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Table 1 Glossary of pelvic floor muscle related terminology used in this review

From: Opportunities, challenges and concerns for the implementation and uptake of pelvic floor muscle assessment and exercises during the childbearing years: protocol for a critical interpretive synthesis

Pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC)

PFMC refers to voluntary activation of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM). Correct contraction involves an inward lift and squeeze around the urethra, vagina and anus [10]

Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME)

This refers to performance of correct repeated PFMCs. A programme of repeated contractions is the basis of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)

Routine recommendation of PFME

This refers to recommendation of PFME to every pregnant woman as part of regular antenatal clinical practice. This might or might not be accompanied by further PFME education, assessment and/or training

PFME education

PFME education is the provision of information with the aim of increasing knowledge or understanding of PFME. This might include information about PFMC, how to perform a correct voluntary PFMC, why PFMT might be important during pregnancy, for example, to prevent or treat pelvic floor problems like urinary incontinence

PFMC assessment

This refers to subjective or objective assessment, or measurement, of PFM function, defined as the ability to perform a correct voluntary PFMC, and/or PFME, including the number of repetitions, and the quality and duration of contractions

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)

PFMT refers to participation in a planned, progressive, supervised PFME programme to achieve a performance goal. Training involves teaching performance of a correct PFMC, tailored/individualised prescription of sufficient exercise dose (frequency, intensity, duration) to achieve desired changes in muscle physiology (for example, hypertrophy) and support for adherence to the prescribed treatment [32]

Implementation

In this review, implementation refers to the process of putting PFME education, assessment or PFMT into clinical practice

Uptake

An attempt made by a person to initially engage in an activity such as PFMT

Adoption

Regular performance of an activity in the short term

Maintenance

Sustained performance of an activity over time, including starting again after stopping (relapse or setback management)