The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different verbal instruction on pelvic floor muscle contraction among males. Pelvic floor contraction will be measured via ultrasound.
This study will examine pelvic floor muscle contraction following six different verbal instructions among males. Physical-therapy students will be recruited to complete a survey and non-invasive transabdominal ultrasound assessment. A bladder filling protocol will be implemented to ensure subjects will have sufficient fluid in their bladders to allow clear ultrasound imaging. This protocol involved subjects consuming 600-750 ml of water in a 1 hr. period. The participants will be tested in a crook-lying supine position with a pillow under their heads for comfort. All participants will be given six different verbal instructions to contract pelvic floor muscles. Each contraction will be performed 3 time with rests of 10 sec between contractions. While the first 2 contractions for each verbal instruction will be held for 3 sec. the last contraction will be held as long as the participant can conduct and the time of contraction will be measured as well. The pelvic floor contraction will be measured by assessing bladder displacement via diagnostic ultrasound. To image the pelvic floor a 5 MHz curved linear array transducer (Mindray M5) will be placed in the transverse plane immediately suprapubically over the lower abdomen angled at 15-30 degrees from the vertical. An on screen caliper and measurement tool will be used to measure bladder displacement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
Verbal instruction for pelvic floor contraction will be given to participants. Ultrasound examination will be conducted to asses urinary bladder displacement being a marker for pelvic floor muscle function.
Ariel University, Department of Physical Therapy
Ariel, Israel
urinary bladder displacement in millimeters during verbal instructions
bladder displacement will be measured via diagnostic ultrasound using the on screen caliper tool
Time frame: up to 6 months
demographic self reported questionnaire regarding height
height in meters
Time frame: baseline
demographic self reported questionnaire regarding weight
weight in kilograms
Time frame: baseline
self reported questionnaire regarding physical activity
number of practice per week
Time frame: baseline
BMI
measured in kg/m\^2 and calculated from the reported values of weight and height
Time frame: baseline
pelvic floor muscles endurance of contraction in seconds
time of muscle contraction will be measured during the last contraction in each instruction
Time frame: up to 6 months
questionnaire regarding symptoms of urinary incontinence = International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form
scale range 0-21 points. higher values represent worse outcome
Time frame: baseline
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