A Brazilian Association of Women´s Health Physical Therapy (ABRAFISM) guideline on the terminology of pelvic floor muscle function and assessment

Abstract

Background

There has been many efforts and updates over the years to develop a consensus for English terminology related to the pelvic floor (PF). There is a similar need to standardize physical therapy related PF terminology in Brazil.

Objective

To propose a guideline in Brazilian Portuguese language on the terminology related to the female PF function and assessment.

Methods

The Brazilian Association of Physical Therapy in Women's Health (ABRAFISM) established a working group (Steering committee) responsible for conducting a systematic review on PF terminology, propose definitions in Portuguese, and manage the developmental stages. A systematic review of international consensus was conducted and the terms related to the PF were identified, listed, and defined in Portuguese. A Delphi method was used to reach a consensus on the definitions by querying a panel of expert professionals with clinical and research experience in the PF field. This panel included 19 physical therapists from all Brazilian regions and two physicians. The Delphi process included the following steps: evaluation of proposed terms by the panel of experts; review of suggestions made by the panel of experts, modification of terms based on those suggestions, and a new round of evaluation of the modified terms until reaching an 80 % agreement.

Results

Two rounds were necessary for terms related to anatomy and signs/symptoms of the PF, while a 90 % consensus for terms related to assessment of the PF muscles was achieved in the first round.

Conclusion

A final Brazilian-Portuguese guideline with consensus terminology on anatomy, symptoms, signs, and terms related to assessment of PF muscles was developed.