Reliability of the PERFECT scheme assessed by unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation

Author(s)

da Silva, Jordana Barbosa ^[1] ; de Godoi Fernandes, Jessica Gabriela ^[1] ; Caracciolo, Bruna Raquel ^[1] ; Zanello, Sara Campana ^[1] ; de Oliveira Sato, Tatiana ^[2] ; Driusso, Patricia ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Womens Hlth Res Lab, Phys Therapy Dept, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Phys Therapy Dept, Prevent Phys Therapy & Ergon Lab, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL UROGYNECOLOGY JOURNAL; v. 32, n. 12, p. 3199-3207, DEC 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the PERFECT scheme assessed by uni- and bidigital vaginal palpation in young nulligravid women. Methods Forty healthy women {[}median age 22 (19-34) years] were evaluated by unidigital vaginal palpation by both Examiners A and C, while the other 40 participants {[}median age 23.5 (19-35) years] were assessed by Examiners B and C by bidigital vaginal palpation. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of all items of the PERFECT scheme were evaluated: P = power (Modified Oxford Scale); E = endurance; R = repetitions; F = fast contractions. Cohen \& apos;s linear weighted kappa (kappa w) was used to assess the reliability of the power, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied for the other items. A priori sample size calculation found that 40 participants would be adequate. Results Inter-rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair for power (kappa w = 0.34) and poor for other items (ICC < 0.50); bidigital inter-rater reliability was considered moderate (power: kappa w = 0.57; endurance: ICC = 0.53; fast contractions: ICC = 0.65, respectively) and low (repetitions: ICC = 0.27). Intra-rater reliability was substantial for power (kappa w = 0.73 and 0.62), moderate for fast contractions (ICC = 0.63 and 0.51) and poor for repetitions (ICC < 0.50), respectively, for uni- and bidigital palpation. Endurance showed poor (ICC < 0.50) and moderate (ICC = 0.61) reliability for uni- and bidigital palpation. Conclusions The PERFECT scheme carried out by bidigital vaginal palpation presents higher reliability when two examiners carry out the physical examination. When one examiner is responsible for PFM assessment, both types of palpation are recommended for evaluation of power and fast contraction; endurance should be evaluated using bidigital palpation. Examiners should be careful during the assessment of repetition of sustained contractions because inter- and intra-reliabilities for both types of palpation were classified as poor. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/10077-7 - Inter and intra-rater reliability of bi digital vaginal palpation by perfect scheme
• Grantee: Jéssica Gabriela de Godoi Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation