M-mode Ultrasonography in the Assessment and Treatment of Pelviperineal Dysfunctions (PerineUM)

Use of Transabdominal M-mode Ultrasonography in the Assessment and Treatment of Pelviperineal Dysfunctions

Objectives: To analyze the Mode M ultrasound use in the assessment of pelvic floor musculature (PFM) and in the rehabilitation of motor control in pelviperineal dysfunctions that affect the support of pelvic organs, urinary and fecal continence and reproductive and sexual functions.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study will be followed by a randomized clinical trial. There will be two samples: a sample of volunteers without PFM dysfunction; and a sample of patients with pelviperineal dysfunction derived from health centers in the Region of Murcia. An intra- and interobserver reliability study of transabdominal M-mode ultrasound of PFM will be performed. Then, a cross-sectional descriptive study of the functional behavior of PFM will be used in different functional situations such as: voluntary contraction at maximum force, fast contraction, Valsalva maneuver and forced cough. The following ultrasound variables will be measured: direction and amount of displacement, speed of displacement and time of contraction. Correlations between ultrasound variables and sociodemographic and clinical variables will be analyzed. The randomized clinical trial will compare a PFM contraction awareness treatment based on endocavitary digital contact with a motor learning program based on transabdominal mode M ultrasound biofeedback.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction derived from the pelvic floor unit of HLA La Vega in the city of Murcia diagnosed by the doctor and without previous training in pelvic floor muscles contraction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy, a history of pelvic floor surgery in the previous year, neurological injury with affectation of the sacral reflex from S2 to S4, previous delivery in a period of less than 6 weeks or known or suspected urinary tract infection.