Face validity and reliability of the first digital assessment scheme of pelvic floor muscle function conform the new standardized terminology of the International Continence Society

Aims To test the face validity and reliability of a new digital pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) assessment scheme that was designed on the basis of the recently standardized terminology of the International Continence Society. Methods Study participants comprised 41 women, age 18–85 years. Data...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neurourology and urodynamics 2009-01, Vol.28 (4), p.295-300
Main Authors: Slieker-ten Hove, M.C.P., Pool-Goudzwaard, A.L., Eijkemans, M.J.C., Steegers-Theunissen, R.P.M., Burger, C.W., Vierhout, M.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged, 80 and over
assessment
Cough - physiopathology
Electromyography
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Observer Variation
Palpation - standards
pelvic floor
Pelvic Floor - physiology
pelvic floor muscle function
pelvic floor musculature
Physical Examination - standards
Physical Therapy Specialty
Reproducibility of Results
standardization
Terminology as Topic
Urinary Incontinence - diagnosis
Young Adult
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Summary:Aims To test the face validity and reliability of a new digital pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) assessment scheme that was designed on the basis of the recently standardized terminology of the International Continence Society. Methods Study participants comprised 41 women, age 18–85 years. Data on age and parity were obtained. Face validity of the new assessment scheme was tested by three senior and one junior pelvic physiotherapists, using the Delphi technique. PFMF of each woman was assessed four times by three specially trained pelvic physiotherapists. Examiners were blinded to parity and other findings. To test reliability, Kappa (K) was used for the dichotomous variables and Weighted Kappa (Kw) for the items with more than two categories. Results Mean age of the women was 41 years (SD 10.5); 14 were nulliparous (34.1%), 6 primiparous (14.6%), and 21 multiparous (51.2%). The new assessment scheme showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability but low inter‐observer reliability. Conclusions The new assessment scheme based on the terminology of the ICS showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability. It can therefore be considered suitable for use in clinical practice. More detailed redefinition of the described outcome measures is necessary to improve the inter‐observer reliability. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:295–300, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ISSN:0733-2467
1520-6777
DOI:10.1002/nau.20659