ArticleActa obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica2026
Transperineal ultrasound versus digital palpation: Identifying key parameters for objective pelvic floor muscle contraction assessment.
Article in Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionThe assessment of pelvic floor muscle function is crucial for managing pelvic floor dysfunctions, yet digital palpation is subjective and lacks reproducibility. This study aimed to correlate pelvic floor muscle contractility assessed by digital palpation with transperineal ultrasound measurements and evaluate the reliability of the Modified Oxford Scale and key ultrasound-derived parameters. By comparing these methods, the study sought to establish transperineal ultrasound as a reliable, objective, and non-invasive tool for assessing pelvic floor muscle contractility. MATERIAL AND
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Shengli Provincial Hospital from November 2019 to July 2024. 442 of 512 screened women were included. Digital palpation was performed by two independent clinicians, and ultrasound measurements were conducted by two separate raters. Ultrasound raters were blinded to palpation (Modified Oxford Scale) findings. Transperineal ultrasound quantified multiple pelvic floor parameters, including proximal urethral axis angle change (maximal contraction-rest) and levator hiatus area. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients for ultrasound measures and Cohen's kappa for MOS ratings. Correlations between ultrasound and palpation scores were analyzed using Spearman's rank. Cut-off values for key ultrasound parameters corresponding to palpation grades were determined via receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
resultsSignificant correlations (p < 0.001) were found between ultrasound parameters and MOS scores, with the strongest correlations observed for proximal urethral axis angle change (maximal contraction-rest) (r
conclusionsTransperineal ultrasound demonstrated high reliability and provided an objective, non-invasive method for assessing pelvic floor muscle contractility. While digital palpation assessed functional strength, ultrasound visualized structural displacement during contraction. The two methods addressed complementary aspects of pelvic floor function, and their combined use enhanced clinical assessment.
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