This study was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of Het’s SERF Assessment for Pelvic Floor Muscles Assessment.
The study was approved by ETHICS Committee. Written informed consent was taken. Female from 18 to 65 years who did not have any complain of non-relaxing (hyper tonic) pelvic floor muscles, infection, inflammation were included in the study. The participants were examined through vaginal digital examination by Examiner 1 on first day and Examiner 2 on second day to check the inter rater reliability. And by the same examiner with in a gap of 15 mins to check the intra rater reliability. All the candidates were evaluated of Het’s SERF Assessment and PERFECT Assessment also the score of FSFI and PFDI – 20 were collected, for validity study. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 20.
The intra-rater reliability of Het’s SERF Assessment by Examiner 1 was S – 0.96 ICC, E – 0.93 ICC, R – 0.91 ICC, F – 0.90 ICC. The intra-rater reliability of Het’s SERF Assessment by Examiner 2 was S – 0.95 ICC, E – 0.96 ICC, R – 0.90 ICC and F – 0.91 ICC. The inter-rater reliability was S- 0.94, E – 0.93, R – 0.95, F – 0.96. For validity Het’s SERF Assessment was compared with PERFECT Assessment, FSFI and PFDI – 20. The Spearman’s coefficient correlation test was used. Het’s SERF and PERFECT Assessment showed a significantly strong correlation with r = 0.90 (p0.005). Het’s SERF Assessment and FSFI measurement showed a significantly strong correlation with r = 0.93 (p0.001). Het’s SERF Assessment and PFDI – 2 measurement showed a significantly strong correlation with r = 0.95 (0.001)
Het’s SERF Assessment is reliable and valid tool to assess the pelvic floor muscles strength, endurance, repetition and fast twitch activity.
Evaluation using Het’s SERF Assessment provides detailed assessment of dimensions of pelvic floor muscles activity. This helps in detailed and structured planning of treatment for patients suffering from pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Hypotonus Dysfunction
Het’s SERF Assessment
