1*Research Scholar, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
2Professor, Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai
3Principal, Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai
4Associate Professor, Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai
5Assistant Professor, Yashoda Institute of Physiotherapy, KNR University, Warangal
6Assistant Professor, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru
Background: Pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) is fundamental for preserving urinary and fecal continence, providing structural support to the pelvic organs, and contributing to optimal sexual function in women. While perineometry has been widely employed to assess PFMS, existing literature has largely concentrated on comparisons based solely on parity. There remains a paucity of research examining the integrated effects of obstetric characteristics, body composition parameters, and lifestyle-related variables on PFMS among women who have experienced childbirth.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength among primiparous and multiparous women and to determine the independent factors associated with PFMS through perineometric assessment.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed involving primiparous and multiparous women recruited from outpatient clinics and community healthcare facilities. Pelvic floor muscle strength was quantified using a standardized vaginal perineometric device. Information regarding sociodemographic variables, obstetric background, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle-related factors, history of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and the presence of urinary symptoms was obtained through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, bivariate comparisons, and multiple linear regression modelling to identify independent determinants of PFMS.
Results: A total of 140 women were enrolled in the study, comprising 70 primiparous and 70 multiparous participants. Multiparous women exhibited a significantly lower mean pelvic floor muscle strength compared to their primiparous counterparts (p < 0.05). Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between PFMS and variables including parity, mode of delivery, body mass index (BMI), neonatal birth weight, and prior engagement in pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Subsequent multiple linear regression modelling demonstrated that higher parity, vaginal childbirth, elevated BMI, lack of PFMT history, and previous perineal trauma independently predicted reduced PFMS (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Pelvic floor muscle strength among parous women is affected by a combination of obstetric factors, body composition characteristics, and lifestyle-related variables. Parity, delivery-associated parameters, anthropometric indices, and engagement in pelvic floor muscle training independently contribute to variations in PFMS. Early recognition of women at increased risk, along with the implementation of structured pelvic floor rehabilitation interventions, may play a crucial role in mitigating the development of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Keywords: Pelvic floor muscle strength, Perineometer, Parity, Predictors, Pelvic floor muscle training, Women's health
How to cite this article: Thinakaran M, Mahesh kumar PG, Parthasarathy R, Subramanyan HH, Ganesh SD, Muralidharan A. Predictors of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Primiparous and Multiparous Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Perineometry. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 411-420; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.52.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None