Ethnic differences in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance in South African women
Journal article, Peer reviewed
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Date
2014-06Metadata
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- Artikler / Articles [2017]
Original version
International Urogynecology Journal. 2014, 25, 799-805Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis: Limited knowledge exists about pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to compare PFM strength and endurance in a group of black, white and mixed-race women.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were measured with a perineometer and vaginal balloon sensor. Two sets of three MVC of the PFM were recorded; resting phase was 5 min. Demographic variables and factors associated with PFM strength were assessed.
Results: A total of 122 nulliparous black (n = 44), white (n = 44) and mixed-race (n = 34) students participated. PFM of black women were stronger than that of white (p = 0.02) or mixed-race (p < 0.01) women. The MVC of PFM in black women decreased (p = 0.02) between the first and second set of contractions.
Conclusions: Ethnic differences were found. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm an association between PFM function and pelvic floor disorders.
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I Brage finner du siste tekst-versjon av artikkelen, og den kan inneholde små forskjeller fra forlagets pdf-versjon. Forlagets pdf-versjon finner du på www.springer.com: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2290-9 / In Brage you'll find the final text version of the article, and it may contain minor differences from the journal's pdf version. The original publication is available at www.springer.com: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2290-9