Device to predict pelvic floor integrity during vaginal delivery: an intra- and interrater reliability study of the Epi-no distensibility measurement.

Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of the pelvic floor distensibility evaluation with Epi-no device.

Methods: Prospective, blinded observational study with 32 women pregnant from 35 gestational weeks. An Epi-no balloon was inflated within the pregnant woman's vagina and the maximum circumference achieved was measured using a standard metric measuring tape.

Quantitative assessment of pelvic floor muscle extensibility in pregnant women with a perineal elasticity meter.

The objective of this study was to compare measurements of pelvic floor muscle extensibility in pregnant women obtained through the Epi-no and perineal elasticity meter (PEM) devices. This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample, conducted in a prenatal care outpatient clinic. The pelvic floors of 62 healthy pregnant women with gestational ages between 35 and 40 weeks were assessed.

Can Abdominal Hypopressive Technique Change Levator Hiatus Area?: A 3-Dimensional Ultrasound Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the levator hiatus area (LHA) at rest and during the performance of maximal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions, during the abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT), and during the combination of PFM contractions (PFMCs) and the AHT. The study included 17 healthy nulliparous women who had no history of pelvic floor disorders. The LHA was evaluated with the patients in the lithotomy position.

Determination of a cutoff value for pelvic floor distensibility using the Epi-no balloon to predict perineal integrity in vaginal delivery: ROC curve analysis. Prospective observational single cohort study.

Context And Objective: Several risk factors are involved in perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery. However, little is known about the influence of perineal distensibility as a protective factor. The aim here was to determine a cutoff value for pelvic floor distensibility measured using the Epi-no balloon, which could be used as a predictive factor for perineal integrity in vaginal delivery.

Distensibility and strength of the pelvic floor muscles of women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the role of the pelvic floor muscles between nulliparous and multiparous women in the third trimester of pregnancy, by analyzing the relationship between electrical activity (surface electromyography-EMG), vaginal palpation (modified Oxford scale), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no).

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study on a sample of 60 healthy pregnant women with no cervical dilation, single fetus, gestational age between 35 and 40 weeks, and maternal age ranging from 15 to 40 years. The methods used were bidigital palpation (modified Oxford scale, graded 0-5), surface EMG (electrical activity during maximal voluntary contraction), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no device).

Parturient perineal distensibility tolerance assessed by EPI-NO: an observational study.

Objective: To determine how parturient women tolerate the use of a perineal distensibility assessment technique using the EPI-NO device.

Methods: An observational study with a total of 227 full-term parturient women was performed. During the evaluation with EPI-NO, parturient patients were asked about their sensation of discomfort.

Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We compared the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and strength of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of pregnant and nonpregnant women using surface electromyography (SEMG).

Methods: Fifteen pregnant primiparous women and 15 nulliparous nonpregnant women were evaluated. The healthy pregnant women were in the third trimester of pregnancy with a single fetus and did not have any neuromuscular alterations.

Pelvic floor muscle and transversus abdominis activation in abdominal hypopressive technique through surface electromyography.

Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (TrA) activation and has been indicated for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) disorders. In some European countries, this technique has become widely used. This study aimed to investigate PFM and TrA activation during the AHT through surface electromyography.

Effects of the Paula method in electromyographic activation of the pelvic floor: a comparative study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: To determine if Paula method of circular muscles contraction e.g., those surrounding the eyes, mouth and fingers, could increase pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity.