O treinamento por meio de realidade virtual melhora a funcionalidade dos músculos do assoalho pélvico de mulheres na pós-menopausa? Estudo controlado randomizado

Abstract

Introduction and aims: The pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has been highly valued as means to prevent and treat urogynecological dysfunction. At this context, virtual reality seems to be an interesting tool in prevent and treat such disorders, by its ability to simulate real-world activities, promote globally muscle training and playful activities, which can be tailored to the desired condition. Given the above, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PFMT through virtual reality on the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), when compared to a PFMT through kinesiotherapy protocol. Materials and Methods: The study included 47 women aged over 50 years and in post-menopausal period divided randomly into two groups: (G1) PFMT through kinesiotherapy (n=20) and (G2) PFMT through virtual reality (n=27). Participants were assessed before and five weeks after to the implementation of protocols as the functionality of PFM: PFM strength (by digital palpation and vaginal dynamometry), presence of pelvic organ prolapse (using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification), voiding and sexual symptoms and quality of life (by validated instruments). Results: There was significant improvement (p<0,05) in muscle strength, with concomitant improvement in anterior wall prolapse and urinary symptoms in both groups. Quality of life improved significantly in most areas in both groups; whereas sexual function, improved in total score and in the lubrication, only at PFMT through kinesiotherapy group. Conclusion: PFMT through virtual reality equates to PFMT through kinesiotherapy regarding the improvement of pelvic floor muscle strength, voiding symptoms, anterior wall prolapse and quality of life; proving to be effective for postmenopausal women.