Physical therapy modalities Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(5):234-240
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on female sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: twenty-six women with a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction (sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic disorders and/or dyspareunia) were included in a clinical trial with a before/after approach . The assessment was carried out before, during (after five sessions) and at the end of the treatment (after ten sessions) by two-digit palpation (assessment of pelvic floor muscle, PFM, strength), intravaginal electromyography (EMG) (capture of PFM contraction amplitudes) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI, a questionnaire for the evaluation of sexual function). The women underwent PFMT in different positions for ten sessions (once or twice a week). For statistical analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were used for clinical characteristics and PFM strength. The Friedman test was used to compare the FSFI domain scores and EMG values, the Students t-test was used to determine the association between these values and the characteristics of the women, and the Wilcoxon test for percent modification of the EMG. The Mann-Whitney test permitted us to compare these values with clinical characteristics. The Spearman correlation test was used to correlate the EMG values with mean total score. Results were considered statistically significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: a significant improvement (p<0.0001) of FSFI scores was observed at the end of treatment compared to the values observed before and in the middle of treatment. Regarding the EMG, the amplitudes of tonic and phasic contractions increased significantly during treatment (p<0.0001). Pelvic floor strength increased, which 69% of the women presenting grade 4 or 5 at the end of treatment, with a total improvement of sexual complaints. CONCLUSIONS: the PFMT improved muscle strength and electromyography contraction amplitudes, with improved sexual function, indicating that this physiotherapy approach may be successfully used for the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(5):234-240
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on female sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: twenty-six women with a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction (sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic disorders and/or dyspareunia) were included in a clinical trial with a before/after approach . The assessment was carried out before, during (after five sessions) and at the end of the treatment (after ten sessions) by two-digit palpation (assessment of pelvic floor muscle, PFM, strength), intravaginal electromyography (EMG) (capture of PFM contraction amplitudes) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI, a questionnaire for the evaluation of sexual function). The women underwent PFMT in different positions for ten sessions (once or twice a week). For statistical analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were used for clinical characteristics and PFM strength. The Friedman test was used to compare the FSFI domain scores and EMG values, the Students t-test was used to determine the association between these values and the characteristics of the women, and the Wilcoxon test for percent modification of the EMG. The Mann-Whitney test permitted us to compare these values with clinical characteristics. The Spearman correlation test was used to correlate the EMG values with mean total score. Results were considered statistically significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: a significant improvement (p<0.0001) of FSFI scores was observed at the end of treatment compared to the values observed before and in the middle of treatment. Regarding the EMG, the amplitudes of tonic and phasic contractions increased significantly during treatment (p<0.0001). Pelvic floor strength increased, which 69% of the women presenting grade 4 or 5 at the end of treatment, with a total improvement of sexual complaints. CONCLUSIONS: the PFMT improved muscle strength and electromyography contraction amplitudes, with improved sexual function, indicating that this physiotherapy approach may be successfully used for the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(3):133-138
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000300006
PURPOSE: to assess the influence of physiotherapy performed during radiotherapy (RT) on the quality of life (QL) of women under treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: this was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 55 women under RT treatment, 28 of whom were assigned to a group submitted to physiotherapy (PG) and 27 to the control group receiving no PG (CG). The physiotherapy technique used for PG was kinesiotherapy for the upper limbs using 19 exercises actively performed, with a series of ten rhythmic repetitions or stretching movements involving flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external shoulder rotation, separate or combined. QL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), at the beginning and at the end of RT and six months after the end of RT. The physiotherapy sessions were started concomitantly with RT, 90 days after surgery, on average. RESULTS: there was no difference between subgroups regarding the following subscales: physical well-being (p=0.8), social/family well-being (p=0.3), functional well-being (p=0.2) and breast subscale (p=0.2) at the three time points assessed. A comparison of the emotional subscale applied at the three evaluations demonstrated a better behavior of PG as compared to CG (p=0.01), with both groups presenting improvement on the breast subscale between the beginning and the end of RT (PG p=0.0004 and CG p=0.003). There was improvement in FACT-B scores at the end of RT in both groups (PG p=0.0006 and CG p=0.003). However, at the sixth month after RT, this improvement was maintained only in PG (p=0,005). QL assessed along time by the FACT B (p=0.004) and the Trial Outcome Index (TOI) (sums of the physical and functional well-being subscales and of the breast subscale) was better for PG (p=0.006). There was no evidence of negative effects associated with the exercises. CONCLUSIONS: the execution of exercises for the upper limbs was beneficial for QL during and six months after RT.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(3):133-138
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000300006
PURPOSE: to assess the influence of physiotherapy performed during radiotherapy (RT) on the quality of life (QL) of women under treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: this was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 55 women under RT treatment, 28 of whom were assigned to a group submitted to physiotherapy (PG) and 27 to the control group receiving no PG (CG). The physiotherapy technique used for PG was kinesiotherapy for the upper limbs using 19 exercises actively performed, with a series of ten rhythmic repetitions or stretching movements involving flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external shoulder rotation, separate or combined. QL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), at the beginning and at the end of RT and six months after the end of RT. The physiotherapy sessions were started concomitantly with RT, 90 days after surgery, on average. RESULTS: there was no difference between subgroups regarding the following subscales: physical well-being (p=0.8), social/family well-being (p=0.3), functional well-being (p=0.2) and breast subscale (p=0.2) at the three time points assessed. A comparison of the emotional subscale applied at the three evaluations demonstrated a better behavior of PG as compared to CG (p=0.01), with both groups presenting improvement on the breast subscale between the beginning and the end of RT (PG p=0.0004 and CG p=0.003). There was improvement in FACT-B scores at the end of RT in both groups (PG p=0.0006 and CG p=0.003). However, at the sixth month after RT, this improvement was maintained only in PG (p=0,005). QL assessed along time by the FACT B (p=0.004) and the Trial Outcome Index (TOI) (sums of the physical and functional well-being subscales and of the breast subscale) was better for PG (p=0.006). There was no evidence of negative effects associated with the exercises. CONCLUSIONS: the execution of exercises for the upper limbs was beneficial for QL during and six months after RT.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2009;31(7):353-360
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000700006
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate by photogrammetry, postural changes in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: thirty women with complaint of chronic pelvic pain and 37 without it, in a total of 67 women, were evaluated. The evaluation was realized through anamnesis, fixed markers in defined anatomical sites, and frontal, posterior, left and right lateral photographies. Photo analysis has been done by the software CorelDraw®, version 11.0. Quantitative values for postural analysis of the ankle, the knee in the saggittal plan, pelvis, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, adducted/abducted scapula, shoulders, head and third finger on the floor test were obtained. The qualitative variables studied were the knee (varus, valgus or normal), the presence or not of winged scapula and leveling of shoulders. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0 was used for the statistical analyses. Fisher's exact test and Monte-Carlo method were used to compare the qualitative variables, and for the quantitative data, t or Mann-Whitney test was used. The comparisons among continuous data, corrected for possible confusion variables were realized by the univariate covariance analysis. Significance level was established at 0.05 or 5%. RESULTS: there were significant differences between cases and controls for protruded head (47.5 and 52.0º, respectively; p<0.0001) and for protruded shoulders (1.9 and 1.6 cm, respectively; p=0.03). The other variables did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: based on these results, attention to head and shoulder posture, to antalgic postures and to the emotional factor is recommended. Women with chronic pelvic pain should be treated, taking into consideration individual muscle-skeletal changes, and social and emotional conditions.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2009;31(7):353-360
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000700006
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate by photogrammetry, postural changes in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: thirty women with complaint of chronic pelvic pain and 37 without it, in a total of 67 women, were evaluated. The evaluation was realized through anamnesis, fixed markers in defined anatomical sites, and frontal, posterior, left and right lateral photographies. Photo analysis has been done by the software CorelDraw®, version 11.0. Quantitative values for postural analysis of the ankle, the knee in the saggittal plan, pelvis, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, adducted/abducted scapula, shoulders, head and third finger on the floor test were obtained. The qualitative variables studied were the knee (varus, valgus or normal), the presence or not of winged scapula and leveling of shoulders. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0 was used for the statistical analyses. Fisher's exact test and Monte-Carlo method were used to compare the qualitative variables, and for the quantitative data, t or Mann-Whitney test was used. The comparisons among continuous data, corrected for possible confusion variables were realized by the univariate covariance analysis. Significance level was established at 0.05 or 5%. RESULTS: there were significant differences between cases and controls for protruded head (47.5 and 52.0º, respectively; p<0.0001) and for protruded shoulders (1.9 and 1.6 cm, respectively; p=0.03). The other variables did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: based on these results, attention to head and shoulder posture, to antalgic postures and to the emotional factor is recommended. Women with chronic pelvic pain should be treated, taking into consideration individual muscle-skeletal changes, and social and emotional conditions.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(9):452-458
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900003
PURPOSE: to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of oxybutynin, electrostimulation (ES) and pelvic floor training (PFT) in the management of women with detrusor overactivity. METHODS: a total of 64 women, 35 to 80 years old, were enrolled in this randomized prospective trial. Patients were randomized in three groups: Oxybutynin (n=22), ES (n=21) and PFT (n=21). There were no statistical differences between the three groups with regards to race (p=0.948), age (p=0.747), hormonal status (p=0.813), time of symptomatology (p=0.789), previous surgery for urinary incontinence (p=0.993), or body mass index (p=0.897). Patients were assessed before and after treatment by urodynamic test, a seven-day voiding diary, and subjective response. The duration of the treatment was twelve weeks. For statistical analyses, the Pearson chi2, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the paired t-test were used. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urge-incontinence episodes and in the number of pads required in all groups (p<0.05). There was reduction in the frequency of micturition in the Oxybutynin Group (p=0.014). Oxybutynin and ES Groups had reduction in nocturia episodes (p=0.003 and p=0.036, respectively). There were no significant differences in improvement between the three groups (p>0.05). Urgency was resolved in 14 (63.6%), 11 (52.4%) and 12 (57.1%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively, without differences among the groups (p=0.754). Subjectively, 17 (77.3%), 11 (52.4%) and 16 (76.2%) women who had accomplished oxybutynin, ES and PFT, respectively, were satisfied, without differences among the groups (p = 0.142). Urodynamic was normal in 8 (36.4%), 12 (57.1%) and 11 (52.4%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively. This urodynamic analysis revealed no differences between the three groups (p=0.358). The reduction of urge-incontinence correlated with patient satisfaction (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: treatments were equally effective; reduction of urge-incontinence was correlated with patient satisfaction.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(9):452-458
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900003
PURPOSE: to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of oxybutynin, electrostimulation (ES) and pelvic floor training (PFT) in the management of women with detrusor overactivity. METHODS: a total of 64 women, 35 to 80 years old, were enrolled in this randomized prospective trial. Patients were randomized in three groups: Oxybutynin (n=22), ES (n=21) and PFT (n=21). There were no statistical differences between the three groups with regards to race (p=0.948), age (p=0.747), hormonal status (p=0.813), time of symptomatology (p=0.789), previous surgery for urinary incontinence (p=0.993), or body mass index (p=0.897). Patients were assessed before and after treatment by urodynamic test, a seven-day voiding diary, and subjective response. The duration of the treatment was twelve weeks. For statistical analyses, the Pearson chi2, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the paired t-test were used. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urge-incontinence episodes and in the number of pads required in all groups (p<0.05). There was reduction in the frequency of micturition in the Oxybutynin Group (p=0.014). Oxybutynin and ES Groups had reduction in nocturia episodes (p=0.003 and p=0.036, respectively). There were no significant differences in improvement between the three groups (p>0.05). Urgency was resolved in 14 (63.6%), 11 (52.4%) and 12 (57.1%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively, without differences among the groups (p=0.754). Subjectively, 17 (77.3%), 11 (52.4%) and 16 (76.2%) women who had accomplished oxybutynin, ES and PFT, respectively, were satisfied, without differences among the groups (p = 0.142). Urodynamic was normal in 8 (36.4%), 12 (57.1%) and 11 (52.4%) patients of the Oxybutynin, ES and PFT Groups, respectively. This urodynamic analysis revealed no differences between the three groups (p=0.358). The reduction of urge-incontinence correlated with patient satisfaction (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: treatments were equally effective; reduction of urge-incontinence was correlated with patient satisfaction.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(3):134-140
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000300004
PURPOSE: to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after physical therapy treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: an uncontrolled clinical trial of 26 women, who had mainly complaints of SUI. Post-menopausal women with overactive bladder, cystocele >grade II and previous surgical/conservative treatments were excluded from the study. The physiotherapy treatment relied on 12 individual pelvic floor exercises assisted by electromyographyc-biofeedback sessions. A total of 200 contractions were carried out, divided in phasic (quick) and tonic (slow). The tool used to evaluate QoL was the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), before and after the treatment. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urinary symptoms, particularly in urinary frequency, nocturia, urgency and urinary incontinence. Regarding the QoL, there was a significant improvement in the following domain scores: general health perception (49.0±24.0 versus 26.9±15.7; p=0.0015), incontinence impact (78.2±28.2 versus 32.1±30.5; p=0.001), activity limitation (75.0±28.2 versus 13.5±22.6; p<0.001), physical limitation (72.4±29.4 versus 15.4±24.5; p<0.001), social limitations (38.3±28.6 versus 6.4±14.5; p<0.001), emotions (59.0±33.8 versus 14.1±24.7; p=0.0001, sleep/energy (34.0±23.8 versus 6.4±16.4; p=0.001) and severity measures (66.9±19.6 versus 22.3±24.2; p<0.001), except for personal relationships (60.5±33.9 versus 41.7±16.7; p=0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: there was an improvement in several aspects of women's QoL treated by physiotherapy, when evaluated with a specific tool, the KHQ.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(3):134-140
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000300004
PURPOSE: to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after physical therapy treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: an uncontrolled clinical trial of 26 women, who had mainly complaints of SUI. Post-menopausal women with overactive bladder, cystocele >grade II and previous surgical/conservative treatments were excluded from the study. The physiotherapy treatment relied on 12 individual pelvic floor exercises assisted by electromyographyc-biofeedback sessions. A total of 200 contractions were carried out, divided in phasic (quick) and tonic (slow). The tool used to evaluate QoL was the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), before and after the treatment. RESULTS: there was a decrease in the urinary symptoms, particularly in urinary frequency, nocturia, urgency and urinary incontinence. Regarding the QoL, there was a significant improvement in the following domain scores: general health perception (49.0±24.0 versus 26.9±15.7; p=0.0015), incontinence impact (78.2±28.2 versus 32.1±30.5; p=0.001), activity limitation (75.0±28.2 versus 13.5±22.6; p<0.001), physical limitation (72.4±29.4 versus 15.4±24.5; p<0.001), social limitations (38.3±28.6 versus 6.4±14.5; p<0.001), emotions (59.0±33.8 versus 14.1±24.7; p=0.0001, sleep/energy (34.0±23.8 versus 6.4±16.4; p=0.001) and severity measures (66.9±19.6 versus 22.3±24.2; p<0.001), except for personal relationships (60.5±33.9 versus 41.7±16.7; p=0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: there was an improvement in several aspects of women's QoL treated by physiotherapy, when evaluated with a specific tool, the KHQ.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2006;28(11):671-679
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100007
PURPOSE: to investigate the influence of the maternal mobility during the active phase of labor. METHODS: a prospective clinical trial was conducted through comparative analysis among a treatment group (n=50) and a control group (n=50), in the Obstetric Center of the Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo (USP). The inclusion criteria were: primigravidae with a single fetus on cephalic presentation, with 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, with two uterine contractions every ten minutes and with cervical dilatation until 4 cm, besides the agreement to sign the free and informed consent term. The evolution of labor for cesarean section was the exclusion criteria. The patients were assisted during the active phase of labor by the physiotherapist and encouraged for staying in vertical position and movement, according to each dilatation stage and fetus head progression. The control group had obstetric support without the presence of the physiotherapist; it was selected retrospectively, according to the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: 58 primigravidae between 15 and 37 years old were accompanied; 50 of them (86.2%) evolved to vaginal birth and eight (13.7%) evolved to cesarean section and were excluded. Among the patients who were accompanied, the mean of active phase was five hours and 16 minutes, while in the control group it was eight hours and 28 minutes (p<0.001). This difference was maintained in relation to the amniotic sac either whole or ragged. As for the cervix uterine evanescence, the treatment group showed a smaller period of active phase in association to a thin uterine cervix (p<0.001). In the treatment group, none of the patients used analgesics during the active phase, against 62% of the control group (p<0.001). In this group, all the patients used some kind of anesthesia for delivery; in the treatment group, among those who used anesthesia, 76% did it while the dilatation was 9 or 10 cm and 12% did not use any kind of anesthesia (p<0.05). The average weight of the newborns and the apgar did not show significant difference rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: the good performance of maternal mobility has positive influences on the labor process: it increases the tolerance to pain, avoids the use of drugs during labor, improves the evolution of dilatation and reduces the duration of the active phase.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2006;28(11):671-679
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100007
PURPOSE: to investigate the influence of the maternal mobility during the active phase of labor. METHODS: a prospective clinical trial was conducted through comparative analysis among a treatment group (n=50) and a control group (n=50), in the Obstetric Center of the Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo (USP). The inclusion criteria were: primigravidae with a single fetus on cephalic presentation, with 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, with two uterine contractions every ten minutes and with cervical dilatation until 4 cm, besides the agreement to sign the free and informed consent term. The evolution of labor for cesarean section was the exclusion criteria. The patients were assisted during the active phase of labor by the physiotherapist and encouraged for staying in vertical position and movement, according to each dilatation stage and fetus head progression. The control group had obstetric support without the presence of the physiotherapist; it was selected retrospectively, according to the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: 58 primigravidae between 15 and 37 years old were accompanied; 50 of them (86.2%) evolved to vaginal birth and eight (13.7%) evolved to cesarean section and were excluded. Among the patients who were accompanied, the mean of active phase was five hours and 16 minutes, while in the control group it was eight hours and 28 minutes (p<0.001). This difference was maintained in relation to the amniotic sac either whole or ragged. As for the cervix uterine evanescence, the treatment group showed a smaller period of active phase in association to a thin uterine cervix (p<0.001). In the treatment group, none of the patients used analgesics during the active phase, against 62% of the control group (p<0.001). In this group, all the patients used some kind of anesthesia for delivery; in the treatment group, among those who used anesthesia, 76% did it while the dilatation was 9 or 10 cm and 12% did not use any kind of anesthesia (p<0.05). The average weight of the newborns and the apgar did not show significant difference rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: the good performance of maternal mobility has positive influences on the labor process: it increases the tolerance to pain, avoids the use of drugs during labor, improves the evolution of dilatation and reduces the duration of the active phase.
