Effects of different contraction methods on pelvic floor muscle function in asymptomatic women

This study was aimed to evaluate pelvic floor muscle function in different types of contractions at asymptomatic women with transabdominal ultrasonography and to aimed to investigate the results of the evaluation according to their physical activity levels. The study included 120 women who were asymptomatic according to the Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire and volunteered. After recording the physical and sociodemographic characteristics of women were given 1 hour training by a physiotherapist. In this training, four different contraction methods (pelvic floor muscle contraction, Hollowing in maneuver, bracing maneuver, anal contraction) were taught theoretically and practically. Pelvic floor muscle function was evaluated under transabdominal ultrasonography. Measurements were repeated 3 times for each contraction and the means of 3 measurements were taken for analysis. The sequencing of the contractions was determined by random method. Women divided into 2 groups as inactive and minimal active according to physical activity levels by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. According to the contraction type of women, pelvic floor muscle function was found to be significantly different when compared with Repeated Measure Variance Analysis (p=0.0001). In light of these test results, the pelvic floor muscle function was found to be strongest in the bracing maneuver. This was followed by Hollowing in maneuver, pelvic floor muscle contraction and anal contraction, respectively. Compared with the level of physical activity, the means of pelvic floor muscle contraction, anal muscle contraction, Hollowing in maneuver, and bracing maneuver were found the same alignment. The women's pelvic floor muscle function was found to be highest in the bracing maneuver and the lowest in the anal contraction type. We thought that in order to increase pelvic floor muscle function bracing maneuver would be more effective.