Factors Associated With Myofascial Dysfunction of the Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women With Urinary Incontinence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction (PFMD) in women with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction was defined by pain of any intensity during palpation of the pelvic floor muscles and strength assessed by the modified Oxford scale, and was classified in grade I (mild pain), grade II (moderate), and grade III (severe). Univariate and multivariate analyses were calculated (5% significance level) to seek for the associated factors of PFMD. Results A total of 234 women with UI were included, 121 women in the PFMD group and 113 in the control group. The mean ages were 52.1 +/- 10.2 and 53 +/- 8.1 years, respectively. Pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction was more frequent among non-White women, and women with PFMD presented more dyspareunia and recurrent urinary tract infection. There was a higher frequency of mixed UI (MUI; 89.2%) in the PFMD group and stress UI (31.9%) in the control group. The prevalence of PFMD was 51.7%, with 10.6% of patients categorized into grade I, 18.8% in grade II, and 22.2% in grade III. In women with PFMD, there is an inverse relation between pain and muscle strength, with the highest strength values (3, 4, and 5) being in grade I (P = 0.028). The multivariate analysis has shown that women with MUI had a risk 4.9 times greater (adjusted odds ratio, 4.93 [2.34-10.42]; P < 0.001) of having PFMD, and non-White women had a 2.1-fold increased risk (adjusted odds ratio, 2.07 [1.10-3.91]; P = 0.024) of presenting with PFMD. Conclusions A high prevalence of PFMD was found among women with UI. Mixed UI and non-White race were the associated factors of PFMD.