We will evaluate the inter-and intra-rater reliability of pelvic floor morphometry obtained from transperineal ultrasound images collected at rest and during standardized weight lifting tasks.
Individuals with female or vulvo-vaginal anatomy
Age 18 years or older
No history of urogenital surgery
Not currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum, if applicable
Presence of significant medical conditions that could affect safety, including cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic or neurological conditions
Currently pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum
Current pelvic, hip, or low back injury that limits lifting or impairs safe performance of squats or deadlifts with a barbell
Unable to safely lift 80% of their body weight
Participants will be recruited from the Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC regions through local gyms, university facilities, and social media platforms. The study population includes active females aged 18 years or older who engage regularly in resistance training activities such as back squats and deadlifts and are able to lift \> 80% of their body weight and are willing to attend a single in-person session at the University of Ottawa's Motor Function Measurement Laboratory or designated locations in the greater Vancouver area of BC.
Cohort
Cross-sectional
Not listed
Bladder Neck Height
Bladder neck height will be measured from 2D ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck.
Levator Plate Length
The levator plate length will be measured from the ultrasound images as the linear distance between the posterior margin of the pubic sympysis and the anterior margin of the anorectal junction.
Ano-rectal Junction Height
Ano-rectal junction height will be measured from the ultrasound images as the length of a line drawn perpendicularly from the long axis of the pubic symphysis to the anterior margin of the anorectal junction.
Levator Plate Angle
Levator plate angle will be assessed using ultrasound imaging.The images will be recorded under the standardized conditions.
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)
The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) is a questionnaire that includes three questions about urinary incontinence frequency, severity, and impact on daily life, resulting in a score of 0-21. The fourth question aims to classify the type of urinary incontinence. The questionnaire has been established as valid, reliable, and responsive. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.
Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ)
The APFQ consists of 42 questions in 4 domains (bladder, bowel, and sexual function and pelvic organ prolapse); the total score for both bladder and bowel function domains combined ranges from 0 to 20. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.
Five-part questionnaire on hypermobility (5PQ)
The 5PQ is comprised of 5 questions and was designed as a screening tool for hypermobility. It has been validated and is frequently used in clinical and research settings. Participants will be asked to complete this questionnaire for descriptive purposes.
Beighton Score
The Beighton score is a 9-point physical screening test used to measure generalized joint hypermobility (joints that move beyond the normal range). It evaluates the pinkies, thumbs, elbows, knees, and spine. Participants will be asked to complete this screening test for descriptive purposes.
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