Effects of obesity on function, electromyographic activity and volume of the pelvic floor muscles in multiparous women

• Grant number: 15/03401-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Patricia Driusso
• Grantee: Djessica Aline Santos Bocardi
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

It is known that obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Numerous population studies relate obesity to increase of the prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organs prolapse. However, the exact mechanism responsible for this association is poorly understood. Thus, this study aims to compare multiparous women eutrophic, overweight and obese and to evaluate the effects of the body fat accumulation on the function, electromyography activity and volume of the pelvic floor muscles. Will be selected 54 women aged between 18 and 35 years, sexually and physically active, with body mass index with indicative values of normality, overweight and obesity. Initially, the volunteers will be subjected to the evaluation of the total body composition and trunk segment. Then we will evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles by digital palpation, pressure contraction of these muscles by perineometry, beyond the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles during rest and maximal voluntary contraction. After two to four days, the two-dimensional ultrasound of the pelvic floor muscles by transperineal method for performing the measurement of the distance between the pubic symphysis and the bladder neck will be held. Appropriate statistical tests will be applied for relate the indirect force variables, pressure, electromyographic activity and volume of the pelvic floor muscles with the variables percentage of total fat mass and chest segment. Front of the increase in the number of overweight and obese, the analysis of the effects of excessive accumulation of body fat on the pelvic floor muscles can help to develop early preventive strategies for pelvic floor dysfunction, promoting the improvement of quality of quality of life of women in all age groups.