Funcionalidade do assoalho pélvico e função sexual de idosas ativas fisicamente

Abstract

Sexual function refers to sexual health, which involves the general well-being and quality of life. The functionality of the pelvic floor is a factor that may influence the quality of the sexual life of the elderly women, but more studies are necessary in this area. The objective of this study is to analyze the functionality and components of the pelvic floor, through sexual function and its dimensions of physically active elderly women. It is an exploratory descriptive research of the quantitative type. The study participants were 35 sexually and physically active elderly women aged 60 to 77 years. As inclusion criteria, the Mini Mental State Examination (MEEM) was used to verify the cognitive function of the elderly women; Independence Scale in Daily Life Activities (Katz Scale) to identify them as functionally independent, and the use of the accelerometer to define the level of physical activity. The data collection instruments were: Diagnostic card with identification data, sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, regular physical activity practice and the urogynecological aspects of elderly women and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to evaluate the Female sexual function, and assessment of pelvic floor muscles using the PERFECT Scheme.The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Santa Maria. The participants were invited to the study through direct contact in the groups enrolled in the Integrated Nucleus of Studies and Support to the Elderly (NIEATI) and in the Wilson Paulo Noal Basic Health Units and São José Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Santa Maria, RS, area of coverage of the performance of the physiotherapy stage of UFSM. The instruments were applied to the elderly women individually as an interview, in an appropriate physical space. The accelerometer was used seven days a week, with prior guidance for use and telephone calls for confirmation of use during the week. In the present study it can be observed that in the surveyed women there is a significant and weak correlation between the orgasm dimension and the contraction of the fast fibers of the pelvic floor musculature and the total FSFI score and the contraction of the fast fibers of the pelvic floor musculature. It was also verified that the functionality of the pelvic floor, by means of analysis o fits components, is not related to the total FSFI score of the elderly. In conclusion, there was no correlation and association of the pelvic floor functionality and sexual function of the physically active and sexually active elderly women.