Função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico: perfil de mulheres atendidas em serviço especializado de fisioterapia

Abstract

Introduction: The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) perform various functions, such as supporting pelvic and abdominal organs and providing sphincter control of the rectum and urethra, requiring an anatomofunctional relationship for their normal function. Disorders in these structures lead to clinical conditions in women, such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI). Investigating these conditions, which represent a public health issue, is necessary. Objective: To characterize the patient population and analyze the PFM function profile of women treated at a specialized physical therapy service. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 92 women treated between March 2024 and September 2024. The study stages included an initial assessment with anamnesis, physical examination, and PFM function evaluation using the manual muscle strength test (Modified Oxford Scale) and muscle pressure analysis (vaginal manometry). Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software, with a 5% significance level. Sociodemographic and clinical data were presented in descriptive tables, showing median values and interquartile ranges (25th and 75th percentiles), while categorical variables were analyzed using absolute frequencies and percentages. A 95% confidence interval was considered for all measures. Results: Most women were characterized by menopause, overweight, physical inactivity, multiparity, sexual activity, and stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Regarding PFM strength, it was classified as moderate by the Modified Oxford Scale (median = 3.00) and weak by vaginal manometry analysis (median = 22.74 cmH₂O). Conclusion: The study observed that women presented pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence. Factors like overweight, physical inactivity, multiparity, and PFM weakness may influence the occurrence of these dysfunctions.