The Reliability of Pelvic Floor Measures From Ultrasound Images Acquired at Rest and During Weightlifting Tasks.

Overview

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.

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.

Conditions

Eligibility

Locations (2)

Outcomes

Central Contacts