Pelvic floor muscle strength and dysfunctions in women with pes planus: A case-control study

Distal extremity misalignment may give rise to pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs). This study aimed to compare pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and dysfunctions in women with and without pes planus.

Women with (pes planus group, n = 30) and without pes planus (control group, n = 30) were included. The presence of PFDs questioned. Pes planus with the Feiss Line Test, PFMS with the Modified Oxford Scale, and the severity of PFDs with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), including three subscales (Pelvic Organ Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) for pelvic organ prolapse, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8) for colorecto-anal symptoms, and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) for urinary symptoms, were assessed.

It was seen that no difference was found between groups in terms of PFMS (p > 0.05). However, urinary incontinence and anal incontinence were higher in women with pes planus than in women without pes planus (p < 0.05). Only the PFDI-20, CRADI-8, and UDI-6 scores were higher in women with pes planus compared to controls (p < 0.05). There was no difference was found between groups in terms of POPDI-6 scores (p > 0.05).

The PFMS did not change according to the presence of pes planus. However, the prevalence of PFDs and their severity were higher in women with pes planus in comparison to controls. Posture assessments of individuals with PFDs, especially examination of foot posture, and pelvic floor assessments of individuals with posture disorders should be considered.