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Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in women with dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC women's health
January 1, 1970
Paula Fernández-Pérez et al. (6 authors)
Meta-AnalysisSystematic ReviewJournal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, including Thiele's massage, for treating female dyspareunia.

Results Summary

Thiele's massage was among the interventions studied and was found to optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity in patients with dyspareunia, though the meta-analysis did not specifically highlight its standalone efficacy compared to other treatments.

Population

Women experiencing dyspareunia.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (10)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
electrotherapy
decrease
pain
patients with dyspareunia
-
showed significant results
#1
electrotherapy
increase
quality of life
patients with dyspareunia
-
showed significant results
#2
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training
decrease
pain
patients with dyspareunia
-
showed significant results
#3
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training
increase
quality of life
patients with dyspareunia
-
showed significant results
#4
electrotherapy
no change
sexual function
patients with dyspareunia
-
did not show significant results
#5
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training
no change
sexual function
patients with dyspareunia
-
did not show significant results
#6
strengthening of the perineal musculature
decrease
pain
patients with dyspareunia
-
is one of the most important aspects
#7
application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
decrease
pain
patients with dyspareunia
-
is one of the most important aspects
#8
manual trigger point release therapy
decrease
pain intensity
patients with dyspareunia
-
optimize and guarantee the reduction
#9
Thiele massage
decrease
pain intensity
patients with dyspareunia
-
optimize and guarantee the reduction
#10
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia is defined as the occurrence of pain during or after sexual intercourse, which directly affects physical, sexual, and mental health. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in women who experience it. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of female dyspareunia. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. METHOD: Search of publications was conducted in Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Cinahl and Web of Science. Treatment effects were defined as standardized mean difference and their 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Crohan's Q test and quantified using the I RESULTS: Of the 19 articles selected, six applied multimodal physiotherapy treatments; five, electrotherapy; three, Thiele's massage; two, interdisciplinary interventions or pelvic floor muscle training; and one, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The meta-analysis showed significant results for the variables pain and quality of life with the interventions based on electrotherapy and electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training. These interventions did not show significant results for the improvement of sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy techniques are effective and procedures have been identified with reliable results in improving pain and quality of life in patients with dyspareunia. One of the most important aspects is the strengthening of the perineal musculature and the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Furthermore, manual trigger point release therapy and Thiele massage, optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021236155.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansFemaleDyspareuniaQuality of LifePhysical Therapy ModalitiesPainTranscutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality85/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations11
Citations/Year5.5
Relative Citation Ratio4.65
NIH Percentile92.2%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.73
Normalized Score0.67
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