Clinical and MRI changes ofpuborectalisandiliococcygeusafter a short period of intensive pelvic floor muscles training with or without instrumentation

Abstract

AbstractPurposeThis study evaluates the impact of a 3-week period of intensive pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT), with or without instrumentation, on clinical and static magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes ofpuborectalis(PR) andiliococcygeus(IL) muscles.Methods24 healthy young 5 women were enrolled in the study and 17 achieved the 9 sessions of 30 minutes training exercises and conducted all assessments. Participants were randomly assigned in two training groups: voluntary contractions combined with hypopressive exercises (HYPO) or biofeedback exercises combined with transvaginal electrical stimulations (ELEC). Clinical and T2-weighted MRI assessments io were realized before and after training.ResultsModified Oxford Grading System (MOGS) scores for left PR and perineal body significantly increased in the two groups (p=0.039,p=0.008), but MOGS score for right PR significantly increased only in HYPO (p=0.020). Muscle volumes of right and left IL significantly decreased (p=0.040,p=0.045) after training as well as signal i5 intensities of right and left PR (p=0.040,p=0.021) and thickness of right and left IL at mid-vagina location (p=0.012,p=0.011).ConclusionsA short period of intensive PFMT induces clinical and morphological changes in PFMs at rest suggesting a decrease in IL volume and adipose content of PR. Given the difference in cost and accessibility between HYPO and ELEC approaches, PFMT should be based primarily on non-instrumented exercises.