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Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle activity, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, core muscle endurance,
Deniz Tuncer1, Ayca Arslanturk-Yildirim1, Esma Nur Yuvakgil2
1Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) exhibit reduced pelvic floor muscle activity and core endurance. This study highlights the need for integrated core and respiratory training in managing pediatric LUTD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Physiotherapy
Background:
- Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children often involves voiding difficulties and incontinence.
- Beyond urological aspects, LUTD may be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction impacting posture and core strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity, pulmonary function, respiratory strength, and core endurance in children with LUTD.
- To compare these functional parameters between children with LUTD and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 14 children with LUTD and 14 matched controls (ages 6-15).
- Evaluated PFM activity via surface electromyography, pulmonary function with spirometry, respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP), and core endurance through specific tests.
- Functional capacity was measured using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
Main Results:
- Children with LUTD demonstrated significantly higher symptom severity.
- Reduced PFM activity during contraction and weaker respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP) were observed in the LUTD group.
- Lower Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75) were noted, alongside significantly reduced core endurance in all assessed tests.
Conclusions:
- Children with LUTD present with impaired pelvic floor function, diminished respiratory muscle strength, and poor core endurance.
- These findings suggest the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating core and respiratory training into standard urological care for pediatric LUTD.
Introduction:
Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a multifactorial condition affecting children, often presenting with voiding difficulties, urgency, and incontinence. While the condition has primarily been evaluated from a urological perspective, growing evidence suggests that pelvic floor dysfunction may also impact posture, respiration, and trunk muscle performance.
Objective:
To evaluate pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) activity, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, core muscle endurance and functional capacity in children with LUTD, and to compare these parameters with healthy peers.
Material And Methods:
This cross-sectional study evaluated 14 children with LUTD and 14 matched controls (ages 6-15). The symptom severity was evaluated via questionnaires. PFMs activity was measured using surface electromyography. Pulmonary function was evaluated with spirometry [(Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75 % of FVC (FEF25-75)], and respiratory muscle strength was measured using maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). Core muscle endurance was assessed via curl-up, static back endurance, prone plank, and side plank tests. Functional capacity was assessed using the 6-min walk test (6MWT).
Results:
Symptom severity was significantly higher in the LUTD group (p < 0.001). They showed reduced PFMs activity during contraction (work average: p = 0.007; mode: p = 0.001; maximal voluntary contraction: p = 0.006) and weaker respiratory muscle strength (MIP: p = 0.001; MEP: p < 0.001). Although FVC and FEV1 were similar between groups, the LUTD group had lower PEF (p = 0.017) and FEF25-75 (p = 0.013). Core endurance was significantly reduced in all tests (p < 0.001), with no difference in 6MWT.
Conclusion:
Children with LUTD show impaired pelvic floor function, weaker respiratory muscles, and poor core endurance, even without clear functional limitations. This highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach including core and respiratory training alongside standard urological care.
Clinical Trial Registration:
The study was prospectively registered on October 17, 2024, in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (Identifier: NCT06652178).
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