This unique book bridges the gap between evidence-based research and clinical practice in physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction.

A cast of highly experienced specialists is headed up by an internationally renowned editorial team of pioneering researchers and teachers.

Each treatment chapter starts with a focus on evidence from basic studies (theories or rationales for the treatment) and RCTs (appraisal of effectiveness); this is then
comprehensively linked to the implications for clinical practice and followed up with recommendations on how to start, continue and progress treatment.

This text is essential for all forward-thinking clinicians specializing in the pelvic floor and looking for innovative practice guidelines backed with a sound evidence base.

• Detailed treatment strategies - pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation.
• Information on pelvic floor dysfunction in specific groups - men, children, elite athletes, the elderly, pregnancy, neurological diseases.
• Detailed illustrations of pelvic floor anatomy and related neuroanatomy/neurophysiology.
• MRIs and ultrasounds showing normal and dysfunctional pelvic floor.
• Clinical practice guidelines.
• Critical appraisal of RCTs.
• Strategies to reduce drop-out in conservative treatment.

1. Overview of physiotherapy for pelvic floor dysfunction.
2. Critical appraisal of randomised trials and systematic reviews of the effects of physiotherapy interventions for the pelvic floor.
3. Functional anatomy of the female pelvic floor.
4. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of pelvic floor muscles.
5. Measurement of pelvic floor muscle function and strength + pelvic organ prolapse:
5.1 Introduction; 5.2 Visual observation and palpation; 5.3 Electromyography; 5.4 Vaginal squeeze pressure measurement; 5.5 Urethral pressure measurements; 5.6 Pelvic Floor Dynamometry; 5.7 Ultrasound in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle and pelvic organ descent; 5.8 MRI of intact and injured female pelvic floor muscles; 5.9 Clinical assessment of pelvic organ prolapse.
6. Pelvic floor and exercise science:
6.1 Motor Learning; 6.2 Strength Training.
7. Strategies to enhance adherence and reduce drop out in conservative treatment.
8. Lifestyle interventions for pelvic floor dysfunction.
9. Pelvic floor dysfunction and evidence-based physiotherapy:
9.1 Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI); 9.1.1Prevalence, Causes, Pathphysiology: Two views, one disease; 9.1.2 Pelvic floor muscle training for SUI; 9.1.3 Electrical stimulation for SUI; 9.2 Overactive Bladder (OAB); 9.2.1 Introduction; 9.2.2 Bladder training for OAB; 9.2.3 Pelvic floor muscle training for OAB; 9.2.4 Electrical stimulation for OAB; 9.3 Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP); 9.3.1 Introduction; 9.3.2 Pelvic floor muscle training in the prevention and treatment of POP; 9.4 Pelvic Pain; 9.4.1 Pelvic floor muscle assessment; 9.4.2 Treatment of pelvic floor muscle pain and/or overactivity; 9.5 Female Sexual Dysfunction; 9.6 Male sexual dysfunction; 9.7 Fecal Incontinence.
10. Evidence for pelvic floor physiotherapy for urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after childbirth.
11. Evidence for pelvic floor physiotherapy for neurological diseases:
11.1 Stroke; 11.2 Multiple Sclerosis.
12. Evidence for pelvic floor physiotherapy in the elderly.
13. Pelvic floor physiotherapy in elite athletes.
14. Evidence for pelvic floor therapy in men.
15. Evidence for pelvic floor therapy in children.
16.The development of Clinical Practice Guidelines in physiotherapy.

By Kari Bo, Professor, PT, PhD, Exercise scientist, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Bary Berghmans, PhD, MSc, RPt, Epidemiologist and Researcher, Maastricht University Pelvic Care Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Siv Morkved, PT, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor and Senior Researcher, Department of Community Medicine & General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; and Marijke Van Kampen, PhD, Professor in Rehabilitation Science, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University Hospital GHB, Leuven, Belgium