Article

AIM: To undertake a systematic review of the literature on physical therapy
methods to facilitate voluntary pelvic floor muscles (PFM) contraction. METHODS:
The databases consulted were PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro and CINHAL. The study
included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental trials and systematic
reviews. The GRADE scale was used to assess methodological quality. RESULTS: Six
manuscripts were included.
The methods investigated included instruction
regarding the anatomy and function of the PFM, vaginal palpation, palpation on
the central perineal tendon, interruption of urinary flow, biofeedback using a
perineometer, vaginal cones, hypopressive exercise, PFM contraction associated
with diaphragmatic breathing; and coactivation of abdominal muscles. The studies
showed improvement in PFM contraction, but most were of low methodological
quality. Only one study was characterized as being of high methodological quality. CONCLUSION:
All the studies observed improvement in PFM contraction
using various methods, but none were superior over the others. The studies
revealed no adverse effects of the interventions used. Patient preferences should
be taken into account in clinical decision-making. More studies of high methodological quality on this topic are needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS