Regression Model for the Prediction of Risk of Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness among Older Adults

Abstract Background Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness is a major cause of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among women. Though PFD is a major disabling condition among institutionalized older women, PFM strength (PFMS) evaluation is not included in regular geriatric assessment because of privacy issues, availability of perineometer, and lack of trained therapists. Hence there is a need to develop an alternative method that can address the issues related to present PFMS evaluation. Methods After obtaining ethical clearance, the institutionalized older women were screened for inclusion criteria and informed consent was taken in this case-control study. PFM strength as a dependent variable was assessed by using the peritron perineometer. Independent variables assessed were age, parity, BMI, menopausal period, abdominal surgical history, core, and peripheral muscle strength, functional comorbidity index consisting of 18 comorbidities and functional mobility. Results One hundred and two institutionalised older women were included in this study. Among the variables considered, age (p = 0.005), years post menopause (p = 0.040), pelvic surgery (p = 0.050), disc disorders (p = 0.047), right hip adductor strength (p = 0.039), left hip adductor strength (p = 0.016), left hip external rotator strength (p = 0.045) and left hip extensor strength (p = 0.017) showed a statistically significant odds ratio (r 2 = 0.484; p ≤ 0.05) and hence they were considered for developing the model. Conclusion A regression model for determining PFM weakness among institutionalized older women has been developed, which may be used as a simple and easy to administer method.