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The effect of physical activity on pelvic organ prolapse
Author(s) -
AliRoss NS,
Smith ARB,
Hosker G
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02112.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pelvic floor , stage (stratigraphy) , distress , observational study , physical activity , quality of life (healthcare) , physical therapy , gynecology , surgery , paleontology , clinical psychology , nursing , biology
Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether pelvic organ prolapse increases after physical activity. Design Prospective observational study. Setting St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, UK. Sample Women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Methods Fifty‐four women were recruited to the study. Symptoms and POPQ findings were assessed after a period of prescribed activity and overnight bedrest. Main outcome measures Primary outcome was an increase in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) measurements with activity. Secondary outcomes were association of symptoms or quality‐of‐life scores (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI] and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ]) with an increase in POPQ measurements. Results There was a significant increase in POPQ stage and five vaginal parameters (Aa, Ba, C, Ap and Bp) with physical activity ( P < 0.001). Reported symptoms, higher PFDI and PFIQ scores and higher individual symptom bother scores were not more common in the women with greater pelvic organ descent (measured by the POPQ system) following physical activity. Conclusions Greater pelvic organ prolapse was found on POPQ examination following physical activity, but this was not associated with worsening of symptoms and greater impairment of quality of life.