Face validity and reliability of the first digital assessment scheme of pelvic floor muscle function conform the new standardized terminology of the International Continence Society.

AIMS

To test the face validity and reliability of a new digital pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) assessment scheme that was designed on the basis of the recently standardized terminology of the International Continence Society.

METHODS

Study participants comprised 41 women, age 18-85 years. Data on age and parity were obtained. Face validity of the new assessment scheme was tested by three senior and one junior pelvic physiotherapists, using the Delphi technique. PFMF of each woman was assessed four times by three specially trained pelvic physiotherapists. Examiners were blinded to parity and other findings. To test reliability, Kappa (K) was used for the dichotomous variables and Weighted Kappa (K(w)) for the items with more than two categories.

RESULTS

Mean age of the women was 41 years (SD 10.5); 14 were nulliparous (34.1%), 6 primiparous (14.6%), and 21 multiparous (51.2%). The new assessment scheme showed satisfactory face validity and intra-observer reliability but low inter-observer reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The new assessment scheme based on the terminology of the ICS showed satisfactory face validity and intra-observer reliability. It can therefore be considered suitable for use in clinical practice. More detailed redefinition of the described outcome measures is necessary to improve the inter-observer reliability.