Urinary Incontinence , Stress
Conditions
Keywords
exercise-induced urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, pelvic floor morphometry, ultrasound imaging, reliability
Brief summary
We will evaluate the inter-and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry obtained from transperineal ultrasound images collected at rest and during standardized weight lifting tasks.
Detailed description
The aim is to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry at rest and during dynamic, externally loaded barbell resistance training tasks using 2-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) imaging in individuals with female pelvic anatomy. Establishing measurement reliability under these conditions is a necessary methodological prerequisite for future research in which we plan to investigate pelvic floor behaviour during resistance training and its potential relationship to exercise-induced urinary incontinence. After a standard bladder filling protocol, TPUS imaging will be performed by two trained assessors using 2D ultrasound. Images and cine loops will be acquired under four standardized conditions: supine; standing; three loaded barbell back squats at 40%, 60%, and 80% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM); and three loaded barbell deadlifts at 40%, 60%, and 80% of 1RM. Images and cine loops will be processed offline to measure levator plate length, levator plate angle, bladder neck height and anorectal junction height. The inter and intra-rater reliability of image acquisition and analysis will be determined for each measure under each condition.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
University of Ottawa
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Individuals with female or vulvo-vaginal anatomy * Age 18 years or older * No history of urogenital surgery * Not currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum, if applicable * Be able to safely perform a barbell back squat and deadlift exercises with a submaximal load of 80% of their body weight * Able to communicate in English to sufficiently understand study procedures and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of significant medical conditions that could affect safety, including cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic or neurological conditions * Currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum * Current pelvic, hip, or low back injury that limits lifting or impairs safe performance of squats or deadlifts with a barbell * Unable to safely lift 80% of their body weight * Known pelvic organ prolapse \> stage 2
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bladder Neck Height | Day 1 | Bladder neck height will be measured from 2D ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck. |
| Levator Plate Length | Day 1 | The levator plate length will be measured from the ultrasound images as the linear distance between the posterior margin of the pubic sympysis and the anterior margin of the anorectal junction. |
| Ano-rectal Junction Height | Day 1 | Ano-rectal junction height will be measured from the ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the anterior margin of the anorectal junction. |
| Levator Plate Angle | Day 1 | Levator plate angle will be assessed using ultrasound imaging.The images will be recorded under the standardized conditions. |
| Bladder Neck Funnelling | single visit | Bladder neck funnelling will be assessed dichotomously as present or absent based on the visualization of an opening of the proximal urethra. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) | At enrolment | The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) is a questionnaire that includes three questions about urinary incontinence frequency, severity, and impact on daily life, resulting in a score of 0-21. The fourth question aims to classify the type of urinary incontinence. The questionnaire has been established as valid, reliable, and responsive. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes. |
| Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) | At enrolment | The APFQ consists of 42 questions in 4 domains (bladder, bowel, and sexual function and pelvic organ prolapse); the total score for both bladder and bowel function domains combined ranges from 0 to 20. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes. |
| Five-part questionnaire on hypermobility (5PQ) | At enrolment | The 5PQ is comprised of 5 questions and was designed as a screening tool for hypermobility. It has been validated and is frequently used in clinical and research settings. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes. |
| Beighton Score | At enrolment | The Beighton score is a 9-point physical screening test used to measure generalized joint hypermobility (joints that move beyond the normal range). It evaluates the pinkies, thumbs, elbows, knees, and spine. Participants will be asked to complete this screening test for descriptive purposes. |
Countries
Canada
Contacts
CONTACTAdrienne Sim
CONTACTLinda McLean
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORLinda McLean
University of Ottawa
Outcome results
None listed