Effects of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322007000400011Keywords:
Exercise and movement techniques, Pelvic floor, Musculoskeletal diseases, Perineum, PregnancyAbstract
OJETIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training in 46 nulliparous pregnant women. METHODS: The women were divided into 2 groups: an exercise group and a control group. Functional evaluation of the pelvic floor muscle was performed by digital vaginal palpation using the strength scale described by Ortiz and by a perineometer (with and without biofeedback). RESULTS: The functional evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles showed a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle strength during pregnancy in both groups (P < .001). However, the magnitude of the change was greater in the exercise group than in the control group (47.4% vs. 17.3%, P < .001). The study also showed a significant positive correlation (Spearman's test, r = 0.643; P < .001) between perineometry and digital assessment in the strength of pelvic floor muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle training resulted in a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle pressure and strength during pregnancy. A significant positive correlation between functional evaluation of the pelvic floor muscle and perineometry was observed during pregnancy.Downloads
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Published
2007-01-01
Issue
Section
Clinical Sciences
How to Cite
Oliveira, C. de, Lopes, M. A. B., Pereira, L. C. L. e, & Zugaib, M. (2007). Effects of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy . Clinics, 62(4), 439-446. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322007000400011