Electrical Stimulation and Vaginal Palpation in the Pelvic Floor Muscles Awareness: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Many women does not know to contract the PFM voluntarily favoring the development of disorders such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual disorders. However there are no studies in the literature that address the application of therapeutic resources available to improve the PFM awareness. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal electrical stimulation, vaginal palpation, vaginal palpation associated with posterior pelvic tilt and contraction of accessory muscles in the acquisition of ability to contract the PFM, as well as to evaluate the sexual function of women studied. One hundred twenty women with PFM function graded 0 and 1 measured by Oxford Modified Scale will be submitted at random to physical therapy with transvaginal electrical stimulation, vaginal palpation, vaginal palpation associated with posterior pelvic tilt and contraction of accessory muscles (glutes and hip adductors) and the control group who receive verbal instructions related to the pelvic floor and its contraction. For the evaluation of the sexual function will be applied the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

The patients will be assessed by vaginal palpation, perineometry and surface electromyography before and after the intervention.