Severity of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Proprioception

Functional and Quality-of-Life Impacts in Women from Porto Velho, Brazil

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common dysfunction in women, especially in advanced age or after vaginal deliveries, characterized by pelvic structure displacement and functional impairment. Although age and parity are known factors, sensory aspects such as proprioception remain underexplored. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between POP severity and proprioceptive deficits, discussing functional and quality-of-life impacts in women from Porto Velho, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 23 women aged 30-70 years diagnosed with POP grades I-III. The Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire – Quality of Life (P-QoL), the PERFECT scheme, and an adapted vaginal proprioception protocol were applied. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Test (p < 0.05). Results indicated a trend toward association between higher POP severity and poorer proprioceptive performance, lower strength, and coordination. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.095), a negative correlation was observed between prolapse severity and proprioception. It is concluded that POP progression relates to functional decline and lower quality of life, supporting proprioceptive assessment in physiotherapeutic management.