Influence of aging on function and electromyographic activity of pelvic floor muscles

• Grant number: 12/11603-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Driusso
• Grantee: Djessica Aline Santos Bocardi
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The pelvic floor dysfunctions affect predominantly women. It is a common clinical condition that affects an increasing number of women each year, affecting the quality of life of a third of adult women of all ages. Although rarely fatal, the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders cause embarrassment and, when untreated, lead to social isolation, sexual inhibition, and potential loss of independence. Many risk factors for such dysfunctions are listed in the current literature, including aging. However, little is known about the influence of aging on pelvic floor muscles. The objective of this study is to compare the function and electromyographic activity of pelvic floor muscles in women of different ages. For this cross-sectional study will be selected 50 women between 18 and 70 years, were classified into five age groups. The volunteers will be assessed for the function of the pelvic floor muscles by digital palpation, pressure contraction of these muscles by perineometer, and electromyographic activity of pelvic floor muscles during rest and maximal voluntary contraction. Appropriate statistical tests are applied to compare the variables force, pressure, and pelvic floor electrical activity between the groups of women stratified by age. Given the aging population, it is expected that this study will provide important scientific contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles and help in developing effective preventive strategies for women of different age groups.(AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BOCARDI, D. A. S.; PEREIRA-BALDON, V. S.; FERREIRA, C. H. J.; AVILA, M. A.; BELEZA, A. C. S.; DRIUSSO, P.. Pelvic floor muscle function and EMG in nulliparous women of different ages: a cross-sectional study. CLIMACTERIC, v. 21, n. 5, p. 462-466, 2018. (12/11603-5)