Penn State Researcher to Develop Novel Ultrasound Imaging of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a serious concern for women in the U.S. The condition causes problems with leakage, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain.

Aliza Rudavsky, DPT, PhD, at Pennsylvania State University, will use a $40,000 Pelvic Health Research Grant to test a new method of imaging for this condition.

Today, imaging is done either transperineally or transabdominally. While the transperineal approach is more accurate, it is invasive and requires considerable training. “Our goal is to establish a more effective tool that is functional, easier to learn, and less invasive,” said Rudavsky. She hopes a new way to measure pelvic floor motion will increase functional pelvic floor research.

Additionally, she will look at the relationship between the glottis (the space between the vocal folds) and pelvic floor to better understand their relationship and hopefully improve current treatments.

“By understanding how manipulating the position and function of the glottis may affect the pelvic floor muscles, we hope to add glottal strategies to the toolboxes of practitioners treating pelvic floor dysfunction,” said Rudavsky.

Rudavsky anticipates greater collaboration as the next frontier in research. “I would encourage people pursue interprofessional research and draw on the expertise of different types of researchers and health providers to deepen our understanding of physiology and pathophysiology.”

This award is supported by the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.

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