Ethnic differences in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance in South African women.
OBJECTIVE
Limited knowledge exists about pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to compare PFM strength and endurance in a group of black, white and mixed-race women.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were measured with a perineometer and vaginal balloon sensor. Two sets of three MVC of the PFM were recorded; resting phase was 5 min. Demographic variables and factors associated with PFM strength were assessed.


RESULTS
A total of 122 nulliparous black (n = 44), white (n = 44) and mixed-race (n = 34) students participated. PFM of black women were stronger than that of white (p = 0.02) or mixed-race (p < 0.01) women. The MVC of PFM in black women decreased (p = 0.02) between the first and second set of contractions.


CONCLUSIONS
Ethnic differences were found. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm an association between PFM function and pelvic floor disorders.
Physiotherapy Division, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa.
Ina
I
van der Walt
Kari
K
Bø
Susan
S
Hanekom
Gunter
G
Rienhardt
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology*; D013019:South Africa; D044465:White People; D055815:Young Adult