During pregnancy, biomechanical changes are observed due to hormonal and physical modifications, which can lead to alterations in the curvature of the spine, balance, gait patterns, and functionality ...of the pelvic floor muscles. This study aimed to investigate the progressive impact of biomechanical changes that occur during gestational weeks on the myoelectric activity of the pelvic floor muscles, plantar contact area, and functional mobility of high-risk pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out from November 2022 to March 2023. A total of 62 pregnant women of different gestational ages with high-risk pregnancies were analyzed using surface electromyography to assess the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles, plantigraphy (Staheli index and plantar contact area), and an accelerometer and gyroscope using the timed up and go test via an inertial sensor on a smartphone. Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses were carried out to test the predictive value of the signature. Results: Increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in the RMS value (β = −0.306; t = −2.284; p = 0.026) according to the surface electromyography analyses. However, there was no association with plantar contact (F (4.50) = 0.697; p = 0.598; R2 = 0.53). With regard to functional mobility, increasing weeks of gestation resulted in a decrease in time to standing (β = −0.613; t = −2.495; p = 0.016), time to go (β = −0.513; t = −2.264; p = 0.028), and first gyrus peak (β = −0.290; t = −2.168; p = 0.035). However, there was an increase in the time to come back (β = 0.453; t = 2.321; p = 0.025) as the number of gestational weeks increased. Conclusions: Increased gestational age is associated with a reduction in pelvic floor myoelectric activity. The plantar contact area did not change over the weeks. Advancing gestation was accompanied by a decrease in time to standing, time to go, and first gyrus peak, as well as an increase in time to come back.
Background: The Pilates Method is a program of physical and mental training that involves the whole body, aiming at the gain of muscular strength, mainly of the central region, formed by the ...abdominal muscles, the spine and the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). The PFM responds to sexual stimulation, with increased local blood circulation and involuntary contractions during orgasm. The training of this musculature assists in the female sexual function. Objective: To evaluate the influence of Pilates Mat associated with perineal contraction in the female sexual response. Method: Uncontrolled clinical trial in which participated twelve women between 20 and 50 years old, who performed Mat Pilates classes associated with perineal exercises, three times a week. The sexual response was evaluated through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the contraction capacity of PFM through the Functional Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor (FEPF) before and after 21 sessions. Results: Given the proposed treatment, the FSFI responded positively (0.0099), with an improvement in the median and interquartile range that initially was 25.6 ± 5.4 and increased to 28.4 ± 1.2. The Functional Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor (FEPF) also achieved significant improvement (p= 0.0077), increased from the initial median and interquartile range of 2 ± 1.5 to 4 ± 1. Conclusion: Mat Pilates provides encouraging results, and its use is relevant to promote improved sexual response and strength gain of the pelvic floor muscle.
The gestation period in agoutis can range from 104 to 120 days. Knowledge regarding the morphological characteristics of embryos and fetuses is important as a base for studies in reproduction ...biotechnology, such as in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and helps in determining congenital anomalies during the development phase. Thus, given the importance and lack of information about agouti embryology, the objective of this study was to characterize the external morphology and define the biometry of embryos and fetuses, at different days of development. Nine females were submitted to daily colpocytology to identify the estrus, confirm mating and identify day zero of the gestation. When the mating was confirmed they were weighed, underwent abdominal ultrasonography and surgery was conducted on the females at the gestational ages of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75 and 100 days. Sixteen embryos/fetuses were weighed and measured. Agouti embryos at 25 days after mating are “C” shaped, with primitive structures, 0.4±0.01cm crown-rump and weighed 0.06±0.01g; at 30 days after mating the crown-rump was 0.95±0.07cm and weighed 0.28±0.00g; at 35 days after mating the crown-rump was 155±0.07cm and weighed 0.38±0.01g; at 40 days after mating the crown-rump was 2.25±0.21cm and weighed 1.25±0.07g; at 45 days after mating the crown-rump was 3.45±0.35cm and weighed 2.75±0.64g; at 50 days after mating the crown-rump was 5.0±0.3cm and weighed 7.01±2.6g; at 75 days after mating, the skin was dark, the crown-rump was 10.0±0.14cm and weighed 55.2±0.07g. At 100 days after mating, the crown-rump was 13.8±0.49cm and fetuses weighed 136.7±9.40g. Based on the morphological data assessed the embryo and fetus age could be assessed and the size and average weight of agouti embryos was established.
PDF
