Recently, Israeli physical therapist Ira Kushner developed a vaginal extracorporeal weights device that functions similarly to the principles of the vaginal cones. It was granted an Israeli patent. The Peflex has five weights that hang on a hidden spring. However, this device is not inserted into the vagina but is hung off the string of an inserted tampon. The new device Peflex is different from the vaginal cones in the following ways: 1. For the Peflex device, it is possible to increase the resistance levels by changing the size of the tampon (S, M, L) and then by adding 50-gram to 250-gram weights through the connection of magnetic weights to other magnetic weights (each weight is 50-gram and a total of 5 weights). 2. A Peflex is based on external weights. Therefore, there is no need to insert foreign objects unfamiliar to the user, which can cause unpleasantness, disuse, and disinterest in training. 3. Another advantage of the Peflex device is a hidden spring between the weight and the string connector, which allows for a slight vibrating movement that stimulates the PFM proprioception. 4. The use of Peflex weights increases sensorimotor- adaptation-based motor learning). Therefore, we performed a study on the efficiency of the Peflex device on SUI symptoms.
Randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty-five primiparous perimenopause women aged 18-50 diagnosed with SUI were assigned randomly to a Peflex group and a control group. Both groups underwent home PFM training for six weeks, the Peflex group with Peflex weights and the control group without. The primary outcome measure was the self-reported severity of symptoms using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ-SF). The secondary outcome measures were the PERFECT scheme, perineometer, and levator hiatus diameters measured by mid-sagittal, two-dimensional ultrasound. The outcome measures were taken before the beginning of the training program and six weeks after the start of the intervention. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics Wilcoxson and Mann-Whitney tests
In the intragroup analysis, the Peflex group significantly improved in all outcome measurements. In comparing the groups, the Peflex group showed a significantly higher improvement in power and the repetition of muscle contraction measured by the PERFECT Scheme (P=0.015) and (P=0.007), respectively. The proportional change in the contraction of the levator hiatus measured by ultrasound was also significant in favor of the Peflex group (P=0.022). In addition, we saw a trend of better satisfaction from the treatment in the Peflex group (P=0.054)
. Using Peflex weight reduced SUI symptoms, improved muscle power and endurance
Peflex weight is a new tool for PFM rehabilitation.
vaginal extracorporeal weights ('Peflex')
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