scheme, perineometry, self-efficacy scale for pelvic floor exercises practice, exercise diary and presence of the participants in the surpevisioned sessions. Data normality will be tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The comparison between the evaluations will be performed by ANOVA, and the comparison between groups will be performed by Student t-test (independent Measures). In order to measure the practical significance of the date, the size effect and the confidence interval will be calculated. A 5% significance level will be assumed. The data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.Conclusions: A combined treatment format including individualized and group training, would be more effective than an individualized training only or groups only.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) (Number 1207393) and Clinical Trials (NCT02664714).

We evaluated the effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a pain relief resource for primiparous puerpere who had experienced natural childbirth with an episiotomy.A controlled, randomized clinical study was conducted in a Brazilian maternity ward. Forty puerpere were randomly divided into two groups: TENS high frequency and a no treatment control group. Post-episiotomy pain was assessed in the resting and sitting positions and during ambulation. An 11-point numeric rating scale was performed in three separate evaluations (at the beginning of the study, after 60 min and after 120 min). The McGill pain questionnaire was employed at the beginning and 60 min later. TENS with 100 Hz frequency and 75 µs pulse for 60 min was employed without causing any pain. Four electrodes ware placed in parallel near the episiotomy site, in the area of the pudendal and genitofemoral nerves.An 11-point numeric rating scale and McGill pain questionnaire showed a significant statistical difference in pain reduction in the TENS group, while the control group showed no alteration in the level of discomfort. Hence, high-frequency TENS treatment significantly reduced pain intensity immediately after its use and 60 min later.TENS is a safe and viable non-pharmacological analgesic resource to be employed for pain relief post-episiotomy. The routine use of TENS post-episiotomy is recommended.

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado com cinquenta mulheres em pós-parto vaginal com episiotomia. Objetivou-se mensurar e caracterizar a dor perineal em primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia e verificar as atividades limitadas pela dor. Para avaliação da dor foi utilizada a Escala Numérica e o Questionário McGill, bem como um formulário para analisar as atividades que estavam limitadas. A média de dor perineal encontrada foi cinco. As categorias sensorial e avaliação subjetiva foram as mais selecionadas no Questionário McGill. A dor perineal foi caracterizada como latejante, que repuxa, que esquenta, ardida, dolorida, chata, incômoda, que prende e que deixa tensa. Sentar, deitar e deambular foram as atividades mais limitadas. Em conclusão, foi possível verificar a presença de dor perineal nas puérperas causada pela episiotomia e identificar que as atividades de sentar, deitar e deambular estavam limitadas por este sintoma. This is a descriptive study, involving fifty women after vaginal delivery with episiotomy. The study aimed to measure and to characterize the perineal pain in primiparae who have had a natural childbirth with episiotomy and to verify the activities limited by the perineal pain. For evaluation of perineal pain, a Numeric Scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were used, as well as another questionnaire to analyze the activities limited. In the Numeric Scale, the median of perineal pain referred were five. The sensory and subjective evaluation categories were the most selected in the McGill questionnaire. The perineal pain was characterized as pulsing, pulling, hot, stinging, hurting, annoying, troublesome, tight and tense. The most limited activities were sitting, laying down (onto the bed), and walking. In conclusion, it was possible to verify the presence of perineal pain between women in the postpartum period caused by episiotomy and identify the activities of sitting, lying down and walking were limited for this symptom. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo de cincuenta mujeres después del parto vaginal con episiotomía. Objetivó-se medir y caracterizar el dolor perineal en primíparas sometidas al parto normal con episiotomía y verificar las actividades limitadas por el dolor perineal. Para la evaluación del dolor se utilizo la Escala Numérica, el Cuestionario de del Dolor de McGill y un cuestionario para analizar las actividades limitadas. En la Escala Numérica, la media de dolor fue cinco. Las categorías de evaluación sensorial y subjetiva fueron los más seleccionados en el cuestionario McGill. La dolor perineal se caracterizó como palpitante, de esfuerzo, que se calienta, quema, duele, aburrido, incómodo, y deja que mantiene estrechos. Sentado, tumbado y caminar son las actividades más limitados. Finalización: fue posible verificar la presencia de dolor perineal entre primíparas causada por la episiotomia e identificar las actividades de sentado, acostado y caminando se vieron limitados por en este síntoma. Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Curso de Fisioterapia Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto Departamento de Biomecânica, Medicina Física e Reabilitação do Aparelho Locomotor Universidade de São Paulo Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto Programa de Pós-Graduação Enfermagem em Saúde Pública UNIFESP, Depto. de Ciências da Saúde Curso de Fisioterapia SciELO

Objective to understand the meaning of the childbirth experience for Brazilian primiparas in the postpartum period. Design a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to derive the two themes that emerged from the discourses. Setting participants were recruited at four primary-level health-care units in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. After providing written informed consent, an appointment was made for an interview at the participants' homes. Participants 20 primiparas in the postpartum period, aged 15–26 years old, who attended the health-care units to vaccinate their infants and test for phenylketonuria. Findings two thematic categories emerged from the interviews: the meaning attributed to childbirth (with four subcategories) and perceptions of care. Among the participants, the childbirth experience was marked by the ‘fear of death' and ‘losing the child'. The pain of giving birth was expected, and the moment of childbirth was associated with pain of high intensity. Key conclusions childbirth is considered synonymous with physical and emotional suffering, pain, fear and risk of death. Implications for practice this research indicates the need to break the current mechanistic model of care on which health professionals' actions are based. Care during childbirth must be guided by the foundation that women are the subjects of childbirth actions, in an attempt to emphasise actions that grant them with the autonomy and empowerment needed to experience the situation.

Objectives Pre-eclampsia, that affects 2–3% of pregnancies worldwide and develops after the twenty week of pregnancy, is characterized by increased blood pressure and proteinuria. When the worsening of the clinical frame occurs, the admission of these women, which can lead to a change in quality of life is recommended. To evaluate the quality of life of women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women hospitalized and compare them with each other, for the WHOQOL-Brev. Methods This was a case-control study. 58 patients were recruited, 28 with preeclampsia (blood pressure > 140 × 90 mmHg and 24-h proteinuria 300 mg) and 30 healthy. All responded to the quality of life WHOQOL-Brev questionnaire divided into four physical, psychological, social and environmental aspects. Results When comparing the clinical data of pregnant women, using the Mann–Whitney statistical difference was observed in the variables age p Conclusions The study showed that there was no statistical difference between groups in quality of life. The mean values between the two groups are equivalent; this can be explained because the PE pregnant women were hospitalized and receive multidisciplinary care. Disclosures M.S. Machado: None. T.V. Bertagnolli: None. J.S. Machado: None. C.H. Ferreira: None. G. Duarte: None. R.C. Cavalli: None.

Introduction Physical exercise including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training seems to improve the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence. This effect in postmenopausal women who are continent has not yet been determined. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 3‐month physical exercise protocol (PEP) on the sexual function and mood of postmenopausal women. Methods Thirty‐two sedentary, continent, sexually active women who had undergone menopause no more than 5 years earlier and who had follicle stimulating hormone levels of at least 40 mIU/mL were enrolled into this longitudinal study. All women had the ability to contract their PFMs, as assessed by vaginal bimanual palpation. Muscle strength was graded according to the Oxford Modified Grading Scale (OMGS). A PEP was performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist (M.M.F.) twice weekly for 3 months and at home three times per week. All women completed the Sexual Quotient‐Female Version (SQ‐F) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the PEP. Main Outcome Measures SQ‐F to assess sexual function, HASDS to assess mood, and OMGS to grade pelvic floor muscle strength. Results Thirty‐two women (24 married women, eight women in consensual unions) completed the PEP. Following the PEP, there was a significant increase in OMGS score (2.59 ± 1.24 vs. 3.40 ± 1.32, P P Conclusion Implementation of our PEP seemed to reduce anxiety and improve pelvic floor muscular strength in sedentary and continent postmenopausal women. However, our PEP did not improve sexual function. Uncontrolled variables, such as participation in a long‐term relationship and menopause status, may have affected our results. We suggest that a randomized controlled trial be performed to confirm our results. Lara LAS, Montenegro ML, Franco MM, Abreu DCC, Rosa e Silva ACJS, Ferreira CHJ. Is the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women enhanced by physical exercise and pelvic floor muscle training? J Sex Med 2012;9:218–223.

Trata-se de um ensaio clínico prospectivo comparativo que objetivou comparar os efeitos do tratamento com eletroestimulação transvaginal (ET) e do nervo tibial (ENT) sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) e queixas de perda urinária em mulheres com bexiga hiperativa. Participaram 42 pacientes com bexiga hiperativa ou incontinência urinária (IU) mista e foram divididas para tratamento com ET ou ENT. A QV foi avaliada pelo questionário de QV genérico, o Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) e um questionário específico para IU, o Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL). Os relatos de perdas urinárias e incômodos ocasionados foram avaliados, respectivamente, por meio do diário miccional de 24 horas e Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). O tratamento foi realizado uma vez por semana, totalizando doze semanas. O grupo da ENT teve melhora significativa em três domínios do I-QOL, na EVA, que avaliou o grau de incômodo causado pela IU e em quatro aspectos do diário miccional. No grupo de ET houve melhora significativa de dois domínios do SF-36, três domínios do I-QOL, na EVA e em quatro aspectos do diário. Houve melhora da QV em ambos os grupos, assim como uma diminuição das queixas de perda urinária, entretanto, o grupo que recebeu ET obteve melhora nos escores em dois domínios do questionário de QV genérico após o tratamento, que teve limitação por aspectos físicos e limitação por aspectos emocionais. O que não ocorreu com o grupo de ENT. This is a prospective comparative clinical study. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravaginal electrical stimulation therapy (IS) and the tibial nerve (TNS) on quality of life (QOL) and complaints of urinary incontinence in women with overactive bladder. Participants 42 patients with overactive bladder or urinary incontinence (UI) mix and were divided for treatment with IS or TNS. To assess QOL we used a generic QOL questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) and a specific questionnaire for urinary incontinence, the Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL). The reports of urinary incontinence and discomfort caused were evaluated, respectively, through the 24-hour voiding diary and visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment was performed once a week, twelve weeks in total. The PTNS group had significant improvement in three areas of the I-QOL in VAS, which assessed the degree of discomfort caused by IU and four aspects of voiding diary. In the IS group significantly improved in two domains of the SF-36 domains of the three I-QOL in VAS and on four issues of the journal. There was improvement in QOL in both groups, as well as a decrease in complaints of urinary leakage, however, the group that received IS had been improved scores in two areas of the generic QOL questionnaire after treatment, which were limited by the physical limitation and by emotional aspects. What did not happen with the group of TNS.

INTRODUÇÃO: A menopausa é um período em que a mulher apresenta progressivas alterações em seu organismo. A perda de força muscular e do equilíbrio corporal são importantes exemplos dessas alterações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e correlacionar o equilíbrio estático, a força de quadríceps e o torque dos dorsiflexores de tornozelo de mulheres no período fértil (n=20) e de mulheres na pós-menopausa (n = 45). MÉTODOS: Foram registrados o torque dos dorsiflexores de tornozelo e a força do quadríceps. O equilíbrio estático foi avaliado utilizando-se o sistema Polhemus. RESULTADOS: O grupo controle apresentou maior torque dos dorsiflexores de tornozelo e maior força de quadríceps comparado ao grupo pós-menopausa, porém o equilíbrio estático não apresentou diferença entre os grupos. No grupo controle, foi observada correlação somente entre a força de quadríceps com a condição plataforma fixa olhos fechados. No grupo de mulheres na pós-menopausa houve correlação entre torque dos dorsiflexores de tornozelo e equilíbrio estático nas condições plataforma fixa olhos abertos (r = 0,386; p = 0,008), plataforma fixa olhos fechados (r = 0,373; p = 0,01) e plataforma instável olhos abertos (r = 0,343; p = 0,02). Neste mesmo grupo também houve correlação entre força de quadríceps e equilíbrio estático na condição plataforma fixa olhos fechados (r = 0,315; p = 0,03). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que a diminuição da força muscular após a menopausa parece estar relacionada ao hipoestrogenismo e que o torque dos dorsiflexores de tornozelo é um fator importante para a manutenção do equilíbrio estático nos primeiros anos da menopausa. INTRODUCTION: Menopause is the period of life in which women experience progressive changes in their body. Muscular strength and balance are important examples of changes occurring in this group of individuals. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation and correlation of the static balance, quadriceps strength and ankle dorsiflexor torque in fertile (n = 20) and post-menopausal women (n = 45) were studied. METHODS: A device was used to record the ankle dorsiflexion torque and the quadriceps strength was measured according to the concept of one repetition maximum. The assessment of the static balance was made with the Polhemus system. RESULTS: The control group presented ankle dorsiflexor torque and quadriceps strength greater than the post-menopausal women, but the static balance was not different between groups. In control group, correlation was observed only between quadriceps strength and using the fixed platform with eyes closed. In the post-menopausal women there was a correlation between static balance and the ankle dorsiflexor torque in the fixed platform with eyes open (r = 0.386; p = 0.008); fixed platform with eyes closed (r = 0.373; p = 0.01) and unstable platform with eyes open (r = 0.343; p = 0.02). In this group correlation between static balance and quadriceps strength was observed in testing the use of fixed platform with eyes closed (r = 0.315; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the diminished muscular strength after menopause seems to be related to the hypoestrogenism and that the ankle dorsiflexor torque is an important factor for the maintenance of static balance in the first years of menopause.

Objective To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the modified Oxford Grading Scale and the Peritron manometer. Design All participants were evaluated twice, first by one examiner and 30 days later by a second examiner. Measurements of vaginal squeeze pressure were compared with the results from the palpation test. Participants Nineteen women with a mean age of 23.7 years (range 21 to 28 years). Results Inter-rater reliability for vaginal palpation was fair (κ = 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.57). Using the Peritron manometer, the difference between examiners was less than 10 cmH2O in 11 of the 19 (58%) cases. The palpation test did not differentiate between weak, moderate, good and strong muscle contractions. This study found fair inter-rater reliability for the modified Oxford Grading Scale and moderate inter-rater reliability for the Peritron manometer. Conclusions The inter-rater reliability of vaginal squeeze pressure measurement using the Peritron manometer is acceptable and can be used in re-evaluations performed by different examiners in clinical practice. However, for research purposes, the ideal situation would be for a single examiner to assess and re-assess the subject. Vaginal palpation is important in the clinical assessment of correctness of a pelvic floor muscle contraction, but this study does not support the use of the modified Oxford Grading Scale as a reliable and valid method to measure and differentiate pelvic floor muscle strength. © 2010 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OBJETIVO: Mensurar e caracterizar a percepção dolorosa das puérperas primíparas submetidas à episiotomia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 40 puérperas primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia. Para mensuração da dor foi utilizada a escala de categoria numérica e para caracterização a versão brasileira do questionário McGill - Br-MPQ. RESULTADOS: Os valores encontrados na avaliação da dor foram de média 4,2 e os descritores que melhor caracterizaram a dor foram: dolorida; que repuxa; incômoda; chata; ardida; pica como uma agulhada; latejante; em pressão. CONCLUSÃO: A intensidade da dor perineal foi considerada como moderada pelas puérperas. Na caracterização da queixa dolorosa os descritores mais citados foram da dimensão sensorial. Este estudo possibilitou observar a necessidade do reconhecimento dos aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da dor na prática clinica obstétrica. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize and measure perineal pain in puerperal primiparous undergoing episiotomy. METHODS: A descriptive design was conducted in 40 puerperal primiparous who underwent normal childbirth with episiotomy. Pain was measured with the Brazilian version of the McGill questionnaire (Br-MPQ). RESULTS: Participants had a mean pain level of 4.2, and the words that better characterized perineal pain were: sore; hurting, discomfort, annoying, burning, stinging, throbbing, and pressing. CONCLUSION: The intensity of perineal pain was reported to be moderate. The pain characteristics most reported consisted of the sensorial dimension. The findings of this study suggest the need for identification of both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of pain in obstetric services. OBJETIVO: Medir y caracterizar la percepción dolorosa de las puérperas primíparas sometidas a la episiotomía. MÉTODOS: Se trata de una investigación descriptiva con abordaje cuantitativo, realizada con 40 puérperas primíparas sometidas al parto normal con episiotomía. Para la mensuración del dolor se utilizó la escala de categoría numérica y para la caracterización la versión brasileña del cuestionario McGill - Br-MPQ. RESULTADOS: Los valores encontrados en la evaluación del dolor tuvieron en promedio 4.2 y los descriptores que mejor caracterizaron el dolor fueron: adolorido; que empuja; incómoda; fastidio; que arde; pica como una aguja; palpita; presiona. CONCLUSIÓN: La intensidad del dolor perineal fue considerada como moderada por las puérperas. En la caracterización de la queja dolorosa los descriptores más citados fueron de la dimensión sensorial. Este estudio posibilitó observar la necesidad de reconocimiento de los aspectos cualitativos y cuantitativos del dolor en la práctica clínica obstétrica.

Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women. Surgery is part of the therapeutic process to prevent metastases, but it can also cause some complications, including lymphedema. Physiotherapy contributes to its treatment, using different techniques that have been developed over the years. This systematic literature review aims to present physiotherapy modalities applied for lymphedema therapy. The literature review was conducted using textbooks and Lilacs, Pubmed and Scielo databases, from 1951 to 2009. Physiotherapy resources used for lymphedema treatment include complex decongestive therapy (CDT), pneumatic compression (PC), high voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) and laser therapy. The analyzed literature shows that better results are obtained with combined techniques. CDT is the most used protocol, and its association with PC has demonstrated efficacy. The new techniques HVES and laser present satisfactory results. El cáncer de seno es el segundo tipo de cáncer más común entre las mujeres. La cirugía es parte del proceso terapéutico en la prevención de la diseminación de la enfermedad, sin embargo, puede ser causa de algunas complicaciones como el linfedema. La fisioterapia contribuye para su tratamiento con diferentes técnicas que vienen siendo desarrolladas a lo largo de los años. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática de la literatura es presentar las modalidades fisioterapéuticas aplicadas en el tratamiento del linfedema. La revisión bibliográfica fue efectuada en libros textos y en las bases de datos LILACS, PubMed y SciELO, en el período de 1951 a 2009. Entre los recursos fisioterapéuticos utilizados en el tratamiento del linfedema están la terapia compleja descongestiva (TCD), compresión neumática (CN), estimulación eléctrica de alto voltaje (EVA) y láserterapia. Los trabajos analizados muestran que los resultados son mejores con las técnicas combinadas. La TCD es el protocolo más utilizado, y su asociación con la CN se muestra eficaz. Las nuevas técnicas EVA y láser presentan resultados satisfactorios. O câncer de mama é o segundo tipo de câncer mais comum entre as mulheres. A cirurgia é parte do processo terapêutico na prevenção da disseminação da doença, porém, pode ser causa de algumas complicações como o linfedema. A fisioterapia contribui para seu tratamento com diferentes técnicas que vêm sendo desenvolvidas ao longo dos anos. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática da literatura é apresentar as modalidades fisioterapêuticas aplicadas no tratamento do linfedema. A revisão bibliográfica foi efetuada em livros textos e nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed e SciELO, no período de 1951 a 2009. Entre os recursos fisioterapêuticos utilizados no tratamento do linfedema estão a terapia complexa descongestiva (TCD), compressão pneumática (CP), estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem (EVA) e laserterapia. Os trabalhos analisados mostram que os resultados são melhores com as técnicas combinadas. A TCD é o protocolo mais utilizado, e sua associação com a CP se mostra eficaz. As novas técnicas EVA e laser apresentam resultados satisfatórios.

This study provides an update on the use of Transcutaneous Eletric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological resource of postoperative pain relief. National and international references regarding the use of TENS for the relief of postoperative pain had been selected, highlighting its mechanism of action, parameters of application, contraindications, side-effect and results. TENS is a non-pharmacological resource that has its mechanism of action based on the gate theory. It consists of a device that emits electric impulses in the skin through electrodes. It is a low cost technique, easily applicable, presents few collateral effects, good effectiveness related to the reduction of the painful perception, allowing early mobilization and reduced pharmacological analgesic consumption. TENS represents another option in the control of postoperative pain and should be inserted in a multiprofessional context.

Objectives: This assessment in Brazil was to evaluate the performance of commercially available HIV rapid test (RT) against the gold standard testing and to establish a highly sensitive and specific RT algorithm for HIV diagnosis. Design: A prospective, anonymous and unlinked study. Methods: An evaluation of seven commercially available RT to compare their performance against the gold standard tests for Brazil. This includes two competing enzyme immunoassays plus a Western blot for confirmation. After informed consent, whole blood samples were collected from volunteers in voluntary counselling and testing sites (n = 400), antenatal clinics (n = 500) and from HIV-positive controls in AIDS treatment centres (n = 200). Two seroconversion panels, one HIV-1 subtype (B, B′, C and F) panel and an operational assay performance evaluation were also part of the study parameters. Results: For the seven RT the clinical sensitivity ranged from 97.74 to 100% and clinical specificity from 99.43 to 100%. However, only four RT were considered acceptable after full evaluation. The two EIA had a clinical sensitivity of 100% and clinical specificity of 99.32 and 99.66%. Two RT had the same performance on the seroconversions panels as the EIA. The operational assay performance evaluation for the RT indicated that Hexagon and Capillus could not be classified as simple assays. Conclusion: We have provided evidence that RT assays can perform equally or better than EIA for the detection of HIV antibodies. The simplicity and rapidity of the RT warrants its utilization in an algorithm for a rapid diagnosis of HIV infection.

Objectives Pregnant women with preeclampsia, due to the complexity of the clinical frame remains at rest and such conduct leads to muscle discomfort, but no studies proving the safety and effectiveness of physical therapy protocols to improve such discomforts. To evaluate the influence of a physical therapy protocol applied in pregnant women with preeclampsia in relation to maternal and fetal hemodynamics Methods The women were randomized to the physiotherapy group or control group, both with conducting monitoring breast through pressure curve and measure heart rate and fetal monitoring with Doppler velocimetry. The physiotherapy group had the physiotherapy exercise protocol and received guidance on appropriate to stay in bed postures and the control group received only the guidelines. Results Data were analyzed using linear regression model with mixed effects (random and fixed effects). The data on the clinical data of the patients (age, gestational age, parity, BMI) and laboratory tests (24-h proteinuria, 24-h diuresis, creatinine, uric acid, urea, hemoglobin, bilirubin, sodium and potassium) showed no difference between groups. The results of maternal and fetal hemodynamics improved, however these changes are not clinically significant. Conclusions We can conclude that physiotherapy protocol we used is safe for both the mother and the fetus. Data monitoring of maternal and fetal hemodynamics Physiotherapy group Control group Materna hemodynamics: Pre mean Pos mean IC (95%) p Value Pre mean Pos mean IC (95%) p Value SBP (mmHg) Systolic blood pressure – mmHg 141,11 139,98 −3,405,53 0,64 137,36 141,97 -9,101,50 0,16 Diastolic blood pressure – mmHg 82,49 81,79 −2,794,54 0,64 80,95 83,22 −5,992,70 0,46 Average arterial pressure – mmHg 111,8 110,88 −2,634,56 0.6 109,15 112,59 −6,961,56 0.21 Heart rate – bpm 77,53 83,46 −8.40–1.93 85,08 82,58 −4,903,93 0,83 Fetal hemodynamics: Pre mean Pos mean IC (95%) p Value Pre mean Pos mean IC (95%) p Value Middle cerebral artery – RI 0.79 0.75 0,010,08 0.02 0.76 0.7 0,010,09 0,03 Umbilical artery – RI 0,63 0,65 −0,090,03 0.33 0.65 0.68 −0,070,05 0.77 Disclosures T.V. Bertagnolli: None. M.S. Machado: None. J.S. Machado: None. C.H. Ferreira: None. G. Duarte: None. R.C. Cavalli: None.

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de mama apresenta relevantes efeitos físicos e psicológicos. Entre as formas de tratamento, as cirurgias conservadoras, muitas vezes com esvaziamento linfático axilar e seguidas por radioterapia, têm papel preponderante. Uma importante complicação pós-tratamento é o surgimento do linfedema no membro superior homolateral. A principal terapêutica para o linfedema é a fisioterapia complexa descongestiva. A estimulação elétrica vem sendo utilizada na prática clínica para a redução do edema, sendo, por isso, uma nova alternativa para o tratamento do linfedema a ser pesquisada. OBJETIVO: Realizar um estudo piloto para comparar os efeitos da fisioterapia complexa descongestiva com um protocolo que inclui estimulação elétrica, exercícios terapêuticos e uso da braçadeira elástica na redução do linfedema secundário com o esvaziamento linfático axilar. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Doze voluntárias foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos e submetidas a diferentes protocolos terapêuticos (FCD e EAV). A redução do linfedema foi avaliada por meio da perimetria e da volumetria de ambos os membros superiores. As intervenções foram realizadas duas vezes por semana por um período de sete semanas. RESULTADOS: Não se observou diferença na redução do linfedema entre os protocolos utilizados. CONCLUSÃO: Com uma amostra pequena de pacientes, não se observaram diferenças entre as técnicas na redução do linfedema quando aplicadas na fase de manutenção. Fatores como tempo de instalação do linfedema, grau de esvaziamento axilar, radicalidade da cirurgia e aplicação de radioterapia na região afetada contribuem para o estágio do linfedema e sucesso de seu tratamento.