Crowle, A and Harley, C orcid.org/0000-0002-8800-4238 (2021) Biotensegrity Focused Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Nonrandomized Prospective Clinical Case Series. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 45 (3). pp. 135-142. ISSN 1556-6803
Abstract
Background:
Traditional treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) assume weak pelvic tissue as the cause. Pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to improve POP symptoms but not prolapse stage and does not reduce rates of referral for future treatment (eg, pessary or surgery). An alternative hypothesis is proposed that excessive tissue stiffness causes tension and pulling, which disrupts pelvic organ arrangement.
Objectives:
Treating pelvic tissue stiffness through Biotensegrity Focused Therapy is anticipated to improve organ position and prolapse symptoms.
Study Design:
Nonrandomized prospective clinical case series.
Methods:
Women presenting to a private physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom with POP received Biotensegrity Focused Therapy. Treatment included a series of 1-hour physiotherapy sessions focusing on identifying areas of stiff pelvic tissue and using a direct myofascial release technique to normalize elasticity to restore dynamic equilibrium within the pelvis. Prolapse grade (mild, moderate, severe), pelvic floor strength (Modified Oxford Grading Scale), and self-reported symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI-20) were assessed at baseline and after final treatment.
Results:
Thirty-three women received treatment. At baseline, 23 of 33 (70%) women presented with moderate to severe prolapse. After final treatment, 3 of 33 (9%) women had moderate prolapse and 0 of 33 (0%) women had severe prolapse. A total of 12 of 33 (36%) women achieved complete recovery of organ position and shape. A total of 27 of 33 (81.82%) women improved by at least 1 prolapse stage. Pelvic floor strength improved from mean: 1.28 (SD: 0.85) at baseline to 3.33 (SD: 0.78) after final treatment. Self-reported PFDI-20 scores corroborated clinical observations, reducing from mean: 98.77 (SD: 42.43) at baseline to 49.87 (SD: 27.28) after final treatment, suggesting a clinically meaningful improvement. Mean treatment received was 6.06 (SD: 2.28) sessions over a duration of 4.39 (SD: 2.46) months.
Discussion:
Biotensegrity Focused Therapy was shown to have a beneficial impact on organ position and prolapse symptoms and may be an appropriate treatment for women with POP.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA. This is an author produced version of an article published in Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | health-related quality of life; myofascial release; pelvic floor; Women’s health physiotherapy |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Healthcare (Leeds) > Nursing Adult (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 03 Mar 2021 15:54 |
Last Modified: | 13 Feb 2024 10:47 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins |
Identification Number: | 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000210 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:171707 |