Concurrent Validity of Noninvasive Coccygeal Motion Palpation and Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging in the Assessment of Pelvic Floor Function in Women

Background: No gold standard exists for assessing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. However, a significant correlation exists between digital palpation and transabdominal ultrasound imaging (TAUS), with studies indicating that the coccyx moves during contractions. Objectives: To determine concurrent validity of external coccyx motion palpation (CMP) versus TAUS to identify the former's validity in assessing PFM function. Study Design: A cross-sectional observational study. Methods: Sixty-four women were screened. Those who could perform a PFM contraction were enrolled (n = 37; mean 31.5 years). A single investigator was assigned to either TAUS or CMP. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either a PFM contraction, bearing down, or nothing under randomly assigned testing positions: standing, sitting, and side-lying while simultaneous TAUS and CMP occurred. Investigators were blinded to each other's assessment, and participant-assigned tasks. Participants were blinded to TAUS. Results: Sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 79%, respectively, for CMP versus TAUS. χ2 tests and phi coefficient (ϕ) revealed a significant strong relationship between TAUS and CMP across positions: standing χ2(1, n = 37) = 17.87, P
Source: Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research