Anthropometric indicators as predictors of pelvic floor muscle distress in young women.

Aim: To identify anthropometric indicators that could predict pelvic floor muscle distress (PFMD) in young women.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, whose sample consisted of 54 women aged between 18 and 35 years. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory was used to assess the PFMD. The anthropometric indicators evaluated were body mass index (BMI) being measured the weight and height, body fat percentage (skinfolds), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and relative fat mass (RFM), which is calculated from height and WC. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Spearman correlation, simple linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve) were used, with a significance level of 5%.

Results: The PFMD and the anthropometric indicators BMI (r = .43), body fat percentage (r = .42), WC (r = .46), WHR (r = .49), and RFM (r = .48) showed a positive and moderate correlation (P < .01). In all, 24%, 23%, 20%, and 18% of the PFMD can be credited to RFM, WC, WHR, and body fat percentage, respectively. The cut-off point for RFM was 38.44 for the symptom of pressure in the lower abdomen and 36.24 for symptom of stress urinary incontinence and incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Conclusion: Anthropometric indicators of body fat percentage, WC, WHR, and RFM can be predictors of PFMD in young women minimally symptomatic.