Relationship between abnormality of pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic floor dysfunction in elderly women

Objective To analyze the characteristics and the related risk factors of the contractility of pelvic floor muscles in old women with pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD). Methods A cohort of 125 elderly patients with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, including 60 of postpartum urinary incontinence(SUI)and 65 of pelvic organ prolapse(POP), were recruited.60 women volunteers with normal pelvic floor function were recruited as a control group.A questionnaire survey was conducted to record the general situation of the subjects.The pelvic floor muscle strength was determined by the methods of electromyography and pressure feedback recording. Results The body mass index, the average number of delivery, newborn baby’s body weight were significantly higher in the SUI and POP group than in control group, with statistically significant difference(F=5.29, 6.27, 5.26, P=0.007, 0.003, 0.008), but without statistically significant difference between SUI and POP groups(P=0.674, 0.554, 0.578). The rapid contractility value was significant lower in SUI group than in POP and control groups(all P<0.01), and the sustained contractility value was significant lower in POP group than in SUI and control groups(all P<0.01). Conclusions The postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction may be correlated with BMI, vaginal delivery rate, the average number of delivery, newborn baby’s body weight and a history of increased abdominal pressure.The postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction may be associated with the declined contractility of pelvic floor muscle, among which the POP may be associated with class I muscle and the SUI with class Ⅱ muscle. Key words: Pelvic floor; Muscle strength