Pelvic pain is a multifactorial condition commonly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. This meta-analytic systematic review assessed the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), with or without ultrasound imaging (USI) and/or biofeedback, in adults experiencing pelvic pain. Comprehensive literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from January 1990 to December 2024 identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting outcomes related to pain and/or pelvic floor structural and functional measures. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI, demonstrated significant reductions in pain (SMD −1.25 to −1.30) and substantial improvements in morphometric indices (SMD 0.95 to 1.50), alongside enhancements in muscle strength, bladder base displacement, and quality of life (QOL). Studies incorporating USI indicated improved motor control and adherence, suggesting a potential additive benefit of image- guided feedback. Overall, PFME represents an effective, non-invasive intervention for pelvic pain, yielding improvements in both structural and functional outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, extending follow-up durations, and elucidating underlying mechanisms to optimize dosing and identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit.
목차
Abstract Ⅰ. Introduction Ⅱ. Methods 1. Protocol and reporting guidelines 2. Eligibility criteria 3. Literature search 4. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment 5. Data synthesis and statistical analysis Ⅲ. Results Ⅳ. Discussion Ⅴ. Conclusion References