Effects of antenatal pelvic floor preparation techniques on the perineal integrity: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Authors

  • Priscila Godoy Januário Martins Alves Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Ricardo de Carvalho Cavalli Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Medical School – Bandeirantes Avenue, 3900 – Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Daiane Munhoz Mira Bertacini Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Patricia Driusso Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20163958

Keywords:

Pelvic diaphragm, Perineal trauma, Natural birth, Physical therapy

Abstract

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of perineal massage, vaginal dilator and pelvic floor muscles training on the perineal integrity of primiparae women.

Methods: Primigravidae women over 18 years old will be selected, from the 32th gestational week and wishing to have a vaginal delivery.Pregnant women will be randomly allocated from a sequence generated by a computer program into three groups: perineal massage, vaginal dilator and pelvic floor muscles training. The technique should be practiced from the 34th week of pregnancy until the beginning of labor. Randomization will be done by a researcher who was not involved with the recruitment, assessment and treatment of the participants.  All participants will undergo a clinical and functional assessment of the pelvic floor before the beginning of the technique practice, as well as a reassessment of these items and an assessment of perineal integrity between 45 and 60 days after delivery for a blind physiotherapist regarding the interventional procedures. The evaluative procedures will be done by a ‘blinded’ physiotherapist in relation to the intervention procedures. The outcome will be determined by the perineal integrity by the presence or absence of perineal laceration as well as their characteristics observed immediately after delivery.  

Conclusions: The knowledge of the effects of antenatal pelvic floor preparation techniques on the perineal integrity and pelvic floor muscles function after delivery, will allow a better choice about which approach is the best to pregnant women to prevent perineal trauma.

Author Biographies

Priscila Godoy Januário Martins Alves, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

Physical Therapy Department

Ricardo de Carvalho Cavalli, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Medical School – Bandeirantes Avenue, 3900 – Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Daiane Munhoz Mira Bertacini, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

Physical Therapy Department

Patricia Driusso, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luis Highway, km 235 – SP-310 – São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

Physical Therapy Department

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Published

2016-10-22

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Original Research Articles