Impact of Spinal Alignment on Pelvic Floor Efficiency

Cairo University80 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of spinal alignment on pelvic floor efficiency in nulliparous women.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) may extend beyond the pelvic region by inducing myofascial disturbances in anatomically distant structures connected through the myofascial network. Among these, low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequently reported musculoskeletal conditions associated with PFD. This relationship is thought to arise from lumbopelvic instability and altered coordination of the core musculature. The pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), together with the transversus abdominis, diaphragm, and multifidus, form an integrated stabilizing system that contributes to spinal stability and postural control. Consequently, dysfunction of the transversus abdominis may compromise not only pelvic floor function but also overall lumbopelvic stability. Women with LBP have been shown to exhibit reduced PFM contraction strength despite preserved transversus abdominis activation, suggesting that impaired PFM function may play a more prominent role in the development of LBP than deficits in the abdominal muscles alone. Conversely, inadequate activation or endurance of the transversus abdominis has also been associated with impaired PFM function. Furthermore, altered movement patterns, dysfunctional breathing, and postural deviations can disrupt load transfer through the lumbopelvic region, thereby increasing the risk of PFD. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the effect of spinal alignment on pelvic floor efficiency in nulliparous women. This study, therefore, contributes valuable insights into a relatively unexplored area of nulliparous women's health. By assessing the pelvic floor muscles in nulliparous women with different spinal alignment patterns, including lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis, this study may enhance the well-being of nulliparous women, provide a more comprehensive approach to health improvement, help protect them from future pelvic floor dysfunction, and broaden the scope of physiotherapy in women's health.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Pelvic Floor Disorders Spinal Deformity

Interventions

No InterventionOTHER

No Intervention

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Nulliparous women. * Their ages will range from 25 to 35 years old. * Their body mass index (BMI) will not exceed 29.9 Kg/m2. Exclusion Criteria: * Female with congenital spinal deformity. * Female with a history of neuromuscular disease. * Female Diagnosed with any systemic disease . * Female with a history of malignancy and/or ongoing treatment. * Female with a history of urogenital diseases and surgical history. * Female with previous spinal surgery. * Female with previous pregnancy .

Locations (1)

Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

Giza, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pelvic floor muscle strength

Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using vaginal pressure biofeedback (maximum voluntary contraction pressure).

Time frame: Baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Pelvic floor muscle endurance

Pelvic floor muscle endurance was assessed using vaginal pressure biofeedback (duration of sustained maximal voluntary contraction).

Time frame: Baseline

Spinal alignment angle

It was measured using the DIERS Formetric 4D system.

Time frame: Baseline

Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms

Total score and domain scores (bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function) were assessed using the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ).

Time frame: Baseline

Health-related quality of life

It was assessed by using Free online SF-12 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2) score calculator. The SF-12V2 measures eight scales: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health.

Time frame: Baseline

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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