Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
Department of Physical Therapy, Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization, Hadera 3824242, Israel.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Jul 5;21(7):879. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21070879.
Sarcopenia and pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are prevalent and often cooccurring conditions in the aging population. However, their bidirectional relationship and underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. This narrative review aims to elucidate this relationship by exploring potential causative interplays, shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and common risk factors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on epidemiological associations, interaction mechanisms, and implications for patient care. While epidemiological studies demonstrate associations between sarcopenia and PFDs, our findings reveal a cyclical relationship where sarcopenia may exacerbate PFDs through mechanisms such as decreased muscle strength and mobility. Conversely, the presence of PFDs often leads to reduced physical activity due to discomfort and mobility issues, which in turn exacerbate the muscle atrophy associated with sarcopenia. Additionally, shared risk factors such as physical inactivity, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic syndrome, and menopausal hormonal changes likely contribute to the onset and progression of both conditions. These interactions underscore the importance of concurrently integrated care approaches that address both conditions. Effective management requires comprehensive screening, the recognition of contributing factors, and tailored exercise regimens supported by a multidisciplinary approach. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies tracking disease progression and evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary care models in optimizing patient outcomes.
肌肉减少症和盆底功能障碍（PFDs）是老年人群中普遍存在且常同时发生的疾病。然而，它们之间的双向关系及其潜在机制仍未得到充分探索。本综述旨在通过探讨潜在的因果相互作用、共同的病理生理机制和常见的危险因素来阐明这种关系。我们进行了全面的文献检索，以确定关注流行病学关联、相互作用机制以及对患者护理影响的相关研究。虽然流行病学研究表明肌肉减少症和 PFDs 之间存在关联，但我们的研究结果揭示了一种循环关系，即肌肉减少症可能通过肌肉力量和活动度下降等机制加重 PFDs。相反，PFDs 的存在常常由于不适和活动受限导致身体活动减少，进而加重与肌肉减少症相关的肌肉萎缩。此外，共同的危险因素，如身体活动不足、营养缺乏、代谢综合征和绝经后激素变化，可能导致这两种疾病的发生和进展。这些相互作用突显了同时综合护理方法的重要性，这种方法可以同时处理两种疾病。有效的管理需要全面的筛查、识别促成因素以及支持多学科方法的定制运动方案。未来的研究应侧重于跟踪疾病进展的纵向研究，并评估多学科护理模式在优化患者结局方面的效果。
